What material is used for basement walls?

Basement walls can be finished using any of the following materials: Drywall. Cement board and tile. Plywood paneling.

Is regular drywall OK for basement?





Drywall thickness for basement walls should be ½ inch thick. You can use standard drywall if you have a dry basement, but mold and moisture-resistant options are better investments if your basement collects moisture.

What is the best wall covering for basements?

The best types of basement wall panels, including basement wall panel options like basement wall insulation panels & waterproof wall panels.

  • It is also possible to use wood paneling to make foam or fiberglass insulation look great. …
  • The best material to use for basement walls would have to be precast panels.

What kind of drywall do you use in a basement?

Basement Board: This type of drywall, usually used in basements, has a standard core and mold-resistant face and back paper. It’s not as effective as standard mold and moisture-resistant drywall, but it’s less expensive.

Do I need a vapor barrier on my basement walls?

Building codes usually require a vapor barrier (4 mil plastic sheeting) on exterior basement walls if the framing is attached to masonry or concrete surfaces, or if the wood framing butts up against the outer basement walls.

How do you finish a basement wall cheaply?





Inexpensive Ways to Finish Basement Walls & Ceilings

  1. Drop Ceiling. If your basement is deep enough, you can put in an inexpensive drop ceiling to give a finished look. …
  2. Paneling. Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. …
  3. Paint. …
  4. Area Rugs.

How do you cover basement concrete walls?

The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall. This involves sealing the concrete, installing a wood frame, insulating and then installing and finishing the drywall.

Should you use purple board in basement?

For low-activity spaces, PURPLE XP® Drywall protects against the moisture, mold, and mildew often found in basements. Impact Resistant – PURPLE XP Hi-Impact Drywall provides added resistance against accidental holes.

Is cement board same as drywall?



Cement board is much more waterproof than all types of drywall. Cement board also doesn’t warp or break down. This is why it’s best to use under tiles and in showers. However, just because cement board is more waterproof and less likely to warp, it doesn’t mean it’s better.

Do basement walls need to breathe?

Nowadays, houses are sealed up tight as a drum. It’s great for energy efficiency and your heating bill. But it’s bad for any moisture hiding in your home that can’t find its way out. That is why your walls need to breathe.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

Drywall Alternatives

  • Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. …
  • Veneer Plaster. …
  • Lath & Plaster. …
  • Plywood and Sheet Wood. …
  • Texture Wall Panels. …
  • Brick & Masonry. …
  • Exposed Concrete Block. …
  • Cement Board.

Should you use green board in basement?



Green board is intended for use for ordinary wall applications in areas that experience constant high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, but it does not have the superior mold-resistance of newer products.

Is backer board mold resistant?

Many professional installers even recommend against using water- or mold-resistant drywall in high-moisture areas. In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.

Is purple drywall better than Green?

What’s the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.

What kind of wood is mold resistant?

Mold Resistant Wood. Pressure treated lumber, the most commonly used wood, is sold as being resistant to rot and resistant to wood destroying insects.

Is plywood mold resistant?



It’s more of a decorative type of wood used for aesthetic purposes in residential and commercial projects. So, to answer the question, plywood will only be mold resistant until it produces or provides the conditions in which mold grows. That is moisture/dampness and lack of ventilation or an airy space.

What wood is naturally waterproof?

The granddaddy of all the moisture-resistant woods is certainly teak. Because of its natural oiliness, teak can withstand wet conditions very well. In fact, when freshly milled, the surface of teak feels very waxy.

What wood is the most rot resistant?

Here are the 10 of the best woods that do not rot:

  • Cedar.
  • Redwood.
  • Mesquite.
  • Mahogany.
  • Yew.
  • Bald Cypress.
  • Black Walnut.
  • White Oak.

Is pine wood rot resistant?

Old-Growth Pine – Pine is not usually a rot-resistant wood, but when you have old growth pine you gain a fair amount of resistance. You’ll often find this wood in old shiplap siding and other trim elements on the exterior of old homes.

Is oak mold resistant?



The results indicate that hickory, red oak sapwood, hard maple, white ash and white oak sapwood are all highly susceptible to mold growth.