When installing drywall onto any concrete surface, including a ceiling, you need to install furring strips. Furring strips are long strips of wood that measure 1-inch thick and usually 2 or 3-inches wide. Furring strips allow an air gap between the drywall and concrete to allow air to move and prevent mold.

How do you adhere drywall to concrete?

How to Adhere Drywall to a Concrete Block

  1. Cut Your Furring Strips. …
  2. Make Your Marks. …
  3. Center and Plumb the Strips. …
  4. Install Sleeves into Drilled Holes. …
  5. Replace the Furring Strips. …
  6. Install the Drywall.




How do you cover concrete ceilings?

Either plaster or joint compound can be used for skim coating concrete ceilings. The wet plaster or drywall “mud” must be mixed so it is easy to spread ,but not so thin that it will drip from the ceiling.

Can you screw into concrete ceiling?

5. Place the tip of the bit against the center of the first mark on the ceiling. While holding the drill perpendicular to the ceiling surface press the trigger and begin to drill into the concrete, using the “hammer action” option on the drill, says Wrench Guru. Drill only to the depth required for the screw anchors.

Can you put drywall on basement ceiling?

Installing basement drywall ceiling is the most cost effective methods to cover the floor joists and beams, and finishing your basement ceiling properly.

What should I put between drywall and concrete?





The solution is covering concrete with a vapor barrier, which acts like a resistant cell membrane instead. With a shield in place, the drywall is safe. Typically, a stud wall is then installed against the concrete, but furring strips are quick, easy and take up less space.

Can drywall touch concrete?

Drywall should definitely not touch concrete as moisture will wick (ie flow up the surface as in a candle/lamp wick) into the drywall and encourage mold growth. 3/8″ should be sufficient – your prop up plan is not only appropriate, but a common technique used by drywallers.

What kind of drywall do you use in a basement ceiling?

If you’re drywalling your basement, you’ll need to use ½ inch thick gypsum panels on the walls and ⅝ inch thick sheets on the ceiling. If your basement is subject to moisture (most basements are), it’s wise to use water or mildew-resistant drywall.

Do you have to strap a ceiling before drywall?

Without strapping, you’d be attempting to nail the drywall joints on only half of a side of 2x lumber. While this can be done on wall installations, it’s not by any means desirable. You’ll end up with more seams. By strapping the ceiling, you ensure optimum nailing surface and spacings for drywall.

Is drywall or drop ceiling better?



Ease of Installation

Installing a dropped ceiling is less messy than installing a drywall ceiling and also a relatively quick project. Drywall, on the other hand, requires at least two people. Drywall sheets are heavy, and once you’ve installed them, you will still need to do additional work to finish them.

Why do people put drop ceilings in basements?

Many homeowners prefer to have a drop ceiling in their basement because plumping and wiring is typically installed in the space above and getting to it is easy. In the event of a plumbing leak, the damage to the basement ceiling may be limited to only a few basement ceiling tiles.

What is the easiest ceiling to install?



Surface-mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop-ceiling grid, and the tiles attach directly to the grid. This is another project that can be done by one person, and in most cases, the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.

What is the cheapest ceiling to install?

Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.

What can I put on my ceiling instead of drywall?

Drywall Alternatives

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

How can I cover my basement ceiling cheaply?

A super easy DIY option for your basement ceiling is glue-on tiles. Typically made of polystyrene or fiberboard, these tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, and are also paintable. You’ll need to install a foundation, like plywood, to glue them to. But after that, it’s as simple as glue and stick.

What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?



If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s low maintenance and easy to install, consider a glue-on or staple-on ceiling. They’re available in basic textures and elaborate designs and attach directly to the existing ceiling or onto furring strips attached to the ceiling.

How do you install a 4×8 sheet of beadboard on a ceiling?

  1. Measure the ceiling and locate the ceiling joists. You can use a stud finder or just drill holes in the drywall until you hit resistance.
  2. Cut down the beadboard (including cut outs for lights and vents). …
  3. Install beadboard. …
  4. Measure, cut, paint and install border boards. …
  5. Add trim boards. …
  6. Caulk, fill nail holes and paint:
  7. What can I use for basement ceiling?

    These Basement Ceiling Ideas Are Perfect for Your Home

    • Drop Ceiling.
    • Drywall Ceiling.
    • Tile Ceiling.
    • Painted Wooden Plank Ceiling.
    • Painted Pipes or beams.
    • Painted Rafters.
    • Stretch Ceiling.
    • Corrugated Metal Ceiling.