Instead of drywall, consider plywood paneling, which has become a micro-design trend lately and often a cheap way to finish basement walls, or wood planks in the form of shiplap or board and batten. For these wall systems, the process for how to finish a basement wall is repetitive.
What material should I use for basement walls?
Basement walls can be finished using any of the following materials: Drywall. Cement board and tile. Plywood paneling.
What can I put on my basement concrete walls?
Drywall. The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.
How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?
Inexpensive Ways to Finish Basement Walls & Ceilings
- Drop Ceiling. If your basement is deep enough, you can put in an inexpensive drop ceiling to give a finished look. …
- Paneling. Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. …
- Paint. …
- Area Rugs.
What can I cover unfinished basement walls with?
Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and…
- Paint.
- Basement Panels.
- Wood Fiberboard.
- Fabric.
- Vinyl and Wallpaper.
- Stone Veneer.
- Pargeting.
- Exposed Brick.
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.
Do you need vapor barrier in basement?
Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a vapor barrier in a finished basement. This is asking for trouble, especially with a full bathroom, which generates a lot of humid air. Rigid foam board on the interior, like you have, is the ideal insulation.
What type of drywall is best for basements?
Due to the often damp conditions of the basement, be sure to choose sheetrock that is at least moisture-resistant (often call greenboard) but be on the lookout for products that are specifically resistant to mold and mildew (some kinds of purple board).
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.
How do you finish a basement without drywall?
Use furring strips attached to basement walls: basement panels can be used in a basement finish not using studs and drywall. As such, all you need for support are some furring strips attached to basement concrete side walls.
How can I make my basement look nice without finishing it?
10 Affordable Ideas for Your Unfinished Basement
- 10 Ideas for your Unfinished Basement.
- 1 | Hide Mechanicals. …
- 2 | Install Electrical Outlets. …
- 3 | Deep Clean the Basement. …
- 4 | Add Overhead Lighting. …
- 5 | Paint the Exposed Ceiling. …
- 6 | Paint the Basement Walls. …
- 7 | Paint the Basement Concrete Floors.
How do you drywall a concrete basement wall?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: All right here's how we're going to attach the spruce boards to the wall this is called a spring spike.
Can you put drywall directly on concrete?
You can glue drywall sheets to a concrete block wall. Drywall is usually attached to wall studs with 2-inch drywall screws using an electric drill with a driver bit installed. However, in some installations, such as in a basement, it is necessary to glue drywall sheets to the interior of concrete block walls.
Can you put drywall over concrete in basement?
You can put drywall over concrete, but it is important to be mindful of the process. Drywall should never be installed directly to a concrete slab, and should be installed over a barrier wall to prevent any type of moisture transfer, which could create mold and damage the drywall.
What insulation should I use in basement walls?
Rigid foam sheets are best for DIYers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use.
Do i need foam board in basement?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Also called extruded polystyrene XPS or poly iso insulation rigid foam boards create an excellent vapor barrier along with an insulation layer that will not promote mold growth.
Should you insulate concrete basement walls?
Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.
Is it OK to use fiberglass insulation in basement?
If you must use fiberglass, there needs to be a space between the insulation and the wall. If not, the place where the insulation touches the concrete will be overtaken by mold and mildew. Remember, fiberglass does NOT resist moisture, so it’s generally a no-no when insulating basements.
Should you put plastic on basement walls?
Should I use Visqueen or plastic sheeting on the framed basement walls? No, you should not, as plastic will prevent moisture from moving through the wall and will lead to mold and damage.
What is the best way to insulate concrete basement walls?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So you don't need a lot of insulation on basement walls in fact. You can do the job well with just a two inch layer of polystyrene stuck right to the surface of the concrete.
