What can you use to finish basement walls?

How do you renovate basement walls?

1. Seal the Wall. Use a paint roller to apply the masonry waterproofing product you choose.
2. Install Blocking Between Joists.
3. Snap Lines on the Floor.
4. Assemble the Walls on the Ground.
5. Tip Up the Walls.
6. Plumb the Wall and Secure the Top Plate.
7. Build Out Around Windows.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?

If you’re wondering if paneling or drywall is the cheaper finishing option, generally speaking, drywall is cheaper than paneling. This is because it requires less attention to detail and finish work during the installation process. Drywall also adds better soundproofing than paneling, and it’s easier to repair.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

• 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.

What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?

What’s the biggest challenge in finishing a basement? “Typically, the biggest challenge is working around obstructions. There are heating ducts, plumbing drains, water pipes, gas lines and electrical wires that are all off and hung below the floor joist.

What is the best material to use for basement walls?

• 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 can I put on my basement concrete walls?

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 do you make concrete basement walls look good?

1. using drywall and paint to cover concrete walls.
2. painting the concrete or block wall.
3. Brick veneer panels for basement walls.
4. cover your walls with real barnboards.
5. combination weathered wood and painted drywall.
6. use wallpaper to finish your basement walls.

How do you make an old basement look good?

1. Better Your Basement. 1/18.
2. Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18.
3. String Some Lighting. 3/18.
4. Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18.
5. Install Storage. 5/18.
6. Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18.
7. Hang Curtains. 7/18.
8. Create an Art Studio. 8/18.

How can I cover my basement walls without framing?

1. Painting the Concrete. The simplest way of treating those concrete or concrete block walls is to simply paint them.
2. Fabric.
3. Veneer Plaster.
4. Lath and Plaster.
5. Exposed Concrete Blocks or Cement Board.
6. Brick or Stone Masonry.
7. Pegboard.
8. Cork Board.

How do you cover concrete walls in a basement without drywall?

1. Paint.
2. Basement Panels.
3. Wood Fiberboard.
4. Fabric.
5. Vinyl and Wallpaper.
6. Stone Veneer.
7. Pargeting.
8. Exposed Brick.

How can I make my basement look nice without finishing it?

1. 10 Ideas for your Unfinished Basement.
2. 1 | Hide Mechanicals.
3. 2 | Install Electrical Outlets.
4. 3 | Deep Clean the Basement.
5. 4 | Add Overhead Lighting.
6. 5 | Paint the Exposed Ceiling.
7. 6 | Paint the Basement Walls.
8. 7 | Paint the Basement Concrete Floors.

Should I insulate basement walls before finishing?

Insulating basement walls properly is extremely important if you want to enjoy your finished basement investment. Every year thousands of basements are finished with poor insulation details that lead to mold, mildew and moisture problems that render the newly finished space un-usable.

Is it OK to paint concrete basement walls?

I am talking about do not paint your foundation walls like concrete, brick, and block. Remember, most foundation walls allow lots of moisture and humidity into your basement. Many paints are not strong enough to hold back the hydrostatic pressure.

Is it worth finishing a basement?

Many people wonder if finishing their basement is worth the time, effort, and money to remodel their downstairs space. To answer that directly, yes, finishing your basement will almost always increase the value of your property. The standard return is around 70%, according to Remodeling.HW.net.

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.

Why do so many houses have unfinished basements?

Some just want the room to act as extra storage or utility room that won’t need as much attention as other rooms. It could also be that a homeowner wants to leave a basement incomplete to pave way for its customization. Such a basement will remain incomplete until the owner is ready to start the redesign process.

Do you need to insulate 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.

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.

Do I need a vapor barrier on my basement walls?

As we covered, unfinished basements can benefit from a protective “barrier” layer. However, if your space is fully finished and has a bathroom/kitchen, a vapor barrier isn’t 100% necessary. Again, this comes down to your home, the climate, and your basement design.

Do you need to insulate basement walls below grade?

Your best bang for the dollar in this instance is to insulate the coldest part of the wall, again typically to 2-feet below grade. However, there are many instances where insulating the full wall is the best option, such as if your walls are stone, or the floor is earth or crushed stone with no vapor barrier.

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 wall panels on concrete walls?

If you are looking for ways to finish your basement, you may be considering paneling your concrete walls. One of the quickest ways to panel the basement or other cement walls is to glue the paneling directly to the cement. Paneling can be glued to cement.

How can I make my cinder block walls look better?

What can I do with unfinished basement walls?

1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint. Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock.
2. Cover Unsightly Walls with Curtains.
3. Use Foam Floor Mats.
4. Create a Laundry Room.
5. Create Under-Stair Storage.
6. Create an Industrial Bar.
7. Paint Your Ceiling.
8. Hang String Lights.