what can you use instead of drywall in a basement

^{8 Excellent Alternatives To Drywall In The Basement}

• Plaster and Lath. It’s a classic method that involves putting up hundreds of horizontal wooden slats called lath and then squeezing the plaster in-between the slats.
• Tile. There is a wide range of tiles for you to choose such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble tile, granite tile, and many more.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Consist of compressed wood strands, OSB is used as the exterior wall or floor underlayment so it would do fine in a basement setting.
• Wahoo Wall. With an expanded polystyrene core and side by side mineral boards, Wahoo Wall is a nice yet costly cover material.
Metal sheet. Robust and affordable, you would have an easy time setting up the basement covers with a couple of metal sheets.
Magnesium Oxide Board. Due to the use of natural minerals in its construction, Magnesium Oxide Board is a tough cover material and an environmentally-friendly choice.
Adobe Brick. Made from the earth and other organic materials, Adobe Brick possesses a natural outlook and quite simple to handle.
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Virtually a composite material that is made from polymer and reinforces by fiber, FRP is able to withstand a lot of abuse without failing.

What can you use instead of drywall?

What can I use instead of drywall?

• Wood Planks.
• Plastic Panels.
• Plywood.
• Veneer Plaster.
• Pegboard.
• Lath and Plaster.
• Wahoo Walls.
• Textured Wall Panels.

How to finish basement ceiling without drywall?

Here are some ways to finish a basement wall while on a tight budget:

• Panel your basement walls and ceiling with sturdy wood panels
• Spray paint the walls
• Install area rugs over your walls
• Apply vinyl or wallpaper

What are some alternatives to drywall?

The 20 Best Drywall Alternatives For Your Room

1. Wood Planks. Nothing adds character or warms up a room with a touch of rustic like using wood planks. ...
2. Plastic Panels. Plastic panels make it easy to create a wall with funky textures, colors, or designs while being easy to clean and stain-resistant.
3. Plywood. ...
4. Sheet Wood. ...
5. Veneer Plaster. ...
6. Pegboard. ...
7. Corkboard. ...
8. Lath and Plaster. ...
9. Wahoo Walls. ...
10. Textured Wall Panels. ...

More items...

Can you install hardwood in a basement?

Yes, hardwood flooring can be installed in a basement...as long as there is not a water nor moisture issue. In Westchester County, many basements are below the ground and/or constructed directly on a concrete slab. As a result, many basements (especially in older homes) have water issues/leaks or they tend to have excessive moisture.

Can you finish a basement without drywall?

You can create a finished basement look without drywall using a variety of wall coverings, wall treatments, or prefabricated panels. These materials range in cost and quality, but many of them are cheaper and easier to install than drywall.

How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?

Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2x4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.

Can I use something else instead of drywall?

Finishing-grade plywood with veneers such as maple or birch can be an excellent - and quick to install - alternative to drywall for wall finishing. Rather than using drywall compound and paper tape for joints, they are usually covered with a thin wood trim.

How do you finish a concrete basement wall without drywall?

Finishes that Don't Require FramingPainting the Concrete. The simplest way of treating those concrete or concrete block walls is to simply paint them. ... Fabric. ... Veneer Plaster. ... Lath and Plaster. ... Exposed Concrete Blocks or Cement Board. ... Brick or Stone Masonry. ... Pegboard. ... Cork Board.More items...•

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement?

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 cover my basement walls with?

DrywallDrywall. 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.

What is the cheapest interior wall material?

Drywall is a pretty cheap option as far as interior wall materials go. A sheet of drywall can cost anywhere from $9 to $15, depending on the size and the installation per sq. foot is about $1.50; that is a pretty reasonable price when you are looking at the construction of a house.

Is there anything cheaper than drywall?

If you're looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable. The wood grain will warm up a space and can be stained or painted to coordinate with any decor. Plywood can be installed in sheets or planks, the latter resembling the look of shiplap or traditional wood paneling.

What can I use instead of drywall for walls?

Drywall Alternatives For Your WallsDrywall Disadvantages.Textured Wall Panels.Wall Finishing Systems.Wood Paneling.Veneer Plaster.OSB or Plywood.Plaster and Lath.

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.

How do you finish a basement with a concrete wall?

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

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

10 Affordable Unfinished Basement Ideas10 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.More items...•

What is the cheapest wall covering?

Plywood. If you're looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable.

How do you cover a wall without painting it?

Whatever your reason for not wanting to paint, here are 14 alternatives to decorating empty walls.Temporary Wallpaper. ... DIY wall design using Masking Tape. ... Hanging Art/Photos. ... Wall Decals. ... Tile Transfers. ... Stretched Fabric & Tapestries. ... Shelves. ... Bamboo blinds.More items...

How do you make a unfinished basement livable?

The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance.

How do you cover damaged walls?

But if the paint still does not help, try these tricks for covering up damaged walls.Wall Panels Perth. ... Wall coverings for bathrooms. ... Picture collage. ... Tapestry. ... Drywall Mud. ... Curtains. ... Mirrors. ... Fabric wall coverings Perth.More items...

Do you need to repair plaster?

As time goes by and the materials get old, there is no need to perform maintenance and repair unless there are visible damages. Even when some sections of the plaster start cracking, you only have to take care of those spots instead of tearing down everything.

Can you use metal sheets for basement covers?

If you are good at improvising, you could secure enough metal sheets for the basement covers by walking around the house. You could either use them as they are for a rustic appearance or stamp the sheets with special textures. Do remember to avoid any metal sheets that seem to be damaged beyond reuse though.

Can OSB be used as floor underlayment?

Consist of compressed wood strands, OSB is used as the exterior wall or floor underlayment so it would do fine in a basement setting . The material is very strong which permits it to handle regular bumping and scuffing without showing any sign of damage. However, because of the OSB “dazzle” pattern and its waxy surface, it could be rather hard to apply an efficient coat of paint. In the case that you like the idea behind OSB but want something lighter then you should go after plywood.

Can you use drywall in a basement?

8 Excellent Alternatives To Drywall In The Basement. For most of the time, drywall is not a bad material to use when you want to cover basement walls and surrounding surfaces. Nonetheless, it could take a lot of time and effort to apply the material correctly, especially at the finishing stage. In fact, sanding drywall mud is easily one ...

Can moisture get through drywall?

The material is pretty inflexible as well so you would have a hard time adding an outlet or fixing a pipe. After some time in use, moisture could get through the outer layer of the drywall and steadily degrade its quality. At worst, the place would become an ideal breeding ground for exceptionally harmful fungus like mold and mildew.

Is magnesium oxide board good for drywall?

It’s able to resist fire, water, mold, and impact force which makes it an ideal alternative to drywall. You don’t need to use special tools to set it up, just treat it like ordinary drywall. Nonetheless, each version of the Magnesium Oxide Board often has special installation requirements, you have to strictly follow them to prevent unwanted problems. The board cost along with its quality is also not consistent between brands and models so be careful.

Is Adobe Brick durable?

Due to its straightforward manufacturing process, you could attempt to produce the material on your own instead of buying from the store. Adobe Brick has excellent thermal mass and fairly durable compared to other cover options. To further strengthen the material, steel could be used to reinforce the entire adobe wall.

When Drywall Gets Wet, Problems Erupt

Basements, because they’re below grade, are often damp. They’re prone to flooding. They’re prone to water seepage through the exterior walls. They’re prone to drains backing up.

The Perfect Alternative to Drywall in a Basement

The answer – the sensible answer – is to not use drywall at all and instead use a drywall alternative like Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall, products that are far more suited to a basement environment. Trusscore products are PVC-based. There’s no cellulose.

Building Basement Organization into Your Renovation Plans

And if you plan to use your finished basement for laundry, storage, or a workshop, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard combines seamlessly with Trusscore SlatWall to create a complete wall storage system. SlatWall panels are engineered to receive hooks, baskets, and shelves that provide storage solutions with a capacity of up to 75 pounds per square foot.

Out with the Old, In with the New

It’s important to keep in mind that building codes in some jurisdictions require drywall to be used for fire-prevention reasons. Before embarking on a basement renovation, be certain to check with your contractor or local authority about fire code requirements.

Wall&CeilingBoard

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is an ideal drywall replacement that’s durable, easy to install, and easy to clean. The wall and ceiling panels are perfect for many different residential, commercial, and agriculture applications.

SlatWall

Declutter your space with Trusscore SlatWall, the organized and accessible solution for any garage or workshop. An ideal pairing with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, SlatWall is easy to install for do-it-yourself projects and offers a wide range of hooks for your needs.

What Makes Finishing a Basement Wall a Challenge for Drywall?

Drywall is designed to attach to the 2x4s and other dimensional lumber that make up the framing of a home. Since that framing doesn’t exist in the basement, one must create it before covering the walls in drywall.

How Do I Finish a Basement Wall That Leaks?

Most basement wall finishing options involve putting something over the wall, whether it’s stone or wood veneers, drywall, or paint. In all of these cases, you need to fix any leaks the wall might have before finishing the wall. Covering the wall won’t make the problem go away.

What Type of Walls Do Basements Have?

Basement walls consist of three possible types: masonry wall, poured concrete, and precast panels.

What is the best alternative to drywall?

If you are on a budget, opt for plywood panels. They are the most affordable alternative to drywall. Moreover, you can install them without any trouble. Just put them into their place.

What do you use to cover up drywall?

The homeowners usually use plastic panels to cover up damaged drywalls and studs. They are incredibly easy to clean too.

What is the process of installing laths on a wall?

The narrow strips of wood (laths) are installed horizontally across the area. Then, gypsum plaster coats them. Lastly, another layer of plaster is applied over the laths to form the wall surface.

What is the best way to cover a living room wall?

Are you searching for an outstanding wall covering option? Installing 3D textured wall panels in your living room is the best way to go. They are not only architecturally pleasing but also inject beauty and elegance into the space.

What is the best wall for a country house?

Wood Plank Walls Instead of Drywall. No doubt, wood planks are the best fit for country-style homes. In a flash, they deliver a rustic vibe to the space. They warm up the entire area as well. Not to mention, they are low-maintenance. The wood planks come in different finishes, thus you have many options.

Is drywall a low cost material?

In most homes, walls are made of drywall. It is not only low-cost but also offers easy installation. However, it is prone to mold and creates dust. If you would like to renovate your home, read on for some awesome drywall alternatives.

Is fiberglass drywall cheaper than fiberglass?

Additionally, they are unharmed by bacteria and mold. That is why they have amazing durability. Price-wise, they are cheaper than drywall. You can clean them easily as well.

What is drywall made of?

It is cost-effective and easy to find, making it one of the most common building materials used in today’s houses. So, what is drywall? Drywall consists of gypsum pressed between two paperboards. Gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral, is noncombustible, which gives it the attraction of being somewhat fire-resistant.

What is barnwood paneling?

Barnwood is a great option for those looking to achieve a rustic aesthetic. Reclaimed wood offers the most authentic appearance, but it can be expensive and challenging to find. Most commonly, panels are made from engineered wood designed to resemble aged planks like this highly rated Mountain Music barnwood paneling available at The Home Depot. This type of barnwood is generally affordable, easy to install, and washable, and it’s manufactured in different styles and finishes. However, neither natural nor engineered wood are recommended for high-moisture areas.

Is corkboard good for walls?

Corkboard isn’t durable enough for all the walls in your home, but it can serve as a fun accent in a home office or a child’s room. The eco-friendly material can provide thermal and acoustic insulation, and it’s a great surface for hanging lightweight artwork and pictures. For wall applications, cork will most likely have a plywood or plywood alternative backing. It is naturally fire- and moisture-resistant, and it’s available in various designs, thicknesses, and colors to suit any preference. It’s available in tiles or rolls, like this option available at Amazon.

Is plywood a good wall panel?

If you’re looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable. The wood grain will warm up a space and can be stained or painted to coordinate with any decor. Plywood can be installed in sheets or planks, the latter resembling the look of shiplap or traditional wood paneling. It can be sealed for moisture resistance, but plywood’s big drawback is that it won’t be as fire-resistant as drywall.

Can you use brick veneer on a structural wall?

When found lurking behind an existing wall, exposed brick can be a pleasant surprise, but it’s rarely used as a structural element anymore. Nowadays, it’s more likely that a builder will attach brick veneer like this option available at The Home De pot to a structural wall in a process similar to installing tile with grout. Brick is naturally fire-resistant but will need a sealant to protect it from moisture and mold.

Is dry wall good for wet areas?

Drywall is also less than ideal for wet areas, basements, and other spaces that have the potential to flood. It holds moisture, making it vulnerable to mold and mildew in damp conditions. Read on to learn about alternative wall covering ideas that are not only sturdy but also visually interesting.

Is siding easy to install?

If you’re looking for alternative interior garage wall ideas, exterior siding is an inexpensive, easy-to-install option. Wood siding, for instance, can offer the rustic look of paneling, making it well suited to an accent wall. Vinyl siding, however, is combustible and chemical-laden, so avoid using this option in your main living space.

What is drywall installation?

While it’s cheap and easier to work with than other materials, drywall installation remains a tough process that involves taping, mudding, and sanding. The last stage is especially notorious for the clouds of fine dust it creates.

Why does dry wall make a hollow sound?

Drywall produces a hollow sound when you bump it and doesn’t hold well to water damage or in high-traffic rooms. It’s fragile, easily damaged, and a prime breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Is plywood better than drywall?

Plywood is a good option, but it isn’t going to be preferable to drywall unless you really need to save money. It just depends on your budget and your comfort level when it comes to using drywall.

Can you use pegboard for drywall?

Pegboard probably isn’t the first thing that you would think of when trying to come up with drywall alternatives. It can actually be a pretty good option to consider, though. Pegboard is fairly convenient to use and you’ll be able to use it to add extra storage space to a room. People often use pegboard walls in garages in order to have a spot to hang their tools.

Is it easier to install plastic panels or drywall?

There won’t be a big price difference between plastic paneling and drywall in some cases, but plastic panels are certainly easier to install. 3. Plywood. If you are looking to build walls in your home as inexpensively as possible, then you may want to consider using plywood.

Can you use lath and plaster to build walls?

If you want to use an older method to build your walls, then it can be used as an alternative to modern drywall. Lath and plaster used to be a very prevalent option for building walls before the advent of drywall. This is not going to be the simplest way to do things, but it will be effective. You can build a very nice wall and it will even be convenient for installing insulation so long as you plan ahead.

Is it easier to use drywall or drywall?

If you want to build a wall that will look really nice in your home, then this is something that you should consider. It isn’t easier to use than drywall, though. If you are looking for a drywall alternative in order to eliminate the hassle, then you should promptly ignore this option.

What is the best wood to use for wall covering?

Plywood wall coverings. Finishing-grade plywood with veneers such as maple or birch can be an excellent - and quick to install - alternative to drywall for wall finishing. Rather than using drywall compound and paper tape for joints, they are usually covered with a thin wood trim.

Why is dry wall so common?

Drywall is so common because it is cheap and easy to build with, not to mention that it’s also a durable, fire-resistant and fairly moisture-resistant product that also offers an excellent thermal mass for balancing temperatures in homes.

What is synthetic gypsum board?

Synthetic gypsum board, with up to 96% recycled content (or 'drywall' to use its common street name), is manufactured using waste sulphur dioxide from combustion gases in industrial chimneys. There are many advantages to choosing synthetic drywall; namely, anytime we use recycled and reclaimed raw materials we preserve natural resources and natural habitat destruction. In the case of recycled gypsum board, along with redirecting an endless supply of waste away from landfills, it contributes to reducing acid rain, which is caused primarily by sulphur dioxide from power plants.

What is the most common finish surface inside a home?

Drywall is the most common interior finish surface inside homes due to ease and affordability. But there are options! see below for the best natural healthy alternatives to drywall for finishing interior walls. Walls in residential homes are almost exclusively finished using gypsum board (either recycled or synthetic) because it is cheap and easy.

What is gypsum made of?

In construction, gypsum is most commonly used as Gyproc panels, or drywall. It’s made by mixing water and aggregates (sand, vermiculite or perlite), and then the gypsum is pressed between two continuously rolling sheets of paper and allowed to harden.

What is mud wall?

Natural finished walls with mud and natural earth pigments is another beautiful, healthy, sustainable…if extremely labor intensive… building method. Similar to lath and plaster, it requires a substrate to support the material, whether that is wooden slats, plywood, or another other substance that can support and hold mud in place without sagging while it dries and hardens. It's also a frequent option for straw bale homes.

What to do with reclaimed barn boards?

Reclaimed barn boards can make for beautiful interior walls. It isn’t necessarily something you’ll want on every wall of every home, but as an accent wall it can be beautiful. Like many other woods used for finishing, it isn’t always necessary to apply any coating if they won’t be touched a lot. Boards can be sanded down then wiped well with a wet cloth to remove dust and installed as-is. If you wish to change the look of the board itself, you can apply a natural wood finishing oil to bring out colours.

Why do you need to finish a basement?

Because they are, by definition, underground (or at least partially underground), basements are prone to humidity. What this means for your renovation or construction project is that even though they are often cooler than the rest of the house, basements are a natural environment for mold to grow.

How is the Basement Accessed?

The entrance to the basement is an important but often overlooked aspect of the selection process. While 8-foot drywall panels are the most common, sheetrock is available in lengths up to 12 feet. This can be either a huge advantage or a serious problem, depending on your situation.

Does sheetrock cover mold?

Still, keep in mind that these products’ warranties generally do not cover mold growth – that is, while it is harder for mold to grow on these boards, it is not impossible. Remember, too, that the sheetrock is only part of the equation. If you want to get serious about mold prevention, you’ll want to use mold-resistant materials in every part of the job (such as mold-resistant joint compound).

Is dry wall good for a basement?

So you’ve decided to finish your basement and you want to do it right but you’re unsure of the best approach. Drywall is, of course, an almost universally popular construction material because of its relatively low cost, natural fire resistance, and ease of working. But is it right choice for a basement?

Can mold grow in basement?

What this means for your renovation or construction project is that even though they are often cooler than the rest of the house, basements are a natural environment for mold to grow. Fortunately, advancements in drywall materials give you a range of options that can help reduce the growth of mold in your home.