what is the best way to finish a basement wall

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

Full Answer

How should I finish an existing basement wall?

• Cleaning the space
• Removing and treating for mold and mildew
• Waterproofing
• Installing or adding a back-up sump pump
• Installing a dehumidifier

How to insulate basement walls for a finished basement?

Step-by-Step Basement Insulation Installation

• After the cement is set, apply a foam board adhesive to the rear of a polystyrene insulation panel, then press the panel to the wall. ...
• Next, you will create a wood grid that will hold the drywall. ...
• Using a hammer drill and a 3/16-inch masonry bit, drill 5-inch holes through the 1x3 and into the concrete wall. ...

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How to cheaply finish a basement?

Basement Walls

• The Basics of Basement Walls. First, you should understand basement wall materials. ...
• Cost of a Finished Basement. ...
• Partition Walls. ...
• Basement Soundproofing. ...
• Basement Waterproofing. ...
• Basement Flooring Ideas. ...
• Basement Ceiling Options. ...

What are the steps to finishing a basement?

These are the basic steps to follow as you finish your basement:

• Declutter
• Get permits
• Gather tools and supplies
• Test for radon, mold and moisture
• Hire professionals, if needed
• Assess HVAC needs
• Frame and insulate
• Repair or install electrical systems
• Install plumbing
• Finish the walls

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What can you finish basement walls with?

2:243:51Basement Finishing Ideas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver a slightly alligator texture to hide wall shine. And marks. The wall is much harder thanMoreOver a slightly alligator texture to hide wall shine. And marks. The wall is much harder than drywall. And nearly impossible to dent. You can hang anything you want on the ever last payment.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

15 Drywall Alternatives for Your WallsWood Planks. Wood planks will be a fantastic option to consider for anyone who would like to achieve a rustic look. ... Plastic Panels. ... Plywood. ... Veneer Plaster. ... Pegboard. ... Lath and Plaster. ... Wahoo Walls. ... Textured Wall Panels.More items...•

How do you finish an unfinished basement wall?

Here are the steps to take to finish your basement walls:Step 1: Install Insulation. One of the easiest and most effective ways to insulate a basement's exterior walls is adding polystyrene foam insulation directly to your foundation walls. ... Step 2: Frame Your Walls. ... Step 3: Install Drywall.

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.

How do you finish a concrete basement wall without drywall?

Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and...Paint.Basement Panels.Wood Fiberboard.Fabric.Vinyl and Wallpaper.Stone Veneer.Pargeting.Exposed Brick.More items...

Can you finish basement walls 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.

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.

How can I cover my concrete basement 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 seal basement walls before finishing?

Nothing will ruin a beautiful remodeling job like soaked carpets, moldy drywall and damaged furniture so it is essential that a basement be fully waterproofed before any finishing work begins.

How much would it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

$7,000 to $23,000How much does it cost to finish a 1,000 square foot basement? Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement. Add around $6,500 if you want to hire an interior designer and another $2,650 for furniture.

What type of drywall is best for basements?

Moisture-and-mold resistant drywallMoisture-and-mold resistant drywall is best used for interior walls, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements. The best drywall boards for these areas have moisture-resistant cores that prevent water and moisture intrusion from seeping into the board itself.

How wide should a basement window be?

The window opening should be a minimum width of 20 inches and at least 24 inches in height.

Can you use fiberglass insulation in a concrete basement?

Fiberglass batt insulation can be damaged by moisture.

What is the most important aspect of finished basement wall construction?

You may have noticed: The most important aspect of finished basement wall construction is preventing moisture from becoming trapped within the wall, allowing mold and mildew growth. If you are finishing your basement yourself and have water issues, pay close attention to your local building codes and spend some time researching basement moisture — you won't be sorry you did. Start with our basement waterproofing guide and follow it with the foundation science primer written by building scientists at the University of Minnesota Extension Office. Having a basement water issue won't preclude basement finishing entirely, but it will affect the way you construct your walls and may require some initial foundation work that in turn will save you expense down the road. Jamie Saer explains that for the FBC Remodel basement builds, moisture issues will be addressed first. And if there is potential for any future problem, prior to wall finishing they take precautions — lining the walls with a moisture barrier that routes water to an interior perimeter drain system and on to a sump pump. Saer says, “We have done this before and it is a great system! You just need to make sure your sump pump is working and create a consistent schedule for checking its operation.”

Why do you put a basement wall in front of a foundation?

As you'll see later, basement walls are constructed a couple of inches in front of the foundation wall to prevent unnecessary contact between wood framing materials and the foundation. Any wood that does make contact with concrete (like the bottom plate) needs to be treated to resist moisture and microbial growth.

What type of insulation is used in a basement?

The types of insulation used in basements include rigid foam panel boards, spray foam and conventional fiberglass or mineral fiber batt insulation (the blanket stuff), sometimes with facing or wrapping. Framed basement walls often use a combination of insulation.

What is framing in construction?

Framing: Framing is the skeleton of a finished wall, serving as support for other aspects of the wall, like windows and the drywall surface layer, and as housing for more insulation, electrical boxes and plumbing lines.

Why do you need to waterproof a basement?

Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve the air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn about common water problems in basements, what's involved to fix them and how much you might expect to pay. Basement Finishing Costs.

What is a stud wall?

A stud wall is traditionally constructed using 2x4 or 2x6 timbers and consists of bottom plates (horizontal boards attached to the floor), top plates (horizontal boards attached to the ceiling joists) and vertical studs affixed to both plates.

Do finished walls have moisture management?

Though finished walls incorporate their own moisture management system, it's intended only to handle small amounts of water vapor. You do not want to build a beautiful wall over any moisture or structural problem. So, the first step to finishing your basement is to identify and remedy any existing issues.

How much does it cost to finish a basement?

On average, it costs about $25-$50 per square foot to finish a basement. However, there are a lot of factors that go into renovating a basement, so if you choose top-of-the-line lighting and flooring, expect the estimate to go up. On average, expect to spend around $30,000 for a complete basement finish, including walls, ceiling and floors.

What is drop ceiling?

The basic idea behind a drop-ceiling is installing a second ceiling below the structural ceiling, which allows you to easily access any utilities above them. These typically consist of a series of interlocking frames and tiles. While the installation will vary depending on the kit you select, the general installation cadence is:

Is a finished basement included in square footage?

A finished basement isn’t included in your home’s square footage, however, because finished basements are usually a sought-after commodity, it often sees a return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.

Can you put drywall in a damp basement?

You never want to install drywall in your basement before checking for water or high humidity. That doesn’t mean that you can’t finish a damp basement, though. You just need to take the proper steps to waterproof your work area first.

Can you work on a basement if it's damp?

Before beginning any work, you must determine whether your basement has any moisture problems. If your foundation walls are only damp on humid summer days, fine—you’re good to go with the methods we recommend. But if you have any problems with standing or leaking water in the spring or during heavy rains, you’ve got some “prework” to do.

Can you convert a basement to a living room?

For a fraction of the cost of an addition, you can convert basement space to valuable living space. Advances in waterproofing along with new products mean your basement rooms can be as dry and comfortable as any other room in the house.

Do you need backers for drywall?

So before you pack it up, walk around the entire work area and make sure the ceiling and all walls have a sufficient nailing surface for the drywall . The top of outside corners, perpendicular intersections, and walls that run parallel to the joists are three of the most common areas where you'll need to add backers.

What is finishing a basement?

Typically, finishing a basement means adding insulation and drywall over the existing cinderblock or concrete walls . If you plan to spend a lot of time in your finished basement, for example, if it'll be a home office you work in daily, an in-law suite, or a guest bedroom, you'll want to use some form of insulation and paneling or drywall.

How can I save money on a basement remodel?

Indeed, the most important step in saving money on your basement remodel is to make sure you're spending it wisely. Before you sink money into a basement conversion of any kind, check with your local building official to find out what is and isn’t allowed in your area. The building official will let you know if your plans fall within the scope ...

How much does it cost to remodel a basement?

No matter what your budget, the leading factors in pricing a basement remodel include: Waterproofing— HomeAdvisor says waterproofing is the single most expensive portion of a basement remodel, costing on average about $4,500. Keeping your space dry is not where you want to skimp on the budget.

What subflooring is best for a basement?

It will save you money. Archuleta recommends DriCore subflooring for basement remodels. DriCore is a snap-together panel that creates a space between the wood and the concrete slab for moisture to evaporate. It not only keeps the moisture away from your carpet, it makes the floor softer, too.

Why is Archuleta Builders on the low side?

Alan Archuleta, president of Archuleta Builders in Morristown, New Jersey thinks that’s on the low side because it’s more labor-intensive to get the materials into the basement than on the main floor. But there are ways to save on labor, too, which we'll get to.

Can I leave my basement ceiling as is?

Your basement ceiling is probably your biggest chance to save money . If you want a loft-like look, and it's in good shape , you can literally leave it as is. Or, to give it a low-cost upgrade:

Do you need to cover basement walls with drywall?

Paint —If your basement walls are waterproof and in good shape, there’s no need to cover them with drywall or paneling when you can paint them. As with the floor, consult with a painting professional for the right type of preparation and paint products for the surface.

What happens if water gets on the backside of a basement?

If moisture collects on the backside after a few days, then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms (even once every few years), you have to fix it permanently before finishing.

How to tell if a wall is damp?

To tell if walls are damp from exterior water or just condensation from humid interior air, tape a 2-ft. square sheet of plastic to the masonry. If moisture collects on the front of the plastic, you have condensation. The method we show for finishing will take care of that problem.

Why are basement top plates different lengths?

That's because top plates may project past foundation walls and be longer or run into soffits and be shorter. When you line up the plates to mark stud locations, be sure to account for differences. Step 17.

What is the structure that conceals pipes and ductwork in a basement called?

Boxing in those pipes and ducts and then drywalling the assembly is the best way to conceal them. The whole structure is called a soffit.

What is partition wall?

Partition walls are any walls that aren’t against exterior foundation walls or walls that support floors above. Lay out partition walls by snapping chalk lines to mark both sides of the bottom plates. Also, in a basement, the top and bottom plates are often different lengths.

Can a basement be as comfortable as a room?

With special framing and insulating techniques, your basement can be as comfortable as any other room in your home. Find out more about insulating basement walls and framing basement walls here.

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.

What Type of Walls Do Basements Have?

The first step when considering what options you have for finishing those basement walls is first assessing what you have to work with. Basement walls consist of three possible types: masonry wall, poured concrete, and precast panels.

Drywall Alternatives for Basement Walls

The options for finishing basement walls range from cheap and simple to complicated and expensive. With that in mind, some of the methods below require a fair amount of pre-work to install a frame. This frame consists of either a metal frame or a wood frame.

What Is the Most Affordable Way to Finish a Basement Wall?

Given its relatively low cost, paint is the best way to finish a basement wall. Most basement walls can be covered with just a couple of gallons of paint, covering about 400 square feet per can, depending on the quality of the paint you purchase.

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.

Conclusion

Finishing a basement doesn’t have to involve adding framing to concrete walls and hauling heavy panels of drywall down a narrow set of cellar stairs.