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How To Cover Basement 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 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 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.

How can I cover my basement walls without drywall?

Drywall Alternatives for your wall Wood Planks. Plastic Panels. Plywood. Veneer Plaster. Pegboard. Lath and Plaster. Wahoo Walls. Textured Wall Panels.

How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

How do you finish a basement 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 do you make an old basement look good?

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

Can I finish my basement myself?

The basic steps to finish your basement include insulating walls, choosing flooring and adding a ceiling to transform your lower level into an additional living area.

What can you cover concrete basement walls with?

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 a cheap alternative to drywall?

Plywood is the cheapest alternative to drywall on this list and allows you to finish a room with a certain flair without taking on the expenses of wood planks, veneer or drywall.

What can I use instead of plastering a wall?

How to Smooth Walls Without Plastering in 2022 (5 Methods to Follow) – DIY UK Guide Fill Holes or Cracks. Before you do anything, fill any holes and cracks in your wall. Sanding. If your old plaster is a bit lumpy and bumpy, sand it to smooth out any bumps. Clean the Wall of Scuffs & Marks. Hang Wallpaper. Paint Your Walls.

Can you wallpaper over concrete walls?

A. Just about. Wallpaper will adhere to drywall, new and old plaster, concrete, masonry, and paneling. You can even wallpaper over slick, nonporous surfaces, such as tile, concrete block, or synthetic laminate paneling.

Is Drylock good for basement walls?

Drylok is a product that is used to stop water seepage on interior masonry walls. It is supposed to seal basement foundations, primarily block foundations but I’ve seen it on concrete as well. Of course, the reason you need to seal any basement foundation is because the foundation is porous.

How do you hide a concrete wall?

How to Disguise a Neighbor’s Concrete Wall Install Fence. If you don’t want to be stuck with a view of your neighbor’s ugly wall, erect a fence directly in front of it to block that eyesore from view. Create Evergreen Screen. Use Trellises. Create Container Garden.

How do you finish a basement without drywall?

The alternatives besides drywall or studs that can be used to finish your basement wall are wood planks, plastic panels, veneer plaster, wahoo walls, plywood, and pegboards. These options are easy to set up and maintain compared to drywall or studs that have problems with moisture and dust.

Do basement walls need to breathe?

Foundation walls like concrete are porous. This means they can take in 10-15 gallons of water vapor a day. That is why your walls need to breathe. Moisture needs somewhere to go, and a house that is sealed up too tight ends up with moisture in puddles and rotten drywall.

How can I make my basement more inviting?

10 Ways to Make Your Basement Bright and Inviting Pot Lights. Great lighting will ensure there are no dark spaces in the basement and really keep the space bright and inviting. Bigger Windows. Neutral paint. Bright accessories. Open Floor Plan. Declutter. Built-ins. Floors that reflect Light.

Should I paint my basement walls?

DO NOT PAINT YOUR WALLS, even with Drylok or waterproofing paint. Concrete does not support fungal (mold) growth. Also, do not attach insulation directly to the foundation walls. It behaves as a moisture trap and can also hide structural problems and cracks in the foundation.

How do you make an unfinished basement less creepy?

Large spans of bare wall or empty areas beneath the stairs can make an unfinished basement feel dark and dreary. Promote a welcoming vibe (and conceal any unsettling nooks or crannies) by lining blank walls with inexpensive white bookcases or floating shelves.

Is it worth finishing a basement?

Finishing Your Basement Adds Value to Your Home According to NerdWallet, a finished basement with an entertainment area and basement bath raises a home’s value at an average of $50,000. Also, according to Zillow, homeowners see an average of 70 percent return on investment with a basement remodel.

Can you seal basement walls from the inside?

Apply a masonry waterproofing product to the walls Seal/coat the interior of the walls with a suitable masonry waterproof product. When the paint dries, the sealant forms a watertight bond to stop water from seeping through. This is how you can waterproof your basement walls from inside.

What is a Yankee basement?

They call it a “Yankee basement” or, well, sometimes a “root cellar,” where basically you take the interior perimeter of the foundation wall, move in about 2½, 3 feet and then dig down there. So you leave this sort of berm of soil to support the foundation that’s under the footing.