QA

Quick Answer: How To Drywall A Basement Ceiling

Can you put drywall directly on basement ceiling joists?

Yes you can, but it is not always easy to do. The joists may not be perfectly spaced and you only have a 1-1/2 inch target for attaching two edges of the drywall. It also allows for a perfect layout 16 or 24 inches on centre. Feb 19, 2002.

Do you have to strap a basement ceiling before drywall?

Without strapping, you’d be attempting to nail the drywall joints on only half of a side of 2x lumber. While this can be done on wall installations, it’s not by any means desirable. You’ll end up with more seams. By strapping the ceiling, you ensure optimum nailing surface and spacings for drywall.

What kind of drywall do you use for a basement ceiling?

While you can use the same drywall thickness for the walls and basement ceiling, most experts recommend a ⅝ inch thick sheet of drywall for ceilings. This is because ⅝ inch drywall is much less likely to sag between joists than standard ½ inch drywall.

Should I nail or screw furring strips?

For furring strip installation, affix the strips across the joists every 24” on center with screws or nails at least 1” long so that they will go into the joist with a minimum depth of 1/4″. Use shims, if necessary, to achieve a uniform flat and level ceiling or wall.

Should drywall be glued to studs?

Why use drywall adhesive? Hanging drywall is a tough job. By applying glue for drywall to the studs or joists before installing the sheet, you cut down the need for screws in the field of the board. You’ll also have fewer nail pops and loose boards.

Why do you strap a basement ceiling?

Strapping in existing ceilings also makes snaking wires much easier. Strapping makes it easier for us to install interior partitions, too. Rather than adding attachment blocks between the joists above the walls, we just add a few lengths of strapping, running them one bay longer than the wall.

Why do you drywall the ceiling first?

Doing the ceiling first means you can lift the wall sheets to make a tight joint. By contrast if you do the walls first you would have to sculpt every edge to make it seat tightly, and/or end up with lots of voids to fill before you tape.

Are furring strips needed for ceiling?

Furring strips are used to provide carpenters a level and supportive structure when they’re applying the finish. Whether it’s the ceiling or the walls, furring strips are essential to ensuring that you’ll always get a flat and smooth surface when the project is complete.

How much does it cost to drywall a basement ceiling?

Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.

Do you have to stagger drywall on ceiling?

It’s not necessary to stagger seams on ceiling drywall. However, because these joints are relatively difficult to finish—and tend to be noticeable in the finished product—it’s a good idea to stagger the drywall panels to make the joints less visible.

Which way do you run drywall on ceiling?

On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. However, on residential jobs, the drywall on the walls is typically hung horizontally. For walls 9 feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits.

Can you use 1/2 drywall basement ceiling?

Drywall Size – Basement Drywall Thickness The most commonly installed thickness, per my extensive Google searching, is 1/2 inch. This is what I had installed in my basement. TIP: If your ceiling joist are 24″ on center instead of 16″ then you need to use 3/8th’s for the ceiling instead of 1/2 inch.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement ceiling?

Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.

Does a basement ceiling need to be 5/8 drywall?

3 Answers. 5/8″ drywall is rarely required in single-family residences. It was used historically because ceiling joists are often 24″ on center, and 5/8 resists sag. You can certainly use no-sag 1/2″ if you like.

How many furring strips do I need for a ceiling?

Install as many furring strips as necessary to cover the chalk line. For example, if your chalk line is 12 feet long, you will install one whole eight-foot furring strip, butting it against one wall, and then measure and cut four feet from another strip and attach it over the remaining space.

What size furring strips should I use?

This site recommends using a Yellow #4 load on strips 3/4″ thick, or Green #3 for 1/4″ – 1/2″. You could also use concrete screws. Pre-drill holes in furring strip and wall (about every 24″). Clean holes in walls well (with shop-vac).

Can you glue furring strips to basement walls?

When you’re finishing a basement, it’s common to attach drywall to the bare basement wall structure using wood called furring strips. The process for attaching furring strips to concrete is rather simple, so long as you are using the proper kind of glue.