QA

Quick Answer: How To Finish Concrete Basement Walls

How do you finish a concrete 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 concrete basement walls look good?

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.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?

Paneling. Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. Use a strong adhesive to put strips of wood on your concrete basement walls, and then use wood screws that match your paneling to attach the paneling to the wood strips.

How do you finish a basement without drywall?

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

How do you cover rough concrete walls?

Roll liquid concrete bonding agent over the surface of the wall in fairly straight lines using a short-napped paint roller. Make sure you cover the entire wall. Wait about five minutes for the product to firm up and become sticky.

Do I need to seal my 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.

What should I put on my basement walls?

The Basics of Basement Walls 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. Such treatments give basement walls a smooth, even surface that accepts finish materials such as paint, wallpaper, or paneling.

Is it OK to paint basement concrete walls?

Painting your basement walls can do more than just improve the look of your home; it can protect your foundation from water damage and moisture. For concrete walls, use a waterproof sealant to seal the porous material, and opt for a waterproof masonry paint to finish the job.

How do you make an unfinished basement feel homey?

Decorate It! 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 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.

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.

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 put drywall over concrete walls?

You can put drywall over concrete, but it is important to be mindful of the process. Drywall should never be installed directly to a concrete slab, and should be installed over a barrier wall to prevent any type of moisture transfer, which could create mold and damage the drywall.

Can you finish a 100 year old basement?

Basements have long since only been thought of as a place to store your holiday decorations or a place to create a rec room. You are able to create an entire floor of your home that can completely function the way you need it to from the ground up- literally. Aug 19, 2019.

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.

Should you put a vapor barrier on basement walls?

Basement Remodeling Ideas from TV While a vapor barrier won’t stop moisture from making its way between the foundation walls and the actual barrier, it will help prevent water from coming into the basement. This, of course, helps to dissipate moisture and mold – two things that no one wants to see in a basement.

How do you cover concrete walls in 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.

What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?

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

Can a finished basement have concrete walls?

Building new walls inside the existing concrete walls is the standard way of finishing basement walls. When insulating concrete basement walls (a good idea because concrete basement walls are often cold), use rigid foam board insulation if the insulation will come into direct contact with the concrete wall.

How do you finish rough concrete?

These are the 4 steps in how to smooth concrete after it dries: Remove all imperfections on the surface. Vacuum up all debris and apply the adherent. Apply a new layer of concrete. Sand the surface and wash the concrete. Apply a layer of vitrifier to protect the concrete.