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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.
What can I put over concrete walls?
If installing drywall panels, use moisture- and mildew-resistant drywall. 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.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?
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 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.
How do you cover a concrete exterior wall?
The fastest and easiest way to make your cinderblock walls more attractive is to cover them with a cement finish. To do this, apply a layer of surface bonding cement over the cinderblock wall, using a trowel to smooth out the walls. Let the cement dry, and then paint the newly finished wall to your liking.
Can you plaster over concrete walls?
Applying plaster to a concrete wall can change its appearance, level it, make it more moisture-resistant and give you the opportunity to add texture. Plastering a concrete wall takes time. You will have to prepare the wall and allow for curing and drying time between applications of plaster.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
Wood 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.
How do you use an unfinished basement without finishing it?
Try these basement ideas to make use of the extra space in your home. 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.
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.
How do you make a concrete wall look good?
Beautify exterior concrete walls, such as retaining walls, by applying a layer of stucco to create a textured appearance. Add a “cap” to the top of the wall if desired by attaching small slabs of flat, natural stone to the wall top using the correct adhesive.
How do you cover up a rough basement wall?
Drywall joint compound is often the best way to cover rough texture and leave a flat, blank canvas on your wall. Wash the walls with degreasing cleaner, then sand them lightly with coarse-grit sandpaper, which helps the joint compound hold.
Can you put paneling on concrete walls?
If you are looking for ways to finish your basement, you may be considering paneling your concrete walls. One of the quickest ways to panel the basement or other cement walls is to glue the paneling directly to the cement. Paneling can be glued to cement.
How can I make my concrete block walls look better?
Surface bonding cement, used to build dry-stack block walls in place of mortar, can be used to create a smooth surface on concrete block. It’s a waterproof, flexible Portland cement reinforced with fiberglass. One of the benefits is that you can add color to the cement, eliminating the need to paint over it.
How do you hide exposed foundation?
10 Smart Ways to Hide Your House Foundation 1 – Use a Bit of Stucco. 2 – Plant Flower Beds. 3 – Use the Criss-Cross Lattice. 4 – Go for the Old Fashioned Paint Job. 5 – Pebbles. 6 – Stone Veneer. 7 – Use Corrugated Sheet Metal. 8 – Brick.
Can you put drywall directly on concrete?
You can glue drywall sheets to a concrete block wall. Drywall is usually attached to wall studs with 2-inch drywall screws using an electric drill with a driver bit installed. However, in some installations, such as in a basement, it is necessary to glue drywall sheets to the interior of concrete block walls.
Can you skim coat over concrete walls?
A cement wall can be evened out with the process of skim-coating. Skim-coating is the process of applying a thin layer of material, such as cement, over a wall to even out the surface. Skim-coating a cement wall takes some effort but the skill needed can be attained in a just a few minutes of doing it.
Is there a substitute for 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.
What is an alternative to drywall?
Instead of using a more complicated or expensive alternative, such as decorative fiber cement boards, fiberglass panels or magnesium oxide (MgO) board, consider insulating your drywall with engineered EPS foam panels, such as InSoFast UX 2.0, particularly in a moisture-prone basement.
Do you have to drywall a basement?
As mentioned before, finishing basement walls without drywall will save you time (building and clean-up) and money in most DIY cases. If you go with the tips above, and have avoided using studs for your cellar walls, then you need some kind of wall cover to complete the basement wall remodel.
