QA

Question: How To Finish Basement Walls

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 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.

What should I put on my 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.

Should you seal basement walls before finishing?

Water issues can cause serious damage and ruin your investment. Before finishing the basement, deep-seal your concrete against water seepage, water vapor, and soil gases like radon.

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.

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.

What can I put on my basement concrete 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.

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.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

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

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.

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.

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.

Should I paint my basement cement 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.

Should I Drylock my 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.

Should you seal basement concrete walls?

If there are not any immediate problems with the walls or floors, prevent future damage by applying one or two coats of basement sealer. It is also important to safeguard the basement by ensuring that water can’t make its way into the home via the foundation.

How long does it take to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

An average of 1000 square feet basement takes around four weeks to finish. To get a better sense of your basement remodeling length, we will put down each step of the remodeling project, along with the time frame for each phase of the project.

How do I redo my basement on a budget?

Here are nine project ideas that will make your basement livable on a budget: Focus on the ceiling, floor and walls. Improve part of the basement. Paint the ceiling and walls. Make room for storage. Light up the space. Create a space for crafts and activities. Add easy-to-install flooring. Paint or stain the floor.

What do you put in a finished basement?

16 of the Most Popular Uses for a Basement Home Bar. From sophisticated wine cellar to neighborhood pub to eclectic cocktail lounge–whatever you’re serving can be fun and festive in your own home bar. Game Room. Den or Informal Living Room. Wine Cellar. Theater / Media Room. Library. Extra Storage. Workout Room / Home Gym.