QA

How To Install Drywall In 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.

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.

How much does it cost to drywall a basement ceiling?

A ceiling costs about $1,700 to build and drywall in the basement. Contractors often include the price of a basic drywall ceiling in the room framing and drywalling costs when doing the whole room at once.

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 you 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.

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.

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.

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.

How hard is it to drywall a basement?

Hanging drywall is not too difficult, and you don’t need a bunch of tools either. It can get very dusty, though, especially as you cut drywall sheets. The 4′ x 9′ drywall sheets we used are not extremely heavy, but they are kind of big and uncomfortable to move around. Dec 16, 2018.

Do you drywall the ceiling before the walls?

Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. sheet,” advises drywall contractor Myron Ferguson, based in Galway, N.Y. “You want as few seams to tape as possible.” With a helper, lift the sheet against the ceiling and hold it across the framing using a T-brace built 3/4 in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How thick should furring strips be?

Standard furring strips are marketed as 1-in thick, with the exception of the 2-in x 2-in strip. The actual thickness is usually just under a full inch. This makes them extremely versatile for a multitude of construction projects.

Do you need furring strips for drywall?

If you’re hanging drywall on new ceiling joists, you probably won’t need furring strips. Standard drywall panels attach directly to the joists with drywall screws. If the ceiling is old, however, and you don’t want to remove the existing ceiling finish, furring strips can provide a solid base.