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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 cover my concrete basement walls with?
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.
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.
Should you use Drylok on basement walls?
For maximum protection, I opted for DRYLOK Extreme. Recommended for the most demanding conditions and capable of resisting the hydrostatic pressure equivalent to a 33-foot-tall wall of water, DRYLOK Extreme does what other, broadly similar products do, only better.
What do you put over unfinished basement walls?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which is better Kilz or Drylok?
Which Is Better Kilz Or Drylock? Original Dryloks are designed to withstand 10 lbs of pressure, while Drylok Extremes are designed to withstand 15 lbs of pressure at hydrostatic pressure. The KILZ water pressure monitor has a rating of 5 stars on Amazon and is rated at 12 PSI.
Will mold grow on Drylok?
Yes, Drylok helps to prevent the development of mold and mildew because it is designed to prevent water from penetrating through foundation walls. The product provides an ‘inert coating’ which means it does not promote the growth of mold or mildew.
How do I spruce up my basement?
10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Unfinished Basement for Under $100 Chuck the Junk. Light It Up. Add Clip-On Shades. Get a Grip. Hang Homemade Curtains. Dry It Out. Seal and Paint Walls. Add a Large Rug or Floor Mat.
Should you put a vapor barrier on basement walls?
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 I make my unfinished basement warmer?
8 Tips for Warming Up a Cold Basement Ensure that your basement is well-insulated. Invest in a cozy fireplace. Replace drafty windows. Seal air leaks. Eliminate crawl space drafts. Install an extra heating system. Use radiant in-floor heat. Don’t forget the visual aspect!.
What can I use instead of plastering a wall?
How to Smooth Walls Without Plastering in 2022 (5 Methods to Follow) – DIY UK Guide Fill Holes or Cracks. Before you do anything, fill any holes and cracks in your wall. Sanding. If your old plaster is a bit lumpy and bumpy, sand it to smooth out any bumps. Clean the Wall of Scuffs & Marks. Hang Wallpaper. Paint Your Walls.
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 is a cheap alternative to drywall?
Plywood is the cheapest alternative to drywall on this list and allows you to finish a room with a certain flair without taking on the expenses of wood planks, veneer or drywall.
How can I decorate a concrete wall?
7 Ideas for Decorating a Concrete Garden Wall Get Creative With Poured Concrete. Add Plants and Metalwork. Mimic the Texture of Rough-Sawn Wood. Hang Vertical Planters. Customize with a Mural. Apply a Textured Overlay. Embed Boulders.
What kind of paint do you use on concrete basement walls?
Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.
