Just because a basement is almost secluded, not often visited, and originally used as a stock room in your home doesn’t mean you need to leave it in a bare-bones state. When the time comes that you lack enough space for everyone in your family to sleep or hang out, your basement can be the perfect extension of your living room, dining room, and of course, bedroom.
Usually, basements have big spaces because they are placed underneath the entire house like an escape room during times of war. Homeowners tend to forget about it and remember it only when they need tools and other materials. If you want to make your basement the most comfortable place in your home, start from the walls. Learn more about how to do that in the information that follows.
Types of Basement Wall Materials
· Drywall
For an inexpensive, easy to install and patch when damaged, cover. Drywall is the perfect choice if you want a material designed for areas prone to moisture. But, dry-walls may also take the longest time for installation. The price of this type of material ranges from $2 to $25 per square foot, including the labor.
· Cement board/tile
The best backer for ceramic tiles in areas where moisture is commonly found. Cement board/tile is waterproof, making it the most dependable protection for wood framings from moisture, molds, and mildew which drywall cannot. Despite such benefits, combining cement board and tile can be very heavy and hard to cut. It is also one of the most expensive combos. This material also is available for $6 to $12 per square foot.
· Plywood paneling
A thicker material than drywall but not resistant to fire. Plywood paneling can be painted, stained, or may be left unfinished, depending on your taste. The design of it, which is rustic, may be inappropriate for some rooms. It costs from $3 to $8 per square foot, including the assistance of basement remodelers.
· Pegboard
This type of board is thick particleboard that has holes at regular intervals and can also be made of galvanized steel. Pegboard may cost from $2 to $10 per square foot, wherein the installation cost is also cheap.
· Brick or stone veneer
For $8 to $20 per piece of one square foot, you can have basement walls made of brick or stone veneer. The most noticeable characteristic of this material is that it makes any room look luxurious and stunning while also being extremely sturdy that lasts longer than others. In exchange for that, you will have to pay the price, which can be very expensive.
· Modular panels
This material is pre-manufactured or ready-made; it includes insulation, vapor barrier, and more. Modular panels cost $2 to $8 per square foot. You may customize and design this material based on your taste and style. This can be the ultimate basement for you without needing to create a frame, insulation, or a vapor barrier.
· Wood planks
The long list of species of trees from which wood planks are made includes trees like cedar and birch, among others. The cost typically runs between $6 and $15 per square foot, including labor. A natural, homey look is achieved when you have walls made of wood. Likewise, wood planks are sturdy and durable. On the other hand, this material is also expensive and not fire-resistant.
Do’s and Don’ts of Finishing Basement Walls
Do:
· For any major changes or renovations to be done, always pull a permit.
· Use materials specially made for the finish of a basement.
· Make space for wires and pipes in new walls.
· Consider using a modular basement wall system for a simple basement remodel.
· Examine the room for any lumps or imperfections before anything else.
Don’t:
· Finish the walls unless they are completely dry.
· Forget to install an egress window if creating a bedroom.
· Build “tip up” walls for non-leveled concrete floors.
· All outlets, both finished and unfinished, need to be GFCI protected.
Basement Finishing Experts in South Shore, MA
The basement of your home may be just a storage room for you today. But, who knows when you may decide to make it something better, like an extended living room, an office, a home theater, or another bedroom. It’s always best to consult the experts when it comes to basement remodeling projects.
The wall, no matter what size your basement is, will have to be sturdy and stylish for the kind of room it has become. For an affordable, eco-friendly, long-lasting, and 100% guaranteed safe basement ceiling, basement finishing, design, waterproofing, and many more, South Shore Basement Finishing is here to assist! Let’s turn your basement into another stunning living space.
Reach us at 781-217-3411 to get a free quote and a free consultation with our team of professional basement contractors.
