Should You Drywall a Basement Ceiling? Pros, Cons, and Things to Consider

Basements can be great spaces for storage, a home office, a playroom, or even another bedroom. However, one question that often comes up is whether to drywall the basement ceiling. There are pros and cons to both options, and it’s essential to consider all of them before making a decision.

In this guide we will take a look at the pros and cons of drywalling a basement ceiling, as well as help you make the best decision for your home. So, let’s get started.

What is Drywall?

Drywall is a material used to create walls and ceilings. It is made of panels that are nailed or screwed to the studs in your home. Drywall is an inexpensive way to finish your basement, and it can be done by a do-it-yourselfer with some basic skills.

 

The drywall panels are fire-resistant and soundproof, which makes them ideal for a basement. This type of wall can even be painted or textured to match the rest of your home.

Pros of Drywalling a Basement Ceiling

Drywalling your basement ceiling has a few advantages. Here are a few of the aforementioned pros:

Aesthetic

Let’s face it, a drywall ceiling looks a lot nicer than an exposed joist ceiling. Installing drywall in your basement can make the space feel more like a living area, and less like a dungeon. It gives a clean, finished look.

Soundproofing

Having a drywall ceiling can help with soundproofing your basement. This can be a great option if you live in a noisy neighborhood, or have kids who like to make a lot of noise. Drywall ceilings can also help muffle noise, and make your basement a more peaceful retreat.

Increased home value

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, drywalling your basement ceiling can increase the resale value. Buyers are always looking for homes that have been well-maintained, and a drywall ceiling is a good indication that the home has been cared for.

More flexibility with lighting

One of the great things about drywall ceilings is that they give you more options when it comes to lighting. You can install recessed lights, track lighting, or even a chandelier if you want to get really fancy.

Easy to repair

Drywall is very easy to repair if it is ever damaged. You can simply patch the area with new drywall mud, and sand it down until it is flush with the rest of the ceiling. This is a much easier repair job than having to replace an entire section of ceiling tiles.

Fire resistance

It is important to consider fire resistance when deciding whether or not to drywall your basement ceiling. Drywall is a non-combustible material, meaning it will not catch fire easily. This makes it an ideal choice for areas that are prone to fires, such as basements.

Material and labor costs are cheap

The cost of materials and labor to drywall a basement ceiling is cheap compared to other home improvement projects.

Cons of drywalling a basement ceiling

Drywalling your basement ceiling also has a few disadvantages. Here are a few of the cons:

Not resistant to impact and water

A drywall ceiling is not as tough as other ceilings, and can easily be damaged. It’s also not waterproof, so if there’s any chance of a leak, it’s best to avoid drywall or use a waterproof variety.

Installation needs more effort

 If you’re not experienced in drywalling, it can be tricky to get the hang of it. It’s also a bit more time-consuming than some other options. You’ll need to take the time to measure and cut the drywall correctly, and then apply it to the ceiling.

Can sag over time

Drywall ceilings can sag over time if they’re not installed properly. This is usually due to incorrect nailing or screwing of the drywall panels. If your basement ceiling starts to sag, fixing it can be a real pain.

7 Different Types of Drywall for Your Basement Ceiling

Now that you know the pros and cons of drywalling your basement ceiling, it’s time to know the different types of drywall that are available. Here are seven different types of drywall to choose from:

1

Paperless drywall

Paperless drywall is made of a fiberglass mat that’s coated with resin. It’s mold-resistant and waterproof, making it ideal for use in basements. Paperless drywall is also thinner and lighter than traditional drywall, making it easier to work with.




2

Type X drywall

This is fire-resistant drywall that is often used in commercial construction and is also available to homeowners. While it costs more than regular drywall, the extra expense may be worth it if you are concerned about fire safety. Type X drywall is denser and heavier than regular drywall, so it requires two people to install it.

3

Soundproof drywall

Soundproof drywall is made with a layer of mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sandwiched between two layers of drywall. MLV is a dense, flexible material that absorbs sound. Soundproof drywall is more expensive than regular drywall, but it’s worth the investment if you want a finished basement that’s quiet and peaceful.

4

Purple drywall

Purple drywall is a type of specialized drywall that is designed to help resist the growth of mold and mildew. It’s often used in bathrooms and other damp areas where regular drywall would be susceptible to mold growth.

5

Blue board drywall

Also known as plaster baseboard, this type of drywall is used as a base for plaster veneer. It is denser than regular drywall and has a special paper coating that helps the plaster adhere to it.

6

Green board drywall

Green board drywall is a type of moisture-resistant drywall that’s specifically designed for use in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements. The Green board is made with a water-resistant gypsum core, covered with paper that has water-resistant additives.

7

Regular drywall or whiteboard

Regular drywall or whiteboard is the most common type of material used to finish basement ceiling tiles. It’s inexpensive, and easy to install. You can also paint or wallpaper over it, giving you many design options.

How Much Does It Cost To Drywall A Basement Ceiling?

The cost of drywalling a basement ceiling will depend on the size of your basement, and the type of materials you use. The average cost to drywall a small basement (100 square feet) is between $300 and $500.

 

For a medium-sized basement (200 square feet), the average cost is between $600 and $800. As for a large basement (300 square feet), the average cost is between $900 and $1200.

 

Of course, these are just estimates. The actual cost will depend on the materials you use, and the complexity of your project. If you’re planning on doing the work yourself, you can expect to pay less than if you hire a professional.

Are Drop Ceilings Cheaper Than Drywall?

Drop ceiling tiles or suspended ceilings are usually cheaper than drywall, but the price difference depends on a number of factors. The biggest factor is the ceiling height of your basement. The taller your basement ceiling, the more expensive it will be to install a drop ceiling.

 

Another factor that can affect the drop ceiling cost is the type of materials you use for your drop ceiling. If you use cheaper materials, you can expect to pay less for your drop ceiling. However, if the floor joists in your basement are exposed, installing a drop ceiling may be more expensive because you’ll need to add supports for the ceiling panels.

 

Drywall is a more versatile material than drop ceiling panels, so that it can be used in a wider range of applications. Drywall can also be installed over existing walls and ceilings, so you don’t have to rip out your old ceiling or wallboard. Additionally, if your basement has an irregular shape, drywall can be cut to fit any space.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a suspended tile ceiling in your basement, it does not need to be drywalled. However, if you have an exposed beam ceiling or an open joist ceiling, you will need to drywall it.

If you are drywalling a room from scratch, it is best to start with the ceiling. This will give you a stable surface to work on when you are drywalling the walls.

The answer is yes, you can. Just make sure the joists are clean and dry first. Don’t forget to use a moisture barrier, such as a green board, if your basement is prone to dampness.

Adding a layer of drywall to your basement ceiling can have many benefits, including improved insulation, soundproofing, and increased fire resistance. It can also make your basement feel more like part of your home, rather than an unfinished space. With a little planning and some professional help, drywalling your basement ceiling can be a relatively easy and rewarding project.