What are cheap alternatives to cover cement basement wall? We are not handy and drywall is probably beyond us!
We have a basement and want to make it teen friendly, but have very little money to do it. We don’t feel like we have the skills or manpower to install drywall but our kids hate the popcorn finish on the cement walls.
What are some of my options?
Here is what I found when I Google it:
You could use wood paneling glued to the walls. You would have to scrap popcorn finish off first.
Cheapest and easiest would be to just paint the walls with a warmer color though. Really do not want to do!
Furring strips can be anchored to the walls with a ‘ramset’ system, or by using any of several styles of cement anchors.
Other things to consider…. fabric on the walls, hanq some quilts, paneling, vinyl coated sheetrock (seams are covered with trim, no joint finishing), etc. Perhaps a floor covering product could be used… like carpet, tile, laminated flooring (the snap together type would be very easy to install), tongue and groove wood… lots of choices.
Use lighter colors to help with the lighting, and consider adding some more lights…..lighting can help change a room immensely.
Try FRP… it’s a plastic panel that you can glue on with construction adhesive. There is a trim piece that fits between the panels so there is an easy transition - and it comes in several designs and colors and is plastic - so easy to clean!
I have a internet link below you can check out… available at Lowes, Home Depot or most lumber company’s.
Source(s):
http://www.marlite.com/designer-wall-sys…
Fast, easy and washable: install shirred fabric on rods on the walls (top and bottom or just top). When it gets grubby, toss it in the washer.
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I agree with Carl…I had already thought that would be cool when I read his answer. You’d be a hit! If not a mural, then let them pick three shades of a color and have at it…I think I always wanted my mom to let me be more expressive in decorating…it was so much “her thing” that she couldn’t let go…so that’s undoubtedly influencing my vote! ha! Debra
Thanks for all of the help and ideas, I have one…it’s taking small glass colored like rocks, the ones you fill in a jar and put a candle in for decorations…well, I want to stucko them on the walls, yes a project but I think it will be “my own design” and bring value to this house (we won’t ever move out)—
I was thinking paint for concrete in fun colors and have the teens do it themselves. All the wall hangings attached with construction adhesive are great ideas as well. It is amazing what you can find when you let your fingers do the walking and have a handy Home Depot not too far from home. Good luck with the basement remodeling. Have the teens be involved as much as possible, it will make great memories for them and it will empower them and make the basement more their space. Thinking of you Jackie!
At least a fabric wall hanging or two to cut down on the echo affect hard surfaces have. They’ll also help brighten a room and can be changed out easily to fit the season or tastes. The links you gave do ahve some wonderful ideas, though.
Very creative blog and alot of great information!
I would go with the panels.
Wow! Now those are stunning panels! If we had a basement I would use that for sure! They say it’s moisture proof as well and easy to clean and the designs they have are stunning!
Why don’t you just give in a flat white primer coat and let the kids paint a graffiti mural or there is wall size murals of delightful scenes in wall paper.