are a common option for basements, but boring ceiling tiles are not the only choice. The right material for your basement ceiling depends on your personal style as well as other factors such as the ceiling height, your budget and the style of the room. Options beyond the drop ceiling include drywall and wood planks. Plan your entire basement finishing project to help decide which type of ceiling material fits with the other elements and your budget.
Instructions
1. Calculate your basement ceiling budget so you can identify the options you are able to afford.
2. Inspect the basement ceiling to determine what types of pipes, wires and other functional items run along it. Look for access points for plumbing, electricity, heat, etc. You may need access to these elements eventually, which means an easily removable ceiling like a drop ceiling might be the best option. If you choose drywall or wood planks, you need to leave access points, especially for plumbing, or you will have to tear down part of the ceiling if a problem occurs.
3. Measure the height of the ceiling. Measure to the bottom of any duct work that hangs down lower, because the ceiling needs to go below the ducts. However, if you drywall, you can create a box around the duct work so only that part of the ceiling is lower. Drop ceilings take off about 8 inches from the headroom in the basement because they hang down from the actual ceiling; drywall and wood planks allow you to retain most of the headroom.
4. Measure the surface area of the ceiling so you can estimate how much ceiling material you need. Visit the home improvement store to get pricing for drywall, wood planks and drop ceiling kits. Calculate the total cost by using the measurements to calculate how much of each material you need. This allows you to determine which options fit into your budget.
5. Review your design plan for the basement to determine which type of material gives you the look you want. Drywall creates a finished, smooth look that makes the basement feel more like a regular room than a basement. Wood planks create a rustic feeling that you might find in other areas of the home. Drop ceilings often have a more commercial feeling to them, but you there are some decorative options with varying colors and styles for both the grids and the panels.
6. Assess your own home improvement skills if you plan to install the ceiling yourself. Drywall installation on the ceiling requires at least two people or a drywall lift because the sheets are so heavy. You also have to tape and mud the seams, which is sometimes difficult if you want a smooth, professional look. Wood planks require you to attach wood furring strips perpendicular to the joists and then attach the wood planks to the furring strips. Drop ceilings are often easier to install.
7. Compare all the factors to determine which ceiling option best fits your budget, style and basement space.
Tags: Drop ceilings, drywall wood, drywall wood planks, your budget, basement ceiling