Flat Basement
Several options, with varying degrees of effort and expense, exist for finishing a basement ceiling. Before choosing, you must first consider some factors specific to basement ceilings. Because of plumbing and wiring, you may need to access the ceiling periodically for repairs or maintenance. Therefore, you must choose a covering that allows you to remove part of it when necessary.
Drywall
Otherwise known as sheetrock, this option is perhaps the most professional way to finish the basement ceiling, and you can paint it whatever color you like. However, it is also among the most expensive because it is usually advisable to hire a professional to install it. It is overwhelming to weekend do-it-yourselfers because they generally do not have enough experience in taping and using the joint filling mud. People quickly notice blemishes in a drywall installation.
Dropped (Suspended) Ceiling
This system of lightweight ceiling tiles suspended from a framework of metal brackets is attached to the bottom of the ceiling joists. It is far less expensive than drywall and much easier to install yourself. Also, homeowners can easily remove individual tiles for maintenance and repair purposes. In addition, the tiles have sound-deadening qualities that make the home quieter.
Many homeowners do not like the look of a dropped ceiling because it looks too commercial or industrial. However, some alternatives exist within this option that look different from something you might see in an office or retail store. However, tiles can eventually sag and discolor over time, and you will have to replace them eventually.
Another drawback to suspended ceilings is that they must be suspended a minimum of eight inches below the ceiling joists, causing a loss of room height. In a basement, the room height is usually less than the rest of the house to start with, so this may be unacceptable. However, there are newer suspended ceiling systems on the market that take up much less headroom.
Paneling or Bead Board
You can screw sheets of faux wood paneling or bead board to the floor joists above a basement room to provide an attractive ceiling. This solution is fairly affordable, depending on the material used. In addition, it is easily installed by a do-it-yourselfer. The main disadvantage to it is that it is not as easily removed for maintenance as tiles are.
Fabric
You can suspend fabric from the overhead joists in a basement ceiling to provide coverage. It would be fairly easy to dismantle the fabric installation to access plumbing and wiring, and the range of colors and patterns is almost endless for this solution. Installation is fairly fast using only a staple gun. There are also fabric systems designed specifically for ceilings on the market that you can choose from. This solution can be very inexpensive, depending on the fabric, and easily installed by the homeowner.
Tags: basement ceiling, Basement Ceiling Ideas, basement room, Ceiling Ideas, ceiling joists, easily installed, Flat Basement