When choosing a ceiling for your finished basement, it can be difficult to make a selection. There are many choices out there like traditional drywall, tongue and groove boards, acoustic ceiling tiles, and drop ceiling – it is important to consider each one.
Steps to Choosing a Ceiling
A drywall ceiling requires a relocation of most pipes and ducts into the joist cavities, or out to the perimeter of the room. The next step requires placement of a wood frame to box in around anything still hanging below the line of the ceiling joists. It is also required to place wooden furring strips where extra strength may be needed. It is necessary to use the furring and the framed boxes in order to provide a solid backing for the finished ceiling treatment. Drywall is a good choice because of the low cost of the material; however, future taping and sanding can add extra labour. An alternative would be ceiling tiles – they are easy to cut, and their small size makes them simple to handle. They are installed by stapling them to the furring strips, and moving pipes and ducts is needed in order to provide suitable framing for a nice flat ceiling.
Another option to consider is the standard drop ceiling. It is one of the easiest solutions to cover basement joists, but hanging and cutting rails can add extra work and stress to a project. Also, some people do not prefer the aesthetic of this ceiling.
A Fresh Touch Up
If you want to leave your ceiling alone, but want it to look good as new, you can get the pipes and duct work cleaned. By using primer and an airless sprayer to paint everything one color, you can freshen up your ceiling without the added hassle. One potential issue with this method is that some gas lines or electrical lines may not be able to be painted. Ultimately, this method can give your ceiling the touch up it needs, and is a cost effective solution.