What should basement walls be made of?

What should basement walls be made of?

Concrete Block The least-expensive option for basement construction involves the use of concrete blocks or masonry. The walls are made of cinder blocks and can be constructed in a fraction of the time it takes to create a poured concrete wall. Steel rebar is generally used to reinforce the strength of these walls.

How do you make a concrete basement wall look good?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

How much does it cost to build a wall in a basement?

The national average materials cost to frame basement walls is $0.96 per square foot, with a range between $0.90 to $1.02. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $3.67, coming in between $2.52 to $4.82. A typical 300 square foot project costs $1,100.19, with a range of $755.37 to $1,445.01.

Can you use cement board on basement walls?

First of all, drywall should not be attached directly to basement walls. Instead, use cement board on the lower portion of the wall, about 10”-12” from the floor. Also, be sure to cover the lower part of the wall and floor with a moisture resistant product, like tile.

Is finishing a basement a good investment?

Finishing a basement can be a good investment. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar.

What can I put on my basement walls in concrete?

The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.

What can I put over concrete walls?

If installing drywall panels, use moisture- and mildew-resistant drywall. When insulating concrete basement walls (a good idea because concrete basement walls are often cold), use rigid foam board insulation if the insulation will come into direct contact with the concrete wall.

Is it cheaper to build on a slab or basement?

Slab foundations on average are about $10,000 cheaper than most crawl spaces. Slabs are much cheaper if a crawl space or basement must be carved out of solid rock, which can be very expensive. Slab foundations make it less likely that radon gas will leak into the house.

What do you put on concrete basement walls?

Drywall. The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.