Drywall Or Drop Ceiling In A Basement

Hockeyman

Hey I was wondering if someone could tell me the best way to finish the ceiling in my basement. Should I put a drywall or a drop which one do you recommend.

logical

Depends on your situation. You may want a drop if you'll need access to what's above. I think some codes require not burying a gas pipe completely. I had all kinds of cable runs and water valves I wanted to be able to get at. Most people box in and drywall duct runs and other big stuff but use drop in between for access. Drywall is likely cheaper if you DIY and will look more "finished".

dayspring

Drywall will for sure give you a more "homely" look if access to valves, etc isn't a problem. Check with an inspector about local codes. One thing homeowners must realize is that a finished basement does not increase the homes value per sf, the same as the main floors. I advise a bit of caution in the dollars invested in basement space. You should always think resale value of your investment if you are a homeowner.

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Paul Nee

I just finished a 900sf. were we installed the drop ceiling. Although drywall is much cheaper in materials the cost of installation is were you save! We put it up in two days and it's done , with drywall you'd still be there after a weeks time ,with all the sanding and priming and paint. I will say that drywall looks much better and more inviting. Picking the right lighting and the carpet is key to a beautiful basement. And from what I've read online ,You can recoupe up to %90 of your investment in most major markets .That's not bad!

dayspring

Paul you are correct. REMODELING ONLINE shows that a Mid-range basement remodel will recoup approx. 90.1% at resale. Not bad.

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littlefatdog

if your basement gets humid or wet - thats the first issue to tackle

firemike

I always try to talk someone out of drywalling a basement ceiling.

Reason #1 - Can't tell you the number of jobs I have been on where a toilet overflowed, shower leaked or overflowed, etc. Told homeowner that a drop ceiling could have been fixed for less than $100, and they could have done it themselves. Now, it gonna be $800 for me to fix the drywall and repaint the ceiling.

Reason #2 - No matter how much you plan and think, it seems like there is always something you want to add or change in a house later on. I hate going into someones house and looking at what should be a simple job, but having to tell them that because you have a drywall ceiling, adding something relativley simple that involves going through the ceiling will cost an extra $600 - $800 or more because we have to cut the ceiling up, then fix it and repaint it, along with two or three extra days at the house. Had it been a drop ceiling, we'd have been in and out in less than a day. Pulling a circuit for a new hot tub, or a line for a new gas log, or cabling for a home theater system becomes much more expensive, especially if there are no other alternate routes to go than through the ceiling.

Paul is right, drywall does look better, but there are many nice looking drop ceiling tile patterns. With the right lighting and finishing, a basement can still look great with a drop ceiling.

all vinyl

i have to agree although dry wall gives more of a home felling and not look like a commerical space. I find myself doing more drop for the reasons stated above basicly water valves leaking toilets over flowing . I generall box out everything like main beam pipes and the such then bring in the drop ceilling to give more height :

GreenEggs

I think firemike already made the point I was going to make; down the road there is always going to be something you will want to add or change.

Double-A

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