Finishing out a basement can provide additional living space at a very affordable price. While certain aspects of finishing a basement are very straight forward, hanging drywall requires some forethought as well as special attention.
Instructions
1. Measure the wall you will be covering with drywall. If the walls are cement or concrete block, you will need to build a wood form to which you can attach the drywall. The form should be based on 24-inch centers and should have a top and bottom runner. Carefully measure the area to determine the amount of material that will be required to complete the form.
2. Build the form using pressure-treated lumber. The form can be constructed of 2-by-2-inch or 1-by-4-inch boards. When completed there should be a continuous run of board along the top and bottom of the wall, as well as a vertical board every 24 inches. Attach these boards to the wall using masonry screws. A snug fit is desired between the basement floor and the floor joists overhead.
3. Bring your drywall into the basement. Standard drywall comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets and can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses. You should use a minimum of 3/8 inch drywall for this application. Standard basement ceilings are 8 feet high, so the drywall sheets should go up easily. Begin in one corner, being certain to get the sheet square. Attach the drywall to the form using drywall screws. Place a screw approximately every 16 to 18 inches along each side, the middle, and both the top and bottom runners.
4. Continue applying full sheets of drywall across the form. The final sheet might need to be cut to fit. Carefully measure the opening for the final piece at both the top and bottom of the opening. Mark these measurements on a piece of drywall, then cut the drywall using a razor-blade cutter. Install the final section of drywall to complete the wall. Repeat this process for each wall to be covered.
5. When the drywall is installed, go over each screw head with a small amount of drywall plaster. You will also need to cover the seams. Use the plaster sparingly, being certain not to put it on too thick. Once the plaster dries, sand it smooth and then check for any divots or areas that are uneven. If any problems are found, apply additional plaster and repeat the process. When this step is completed, the walls are ready to be painted.
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