How can I cover my basement walls without drywall?

Author: Conrad Auer  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

How to Cover Unfinished Basement Walls
  1. Materials for Covering Unfinished Basement Walls.
  2. Method 1: Treatments for fabrics.
  3. Method 2: Construct a Peg Board Wall.
  4. Method 3: Wood Paneling.
  5. Method 4: Paint & Parging.
  6. Method 5: Drylok Masonry Waterproofer (Tinted)
  7. Method 6: Veneers for the Walls (Stone or Brick)

How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?

10 Inexpensive Basement Wall Panels
  1. Stone or Brick 3D Wall Paneling. Adding brick or stone paneling can increase the aesthetic appeal and be easy on the budget. ...
  2. Wood Wall Paneling. Wood really warms up the basement. ...
  3. Rigid Foam Sheets. ...
  4. Decorative Panels. ...
  5. Flat Panels. ...
  6. Board and Batten. ...
  7. Drywall. ...
  8. Wahoo Walls.

What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?

Cement Board

Using cement boards on walls instead of drywall won't save you money, but it's better suited for below-grade applications like basements or as a strong, water-resistant substrate for tile and other finish materials.

What is the cheapest way to cover interior concrete walls?

Use paint or wallpaper: Applying a coat of paint or hanging wallpaper over the concrete can be a relatively inexpensive way to cover the walls. Be sure to use a primer specifically designed for concrete surfaces to help the paint or wallpaper adhere properly.

What is the cheapest way to finish a wall without drywall?

Plywood and Sheet Wood: This is the cheapest alternative to drywall on this list. When paired with certain type of wall decorations, it can give off a deep country feel. It is fairly straightforward to work with and you can also paint plywood into the color of your choice.

How to put up BEAD BOARD walls with NO DRYWALL behind it

How do I make my basement look finished without drywall?

11 Drywall Alternatives for Your Basement
  1. Plywood Sheet. Photo: Александр Поташев / Adobe Stock. ...
  2. Brick Veneer. If you have brick basement walls but don't like how they look, consider covering them up with brick veneer. ...
  3. Exposed Brick or Concrete. ...
  4. Faux Brick. ...
  5. Cement Board. ...
  6. Lath and Plaster. ...
  7. Veneer Plaster. ...
  8. Curtains or Fabric.

What is the new product instead of drywall?

Trusscore is changing residential and commercial construction with products that combine sustainable materials with nanotechnology. Our PVC-based wall and ceiling panels are easy-to-install and high-performance replacements for traditional drywall and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels.

How do you cover concrete walls in a basement without drywall?

How to Cover Unfinished Basement Walls
  1. Materials for Covering Unfinished Basement Walls.
  2. Method 1: Treatments for fabrics.
  3. Method 2: Construct a Peg Board Wall.
  4. Method 3: Wood Paneling.
  5. Method 4: Paint & Parging.
  6. Method 5: Drylok Masonry Waterproofer (Tinted)
  7. Method 6: Veneers for the Walls (Stone or Brick)

Does peel and stick wallpaper work on concrete walls?

You can even wallpaper over tile and other slick, nonporous surfaces, such as concrete block, or synthetic laminate paneling. On many of these surfaces, you'll first need to apply lining paper, which is a blank wall covering that provides a smooth surface for regular wallpaper.

Can you put paneling directly on concrete walls?

How To Install Paneling on Concrete Walls. Faux wood, stone, river rock, and brick panels can be glued directly over concrete on the interior or exterior of your home. And because faux panels are lighter and easier to handle than real wood or stone, installation is a simple DIY project.

What is the cheapest wall covering besides drywall?

But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice. Installation is super easy, especially if you have a licensed contractor by your side to help you with all the nuances of the process.

What is a SmartWall?

SmartWall is a concrete masonry wall system that outperforms other masonry and non-masonry wall systems, especially in terms of weight, energy efficiency, maintenance, appearance, fire resistance, durability and strength.

What do you put on old basement walls?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence (i.e. salt deposits) or mold, coat them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer, and then paint with high-quality latex paint. A new wall color is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

How to inexpensively finish a basement?

11 Basement Renovations on a Budget
  1. Improve part of the basement.
  2. Paint the ceiling and walls.
  3. Incorporate an accent wall or ceiling.
  4. Add new lighting.
  5. Include storage options.
  6. Customize your staircase.
  7. Get creative with flooring.
  8. Break up open areas with furniture or dividers.

What can I cover cinder block walls with?

Vinyl siding is an enduring and low-maintenance choice for covering external cinder block walls. It is a sensible option for improving the external appearance of your home because it provides good resistance to fading, weathering, and moisture damage.

How can I cover my walls without drywall?

14 Best Drywall Alternatives for Your Walls
  1. Real Wood. When it comes to walls, nothing beats the real deal! ...
  2. Textured Wall Panels. Get ready to amp up your walls with the ultimate game-changer of interior design: 3D wall panels! ...
  3. Cork Wall. ...
  4. Plywood. ...
  5. Stone Veneer. ...
  6. Faux Brick Panels. ...
  7. Rammed Earth Panels. ...
  8. Exposed Concrete.

What will stick to concrete walls?

Construction Adhesive

One of the most secure ways to attach objects or materials to concrete is by using an adhesive. This fastens the object firmly, allowing for strong resistance against vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement. Construction adhesives come in different types.

How permanent is peel and stick wallpaper?

Cheap, old, or thin peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts about three years. Higher quality, newer peel-and-stick wallpaper can stay up for seven years or more. Peel-and-stick wallpaper won't last as long in humid areas or those with extreme temperatures. Install the wallpaper properly to maximize its life span.

Can you lay peel and stick on concrete?

Installing peel and stick garage floor tiles on your concrete floor is easy, but first start the process by cleaning it to get rid of all the dirt, grease, or oil. Make sure the floor is completely dry after cleaning. If you see any cracks or uneven spots, fill them with a self leveling concrete and smooth it out.

What is parging?

Parging, is a thin layer of mortar applied to the exteriors of concrete or masonry surfaces, such as foundation walls, bricks, or stones. This coating, typically composed of Portland cement, sand, and water, creates a durable and visually appealing finish.

What is the best alternative to drywall in a basement?

Drywall performs poorly in damp, wet environments, making it a poor wall or ceiling choice for a basement renovation. Instead, consider PVC-based products like Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall, products designed to deliver sharp-looking, functional, and long-lasting results in a basement use-case.

What is ZenWall?

ZenWall Panels are a vapor barrier and provide some insulation, as well as making your walls look much better than that plain, ugly concrete. They are not fully finished walls, so you can't install electrical outlets in them.

What is a wahoo wall?

Wahoo Walls are made of non-organic materials that are unharmed by water and do not support the growth of mold. Made of JetBoard brand Magnesium Oxide adhered to an Integrity EPS by Atlas R-13 panel that is rated R-15/16 when used continuously without studs. These durable solid walls are fast and easy to install.

Are PVC wall panels any good?

PVC wall panels are quick and easy to install, requiring no specialist tools or skills to do so. They are ideal for rough surfaces and can even be fitted directly on top on existing tiles, making them ideal for any room renovation.

What do old houses have instead of drywall?

Age of the home: Houses built before 1950 are more likely to have plaster walls. Wall thickness: Plaster walls are typically thicker than drywall. Hardness: Plaster is harder than drywall when you press on it.

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