Use paneling: Wood or composite paneling can be a cost-effective way to cover concrete walls. You can install the paneling directly over the concrete using adhesive or screws. 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.
Veneering, which is likely your best bet for long-lasting but also the most work. Stucco, brick, and stone are all options that include a drip space between the wall and veneer when properly installed. Ideally you'd also add a cap to keep out rain and tie the two together visually.
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.
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.
Average Cost to Remodel a Basement
Remodeling a basement costs $5,000-$10,000 on average, so you can easily finish your basement for $10,000 or less. Typically, this cost includes: Adding walls. New flooring.
A cinder block retaining wall can last a very long time, typically between 50 to 100 years, depending on the quality of materials used and the conditions it's exposed to. Proper construction and maintenance are crucial for longevity.
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.
Bricks and Blocks are Made to be Porous
And that's the first reason you don't want to paint over your brick/ block walls.
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.
Covering the Walls
Covering cinder block or plywood walls with drywall gets costly quickly. To save money, limit the use of drywall or look for other options to cover a portion of the walls. Again, paint is the quickest and cheapest way to make a basement look more inviting.
It requires a high level of coordination between various contractors and professionals, which a general contractor is capable of handling—since they have the experience. Handymen, on the other hand, can do the job well but may need assistance.
A: One of the most expensive parts of finishing a basement is doing foundation repairs and any waterproofing, electrical work, and additional framing or insulation.
Apply a masonry waterproofing product to the walls
Seal/coat the interior of the walls with a suitable masonry waterproof product. When the paint dries, the sealant forms a watertight bond to stop water from seeping through. This is how you can waterproof your basement walls from inside.
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.
Vinyl brick wrap, also sometimes called rough wrap, is a type of adhesive vinyl wall covering that adheres to rough-textured surfaces, such as brick walls. This can be used on brick, cinder block walls and sealed smooth concrete.
We recommend using products that feature a woven poly-cotton osnaburg backing. The grid-textured osnaburg backing holds paste better than smooth fabric backings, which helps hold the mural material to lightly textured surfaces.