What is the cheapest way to cover concrete walls in a basement?

Author: Mr. Chauncey Kunde III  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

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 to put over concrete walls in a basement?

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.

How to cover concrete walls in 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)

What is the best material to cover concrete walls with?

  • Use paneling: Wood or composite paneling can be a cost-effective way to cover 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.

What is the least expensive way to finish a basement?

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.

The BEST Wall Panels for Basement Finishing

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.

How much does it cost to finish a 1500 sq ft basement DIY?

Basement finishing costs about $7 to $23 per square foot, so the larger the space, the more you'll spend to turn it into a cozy den or welcoming guest suite. A smaller, 500-square-foot basement will cost about $3,500 to $11,500 total, while a large, 1,500-square-foot basement will cost $10,500 to $34,500 to finish.

What is the best wall covering for a basement?

Best Types of Basement Wall Material
  • Concrete: Concrete is a popular choice for basement walls due to its durability and strength. ...
  • Drywall: Drywall is a cost-effective and relatively easy-to-install option for basement walls.

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.

What is the cheapest way to finish concrete walls?

Ideas for Finishing Basement Walls on the Cheap
  1. Insulation and vapor barrier.
  2. Drywall.
  3. Wood paneling.
  4. Plywood or OSB.
  5. Paint.
  6. Pallet wood.
  7. Faux brick or stone.
  8. Fabric or curtains.

Can I use plywood on basement walls?

Plywood Sheet

Plus, plywood is one of the more affordable wall paneling options, with an average cost between $1 and $5 per square foot. Just be aware, though, that plywood isn't as fire-resistant as drywall. Best For: Basements on a budget.

What is the cheapest way to cover a cinder block wall?

Concrete is an inexpensive way to create a strong cover.

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 will stick to concrete walls?

What You Need To Securely Fasten Objects to a Concrete Wall
  • Construction Adhesive. One of the most secure ways to attach objects or materials to concrete is by using an adhesive. ...
  • Eye Bolts. ...
  • Cup Hooks. ...
  • Self-Drilling Screws. ...
  • Final Thoughts.

What can you use instead of drywall in a basement?

21 Drywall Alternatives to Try Right Now to Upgrade Unfinished Walls
  • 01 of 21. Plywood. The Spruce / Jacob Fox. ...
  • 02 of 21. Plaster and Lath. Liudmila Chendekova / Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 21. Cement Board. ...
  • 04 of 21. Shiplap. ...
  • 05 of 21. Wood Paneling. ...
  • 06 of 21. Tongue-and-Groove Boards. ...
  • 07 of 21. Cork. ...
  • 08 of 21. Barnwood.

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.

How to cover concrete walls in a basement?

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 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.

Will peel and stick work on concrete?

Self-stick vinyl tiles can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, plywood, or sheet vinyl. No matter what the surface, it must be free of old adhesive, moisture, and dust.

What are the options for covering concrete wall?

7 Best Exterior Cinder Block Wall Covering Ideas
  • Origin TerraForm used for exterior cinder block wall covering.
  • Costa TerraForm makes a beautiful debut on this cement block fence entryway.
  • Ochre Blend Rock Panels Mid-Install on a Fireplace in Colorado.
  • Manufactured Stone Veneer.
  • Harvest Gold Limestone with Mortar Wash.

What's cheaper, paneling or drywall?

The price of wall paneling usually depends on the quality. The more thickness vinyl panels possess, the higher the price would be. When you compare the price of vinyl wall paneling with drywall, you will come to know that the cost of wall paneling is higher than the drywall.

Are basement walls concrete or cement?

Concrete is always the first choice for residential basement walls. Consider these advantages: Its Strong Concrete is much stronger than other foundation materials. What's more, it actually gains strength when it ages.

Can you finish a basement for $10,000?

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.

How to finish basement floor on a budget?

Basement Flooring On A Budget

Since basement flooring can get expensive, Smith suggests luxury vinyl tile, or LVT. “It's water resistant,” she says, “and results in huge savings compared to traditional tile installation.” For a more industrial look, refinish with concrete and use large area or throw rugs.

What is the most expensive part of finishing a basement?

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.

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