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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Concrete is an inexpensive way to create a strong cover.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.