The Things to Know About Installing a Drywall Ceiling in a Basement

Insulation

• Installing drywall over exposed ceiling beams is not recommended. Instead, you will need insulation between the floor above and the new drywall. This will help keep heating and cooling costs low by trapping the hot or cold air, making your basement usable year round. The most conventional route is fiberglass because of its affordability and ease of install. However, you can also choose more eco-friendly options such as denim or even straw. A layer of foam or rubber to absorb sound is also a smart option for cushioning the impact on the drywall.

Electrical and Plumbing

• Drywall is a more permanent solution to a basement ceiling than a dropped ceiling. Before nailing drywall and applying plaster, be sure that all the interior electrical and plumbing work is finished and ready to be covered. Depending on your location, you may need permits or approval of the electrical and plumbing work before installing the drywall. To provide future access to wiring and plumbing, consider adding drop panels in inconspicuous areas around your basement.

Flush Frames

• Drywall is nailed directly to ceiling frames during installation, which means the wood framing should be properly installed. Before beginning, repair or replace any wood segments that are showing signs of rot, mildew or even termite damage. It is also important that the framing be as flush and straight as possible. If the wood is starting to bow, replace this stud or create a kerf in the wood to counteract the bow. The kerf is a slit cut into the wood with a saw that will bend to create a level stud.

Get Assistance

• Installing drywall in the ceiling is typically not a one person job. In fact, you will need one or more people to support the weight of the drywall while another person nails it in place. If extra assistance is not available, use a lift to hold the drywall in place while it is being installed. Depending on the size of your basement, installing the drywall could be a long and labor-intensive process. Having a little help can save time.