How to Finish Basement Vent Pipes

Basement vent pipes either pump air into a room or pull air out. These vents need to be finished by covering them for aesthetic reasons and to control the circulating air. Vents are usually located in the walls or on the ceilings, so special covers are needed. Floor vent covers slip into the vent and stay in position but this type of cover will slide right out of the vent if it isn't secured properly. Use the right tools to cover the vent so it stays safely in position.

Measuring tape
Drill
Screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the vent opening with a measuring tape so you can determine what size cover to get.
- 2
  Purchase a vent cover that fits the vent. Choose either a heat register cover or a cold air vent cover, depending on the type of vent you are covering. Cold air vent covers never have dampers on them and help the air circulate in the room. Heat registers usually have dampers. You can also find vent covers that function as both heat register covers and cold air vent covers. Select a color and design that suits your decor.
- 3
  Drill pilot holes around the edge of a wood vent cover where your screws will go. If you are using a metal vent cover, buy one that is predrilled. For small, standard covers, drill one pilot hole on each end of the cover. Larger covers need a hole on each side, plus two holes on each length if they quite large and heavy.
- 4
  Install the cover into the ceiling around the vent by screwing the appropriate screws through the pilot holes and into the ceiling. If the ceiling is made from drywall, use drywall screws.

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