DIY Basement Finishing Ideas

Floor Plan

• Start by identifying the types of activities that are most used in a basement, and determine the amount of space each activity requires. Map out a floor plan that sections space for each activity. Think about the types of lighting, ceiling materials, sound proofing, furnishings and equipment that are used. Calculate space for desks and table space, sofas and chairs and the entry and exits required to adjoin different rooms or areas.

Home Theater

• A basement is an ideal area to incorporate space for a home theater. Use the space entirely for entertainment, or plan to accommodate additional areas for home office space, laundry and other tasks. Design the floor plan so that you can see where the entertainment area is best staged to accommodate for electrical needs, mounting a flat screen television, audio equipment and staging furnishings and perhaps a bar. Know what you can complete as a do-it-yourself project and what will require professional installation, like wiring and electrical work.

Bar

• A basement bar becomes a gathering space for family members, friends and parties. You can create a simple, do-it-yourself bar for hosting and serving. A simple L-shape or straight bar makes for accommodating do-it-yourself projects. Measure the space area and allow for entry and easy access. Construct the base of the bar with plywood. Use prefabricated countertop materials like tile or granite slabs to form the bar top. Seal edges with tile or paint to make the task easy to do yourself. Incorporate shelves underneath the bar to hold equipment. Finish the facing area of the bar with paint, wood finishes or tile.

Home Office and Study Space

• Dedicate an area of the basement to create a home office and study space for students. You can either create a long wall that is surfaced with wood or laminate materials for desk space for the entire family. Or create separate spaces for the home office and separate spaces for kids to do their homework. Consider electrical circuitry needs for computers, printers, telephones and other electronic devices. Include ample wall space area for mounting bookshelves to hold materials and supplies and floorspace for desks, chairs and credenzas.

Workshop Area

• Create a workshop by installing drywall to create the workspace areas. Install pegboard on walls with hooks to neatly display and organize tools and keep them accessible. Or use slat boards to give a contemporary look to a workshop. Use flooring of rubberized mats or linoleum to make the area more accommodating to cuttings and clean-up-after projects. Consider his and hers workshop spaces for woodworking, crafts and sewing.

Flooring

• Select flooring materials that will accommodate the use and traffic for each area. Use materials that make cleanup and maintenance easy if spills and stains are frequent. Use flooring that provides for safety if tools are frequently used. Laminate flooring works for sewing and craft areas where sweeping is frequent. Incorporate comfort with carpeting in an area that is dedicated to entertainment and relaxation.