How to Finish the Walls Going to Basement Stairs

Measure the wall area above the stairs for drywall. Use an adjustable safety ladder that allows you to select the height of each leg. This enables you to measure the height and width of the walls at the ceiling of the stairway and the area near the base of the stairs in a safe manner.

Transfer the measurements onto the drywall. Use a drywall T-square and a utility knife to score along the line. Snap the drywall along the scored edges. Have a friend help you hold the drywall in place while you attach it to the underlying studs, using drywall screws and a drywall bit. Place the screws about 3/8 inch from the edge of the drywall, screwing them in about 12 inches apart. Place them along the middle studs no more than 16 inches from one another.

Mix the joint compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press it into the joints between the drywall and over the tops of the screw indentations, smoothing it with your drywall knife. Spread the tape over the joints. Apply another thin coat of joint compound over the top of the tape. Let it dry and apply another thin coat to cover the edges of the tape. Let the compound dry, then buff the edges of the dried compound with fine-grade sandpaper to create a smooth finish.

Mix and apply a wall texture product, according to the instructions on the texturing compound. Let the texture dry for the amount of time recommended on the packaging label.

Cover the textured walls with a primer. Paint the walls with an interior paint using a paintbrush and roller. Depending on your paint, you may need to use two or three coats to provide even coverage.