How to Remodel a Basement With Planking Walls

Waterproofing

• It doesn't make sense to approach this project without waterproofing the basement. Wood absorbs moisture, expands and contracts because of it, and will rot away if constantly exposed to it. So all water leakage and moisture problems must be corrected and blocked as the first step in installing planking walls in the basement. Select a high-quality waterproof paint that expands in the concrete walls' crevices to seal moisture out, and fill in any holes or gaps in the concrete with waterproof caulking formulated for concrete.

Insulation

• Install insulation in the basement walls to regulate its indoor temperature effectively. Insulation not only keeps in the warmth in the winter and keeps the basement cool in the summer, but it will also slow down or block dramatic temperature shifts against the planking walls as it blocks drafts and covers exterior walls. This step gives the walls the added protection they need against cold and moisture since there will be natural gaps between each plank -- and many will be used to cover the walls.

Vapor Barrier

• Before getting to the actual installation of the planking on the walls, the walls must be covered with a vapor barrier -- such as a polyethylene or vinyl vapor barrier membrane -- as the final step in making the basement walls suitable for wall planking. The vapor barrier membrane puts a waterproof shield over the insulation, which will act as a stop for any moisture or air that, for some unforeseen reason, makes its way through the wall. For the few extra dollars, the investment in a vapor barrier means added years to the planking wall investment.

Wall Base

• Choose the orientation of the planking walls for the basement. Vertical planks add height, while horizontal ones add width to the room. Many planking walls are horizontal because this orientation is easier to work with once the first, bottom row is installed. The horizontal orientation gives each row several wood-stud attachment points -- that is, to the existing wall studs -- whereas a vertical orientation would not.

  But if vertical is the way to go, then first install horizontal furring strips -- spaced 12 to 24 inches apart -- over all of the walls. This way, each vertical planking board will have ample connection points to the wall.

Installing the Planks

• Choose a horizontal or vertical orientation for the planks. Then level the first plank, as it sets the orientation of each one to follow on the wall.

  For horizontal planking walls, start at the bottom. Measure the planks, and cut to size, lengthwise, to cover the span of the wall. Secure each plank to the wall at the position of each wall stud. Continue aligning, leveling and nailing each plank until the wall is complete.

  A similar approach applies to the vertical planking wall. Align the first plank to the corner of the wall -- vertically leveled -- and nail the plank into the furring strips as well as into the wood stud with 2 1/2-inch finishing nails -- long enough to span the thickness of the furring strips and still penetrate a wood stud. Continue aligning, leveling and nailing the planks until the wall is complete.

  Continue the same horizontal or vertical theme throughout the entire basement, or incorporate both orientations throughout the basement according to your design preference.