The Unique Ways to Finish a Basement Ceiling

Suspended Ceiling

• Add a suspended ceiling to your basement by placing foam tiles into a metal frame. The benefits of the ceiling tiles include easy and quick access to all pipe and electrical wiring in the basement. Don't use white tiles; instead opt for foam tiles that can be painted. Choose different colors instead of a monotone look. Tiles may also be wrapped in wallpaper patterns. You can mix bold stripes, florals and solid color for a unique look.

Faux Finishes

• Faux finishes are based on two different materials, glazes and plaster. Create a faux finish just for your basement. Darker faux finishes will lower the ceiling and create a cozy environment. Paint the walls red, and wash with a black or dark umber glaze. Or add chocolate brown venetian plaster to the ceiling in a knockdown texture. Paint the plaster bronze or copper, and then stain with a black glaze. Experiment with colors and textures on sample boards first if you are a beginner faux finisher. The finishes are relatively simple to create on a practice board whereas replicating the project on an entire ceiling is more difficult. Hire a faux finish artisan if you are unsure of your technique.

Textures

• If you want a unique finish in your basement, besides acoustical popcorn texture, opt for creative plaster finishes. The finishes may remain off-white but still add visual interest to the basement. Apply knockdown or skip trowel texture with a trowel and drywall mud. Add several layers of mud for a layered look. Paint the surface white or cream to give a larger feeling to the basement.

Considerations

• If sound is a concern, choose plaster finishes to create a barrier. The plaster also disguises any drywall application flaw created when taping drywall joints. The least expensive ceiling finish is a plaster technique left unpainted or painted a solid white. Faux finishes range in price from $5 on up for ceiling work, as of July 2011, depending on the material you are using and if you hire a contractor. Generally, suspended ceilings are difficult to install and will be the most expensive.