There are multiple options to finish a basement without drywall including fabric, wood planks, stone veneer, and more. These DIY options are cheaper—and let you skip the hassles of a full basement renovation.

Finishing a basement without drywall gives you additional living space and increases the value of your home. But the methods used to frame and finish walls above ground are more difficult and costly to execute in your basement. But there are several ways to get the look you want without all the cost.

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Alternative ways to finish your basement (without drywall or studs)

Finishing a basement without drywall is a great way to add space and style to your home. However you want to use this extra space, you need to start by transforming the plain, dull cement walls.

On the main floors of your home, walls are framed with wall studs and covered with drywall (sheetrock), but this can be an expensive and logistically difficult process when you are working in the confines of a basement—especially if you have narrow stairs or smaller spaces.

In addition, because your basement is more prone to moisture, drywall and wood studs can be compromised or mold-prone.

Determine what kind of basement walls you currently have

There are several types of basement walls, and it can help you make decisions on how to finish them if you know which type you have:

Masonry walls consist of cinder blocks stacked on each other to create walls. The blocks are joined together by several joints, which create a rough wall texture.

Poured concrete are the most common type of unfinished basement walls. They are flat and grey in appearance. They may have small cracks which are normal but can impact the look of paint or other finishes.

Exposed brick is sometimes a feature of older homes that have a brick foundation. If you have an exposed brick basement, think about cleaning and sealing the bricks, as opposed to covering them up.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to deal with your basement walls is to paint them. This can certainly brighten up the area and give it a different feel, but it may not look as “finished” as you would like. Paint tends to chip off cement easily, and it won't hide cracks or the texture of the original walls.

Finishing a basement without studs

If the idea of using studs doesn’t appeal to you, but you want to cover the walls, you might consider steel framing or furring strips.

Steel framing is a lighter and more durable alternative to wood studs. It resists rust, termites, and moisture for long-lasting durability. Steel studs are attached to tracks around the perimeter of the room. This type of framing is usually easier to install, lasts longer, and typically costs about the same as wood.

Furring strips are the cheapest and quickest option. These are 1” x 3” boards that you nail directly to the basement walls with masonry nails. Furring strips limit you to using wall coverings that you can glue to the strips. Since they only allow for a one-inch space between the cement wall and its covering, you will also not be able to run plumbing or electrical wiring.

MORE: Does home insurance cover flooded basements?

Options for finishing basement walls without drywall

Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, it helps to know what is out there other than drywall. Here is a look at your other options:

Option	Description	Pros	Cons	Price
Pegboard	Pressed wood with evenly spaced holes that can hold pegs for storage	Great for workshop areas and tool storage	Low visual appeal	Average $3 per square foot
Wallpaper and Vinyl	Paper or vinyl covering glued directly to unfinished walls	Cost-effective, Easy to install, Tons of color & pattern choices	Low durability, Won't hide texture flaws	Average $0.80-$3.00 per sq. ft.
Basement Panels	Basement panels consist of a layer of framing, foam insulation, and drywall with premade holes for electrical wiring and plumbing.	Creates a finished look, Protects against moisture, Adds insulation	Expense, Walls are thick and may decrease living space	Average $5.00 per sq. ft.
Fabrics	Glue tapestry directly to walls, or install curtains along the length of the wall	Simple installation, Creates a warm feel	prone to mold (wall must be sealed)	Varies
Pargeting	Paste and mortar spread to about 1/2" thick to look similar to stucco	Covers imperfections of cement walls, adds texture, inexpensive	Messy to install, requires some masonry skill	Average $1 per sq. ft
3D textured wall panels	wall panels with symmetrical textured patterns	No framing needed, Variety of colors, textures, and materials, Easy to install	Panels are generally smaller, so installation is time-consuming	Average $3-$5 per sq. ft.
Wood fiberboard	Pressed boards made to look like finished wood	No framing needed, Creates a finished look, Available in many finishes	Cement wall must be sealed before installing	Average $3.50 per sq. ft.
Stone Veneer	Stone or faux-stone panels made to look like a stone wall	No framing needed, Distinguished look	Cost, More difficult installation	Average $6-$9 per sq. ft.

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Does home insurance cover basements?

In general, your basement is covered against the same perils as the rest of your home. So if an event would be covered upstairs, your basement is covered as well. But flooding, which is the most common damage to a basement, is not covered by standard home insurance, so make sure you understand the ins and outs of your policy and that you have the coverage you need.

And remember that any time you do home renovations, including finishing your basement, it changes the value of your home, meaning that your homeowners policy needs to be updated as well.

Even if you aren’t renovating, it is a great time to work with insurance super app

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FAQs

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

Some popular choices are paint, wallpaper, fabrics, stone, and premade wall panels. Just make sure you choose materials that are moisture resistant, or seal the cement walls before covering them.

Do you have to drywall your basement?

No! You can create a finished basement look without drywall using a variety of wall coverings, wall treatments, or prefabricated panels. These materials range in cost and quality, but many of them are cheaper and easier to install than drywall.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

The cheapest thing you can do is paint the cement walls. This provides a fresh, clean look without much labor or cost.

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