4 Popular Basement Ceiling Options

Installing a basement ceiling has many benefits, such as making another room of your home livable. After you install the ceiling, you can use your basement as a family room, bedroom or small apartment to rent to college students or outsiders. There are many popular basement ceiling options, and what you choose depends on the amount of money you're willing to spend, your ability to install the ceiling (or hire someone to do it) and the access you'll want to wiring and other things behind the ceiling when you're done. Here are 4 basement ceiling options that you'll find in many homes today:

1. Suspended Ceiling

These require a metal frame and ceiling tiles that hang from the ceiling joints. This may be the easiest ceiling to put up, because the metal frame is lightweight. Simply arrange the tiles in the metal grid (on the frame) and you've got a ceiling ready to go. You'll also be able to install plumbing at a later date, or run electrical wiring. Use a suspended ceiling either as a temporary solution to making the basement available for immediate use, or keep it for the long run. They're faster to install than the other options below. It's also convenient to get to ventilation systems, wires and anything else. All you would need to do is remove a section of the tiles where you want to gain access.

2. Stretch Ceiling

This is a more expensive option than the suspended ceiling, but makes for a great looking basement. You can install it flat or "stretch" it into a 3D formation. It's made of a polyvinyl chloride membrane, and you install it by stretching it and clipping it into the perimeter that acts as a frame. The suspended panels look like 3D or curved panels (depending on how you install them)  and are available in many colors. If you enjoy a freestanding, artistic look, then give a stretch ceiling a try.

3. Drywall Ceiling

If you want to paint the ceiling to match the basement decor, consider installing a drywall ceiling. The only downfall with using drywall for your basement ceiling is that you limit access to plumbing, wires and anything else behind it. If you want to be able to do your own plumbing or electrical work, or at least be able to examine and troubleshoot simple problems, then a drywall ceiling is not right for you. Drywall is also very difficult to install, and you may need to hire a professional for help, which is additional expense.

4. Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

If your primary concern is controlling the noise coming to and from your basement, you should install acoustic ceiling tiles. These are popular for blocking noise coming through a ceiling. Installing acoustic ceiling tiles is just like suspended ceilings. The tiles go into a grid that you already have, or purchase. Like a suspended ceiling, you can remove the tiles to gain access behind the drop ceiling.

Once you decide on the type of basement ceiling you want, you'll be able to design a basement that meets your needs. You don't have to stick to white or off-white ceiling colors, either. Experiment with the colors offered by the manufacturer, or paint unique colors to match your room decor.