Alternatives to drop ceiling in a basement
#1
05-24-16, 03:58 AM
Alternatives to drop ceiling in a basement
Hello.
Finishing my basement and have about 1400 sq ft of ceiling to cover.
Drop ceiling is not really an option as I don't want to lose the head-room and the ones that attach directly to the beams using special tracks would cost me over $3000 so I am not too crazy about that.
Was thinking about sheetrock but hate the mess of spackle.
So I noticed the wainscoting panels at Home Depot that just might do the job...
They come in 4x8 sheets and are about $20 to $30 per panel.
Problem is I don't know if it's feasible to install them up as ceiling covering.
I see two different thickness panels that I like. One is 3/16 thick - which seems easy to work with, but I worry that such a thin material will flex a lot...
The other one is 1/4 thick and seems rigid so it shouldn't flex or "wave"
Any experience with panels used as ceiling?
Any other alternatives ?
thanks!
Finishing my basement and have about 1400 sq ft of ceiling to cover.
Drop ceiling is not really an option as I don't want to lose the head-room and the ones that attach directly to the beams using special tracks would cost me over $3000 so I am not too crazy about that.
Was thinking about sheetrock but hate the mess of spackle.
So I noticed the wainscoting panels at Home Depot that just might do the job...
They come in 4x8 sheets and are about $20 to $30 per panel.
Problem is I don't know if it's feasible to install them up as ceiling covering.
I see two different thickness panels that I like. One is 3/16 thick - which seems easy to work with, but I worry that such a thin material will flex a lot...
The other one is 1/4 thick and seems rigid so it shouldn't flex or "wave"
Any experience with panels used as ceiling?
Any other alternatives ?
thanks!
#3
05-24-16, 05:30 AM
Group Moderator
I have use the bead board paneling on a ceiling once. Luckily it was a small space with minimal seams. Still it required nails throughout the center of the panel that were visible. Probably OK for a closet or workshop but not for a larger space.
Take a look at vinyl soffit. It can be attached directly to the bottom of your joists and may be less expensive than other systems you've priced.
Take a look at vinyl soffit. It can be attached directly to the bottom of your joists and may be less expensive than other systems you've priced.
#4
05-24-16, 02:16 PM
thanks Pilot Dane - this is exactly the one I was also checking out.
I was thinking I can get it in place with 18 or even 20 GA nails using pneumatic finishing gun.
But again - wasn't sure how that would work with the heavier boards...they are ab. 40lbs a piece
Vinyl soffit material wasn't on my radar - thanks!
As for seams I would probably use wooden T molding.
I was thinking I can get it in place with 18 or even 20 GA nails using pneumatic finishing gun.
But again - wasn't sure how that would work with the heavier boards...they are ab. 40lbs a piece
Vinyl soffit material wasn't on my radar - thanks!
As for seams I would probably use wooden T molding.
#5
05-24-16, 08:19 PM
Group Moderator
The vinyl soffit material is actually a good choice and it can still be easily unsnapped and removed for access above.
I've many customers who are extremely agitated that NO work can be done in the basement since they've installed a permanent ceiling. No wiring can be added.
I've many customers who are extremely agitated that NO work can be done in the basement since they've installed a permanent ceiling. No wiring can be added.
