Which drywall is best for basements?

Most basements are dark, musty, damp, humid, and have very little natural lighting and full of stuff that hasn’t been used for a long. However, you can turn this room into comfortable living quarters which can be a nice extension to your home. Most contractors use drywall for the walls and ceiling which is an attractive and economical solution.

Dens armor plus is the best drywall for your basement which is a high performing fiberglass mat gypsum that you can use for different applications around your home like floor projects, walls, and ceilings. It’s also commonly used in commercial buildings like hospitals, schools, and other public institutions. It can resist indentation, bumps, gouging, abrasions, and scraps that can easily damage traditional drywall. This drywall is also moisture and mold resistant which makes it great for basements.

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What is drywall made of?

Drywall is made of different materials, but the main material is gypsum which is a sturdy but lightweight rock that has versatile uses when ground up. When this powder is finely ground up and pressed between two sheets of paper, it makes up drywall. This is a board or a thin sheet that can be attached with screws and nails to a wooden frame of a building. Drywall is an easier and faster way of filling the interior of a wall instead of using plaster.

Different types of drywall

Drywall	Features
Whiteboard or regular drywall	Normally white on one side and brown on the other. Most economical drywall. Comes in different sizes and thickness from 3/8 – 1 inch. Available in four by eight panels.
Blue board drywall (plaster baseboard)	Used for veneer plastering. It’s not made for paint, tape, or mud. The surface paper has absorption qualities. It’s highly resistant to mold and water. Works well in bathrooms and places with lots of water. Helps also to reduce noise.
Green board drywall	Also called moisture-resistant drywall and is more expensive, but it’s not waterproof. Has a green covering that makes it more moisture-resistant than regular drywall. Used as a tile backer in less wet areas in your bathroom, basement walls, laundry, kitchen, and utility room.
Purple drywall	Is similar to regular drywall but with superior mold and moisture resistant properties. Can be used for all walls and ceiling applications especially where mold and moisture resistance is needed.
Paperless drywall	Covered with fiberglass instead of paper. The board quality is tougher than regular drywall. Has slight textures that need a joint compound application to give it a smooth clean finish.
Soundproof drywall	It’s laminated drywall mixed with gypsum, wooden fibers, and polymers. It’s denser than regular drywall and harder to cut. Its soundproof characteristics make it perfect for areas with noise like family rooms or music room.
Type X drywall (fire-resistant drywall)	Made with special non-combustible fibers with a 5/8 inch thickness that helps with soundproofing. Harder to cut ad work on than regular drywall. Used mostly in apartment buildings and garages since it requires several building codes.

Factors to consider before installing drywall in your basement

The basement isn’t particularly the best place to create an extra room, but with serious renovations, it can be a very cozy and enviable room in your home. However, there are some things you should consider before remodeling your basement.

Get a basement remodeling permit

Before you start on any construction or remodeling in your basement, you should get a permit for any plumbing and drywall installation. Some people take this issue lightly, but it can cost you hefty fines if your local authorities find out. If you don’t have a permit your basement description in the county records will not match your home which will be a setback when you want to sell your home.

Manage the water channels in your basement

Basements don’t have the best finish and most of the time they’re surrounded by soil which can lead to the development of moisture which can penetrate the concrete to create a damp environment. Before you install drywall, ensure you’ve bonded all water channels to reduce the humidity including having gutters and downspouts.

Use basement-specific materials

Ensure that the materials you use are specifically designed to be used in the basement. They should be rot and moisture-resistant materials and if you’re thinking of creating an extra bedroom in your basement, you should add an escape window with the correct window measurements. Leave space in the drywall for piping and wiring and ensure you get a licensed electrician for the wiring.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that different drywall finishes can determine the drywall you’ll need and how much it will cost you. Ultimately, the drywall you decide to use depends on your preference.

FAQ

How much gap should be between sheets of drywall?

During installation keep about 1/8 inch space between sheets. The blade of a drywall square can guide you because it’s about 1/8 inch thick.

Is drywall hung vertically or horizontally?

For commercial buildings, the fire code requires the seams to fall along the length of the frame, so it’s hung vertically, but for residential homes, the drywall is hung horizontally.

Bruce Marcus

Bruce Marcus, an expert at Home Improvement, has been working in this field for years. He works closely with different homeowners and helps them chose the best flooring for their houses. The expert believes that carpeting a home is one of the best choices that any homeowner can make. According to him, this option not only makes your home look classy but also keeps it warm and cozy. Marcus has been equipping homeowners with useful tips regarding how to get the right carpet for your home. He hopes that this information can help you make an educated decision when choosing a carpet.