Should you use a drop ceiling in basement?

A drop ceiling is just that, it is dropped from the floor joists above your basement space. Many homeowners prefer to have a drop ceiling in their basement because plumping and wiring is typically installed in the space above and getting to it is easy.

How much does it cost to install a drop ceiling in a basement?

Average Cost to Put a Drop Ceiling in a Basement Putting a drop ceiling in a 400-square-foot basement could run you $2,000 to $11,200. You need $1,200 to $9,200 in materials for that larger space. Labor also increases with the square footage and lands in the $800 to $2,000 range.

Is drywall ceiling cheaper than drop ceiling?

Drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall making drywall the cheaper option. However, if you can install a drop ceiling by yourself, you can save on labor costs. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling and whether you are hiring a professional to install and paint for you.

Are drop ceilings lower than drywall?

Drop ceilings usually require 4 – 6 inches below the floor joists to install them, so if you are in a low ceiling basement, these extra inches can make a big difference. Drop ceilings are typically a few inches lower than a drywall ceiling. So if you have a low ceiling in spots, a drop ceiling can be a pain.

Is drywall good for basement ceiling?

The Drywall or Sheetrock Ceiling for Basements A big advantage of having a drywall/sheetrock ceiling in a basement is that loss of headroom will be minimal. Drywall uses less space so it is a good choice when you have low ceilings and need to take advantage of all the headroom possible. Drywall will not sag.

Can you finish a basement with low ceiling?

Having a lower ceiling height does not mean you cannot finish your basement. You may just need to be a little creative to create a design that works best for your specific space. While you create the design of your basement keeps the ceiling height in mind for every space.

How much headroom do you lose with a drop ceiling?

Although most modern drop ceilings call for at least a 3-inch space, it is possible to install them with as little as a half-inch of space. One row of track can be installed at a time, with the ceiling tiles fitted into that track before the next row is installed.

What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?

Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.