My brother-in-law would like to refinish his basement. He is thinking about putting up paneling. Right now, he has just bare concrete walls.
Is it recommended to put drywall up first under the paneling or just put the paneling right on the studs?
There’s very little risk of flooding and I don’t see any moisture issues either.
Any opinions would be appreciated (except for comments on the use of paneling, my sister is stuck in the 70’s, she loves this stuff)
Replies
I'll let you figure out what's going to be behind the studs in regards to insulation/vapor barrier etc.
Most paneling needs a backer, most commonly sheetrock.
I would stay away from "masonite type" paneling, the picture on compressed paper. Even under optimum conditions and with a backer, this stuff swells and buckles.
Stick with the plywood based paneling for the best chance of it continuing to look good.
Hold all finishes off the floor.
Provide expansion joint in a long run of wall (30' or more)-some basements being 50 long-add up all the advised 1/8's on 8-10 sheets of anything including sheetrock...........
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
If you're talking about the cheap stuff....yep...put some kind of backing up first.
I've used T-111 in instances such as this....it doesn't require backing...takes a beating (in a kids playroom)....no maintenance....and has a "rustic" look that your sister may like.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
thanks guys
The t111 is a good idea but that might even be too rustic for my sister. It sure would be nice to just put up one piece of paneling instead of drywall and paneling together.
This is Chicago, so I'm recommending insulation and a vapor barrier behind the paneling. What order should everything go in? Assuming 2x4 walls, where does the vapor barrier go? Should the barrier be inside or outside of the insulation? Does the paper backed insulation work in this application or should he use plastic?
Vapor barrier goes on the OUTSIDE of the basement foundation wall, but that's another discussion.
If you put drywall sheets as backer for paneling, it's common to install them inside-out so you don't have beveled edges.
DG/Builder