Finishing your basement with Drywall is a great way to ensure it’s protected against humidity. However, would regular Drywall in your basement be enough? Or do you need a particular type of Drywall?
Regular ½-inch thick Drywall can be used, but only when the basement stays dry. You could either go for Green moisture-resistant drywall or purple board which is the best option currently on the market. It can resist mildew, mold, moisture, dents, scuffs, and scratches.
If you have finally decided to finish the basement, you must consider many things. First of all, you have to consider the material to cover the walls and ceilings. Nowadays, Drywall is becoming more and more popular as it offers a smooth and elegant finish.
Is It Ok To Use Regular Drywalls In The Basement?
Although you can use regular Drywall in the basement, it’s certainly not the best approach. This is because most basements are surrounded by soil. As moisture in the soil can easily seep through the basement walls causing mildew and mold, you should get moisture-resistant drywalls for your project.
However, the problem begins when you go out to pick up Drywall. There are dozens of different types of drywalls available out there. You can get cost-effective drywalls, regular, fire-resistant drywalls, moisture-resistant Drywall, and much more.
If you have a limited budget, the best Drywall you can pick is regular Drywall. But the real question is, can you use regular Drywall in the basement? Some professionals would tell you to Drywall over Drywall with just regular Drywall. But does this give your basement enough protection it requires against moisture and mold?
What about under your basement stairs? Can you and should you use regular Drywall as well under your stairs? If you wish to know more about this subject, check out this guide.
Pros Of Using Regular Drywalls In The Basement
Here are some of the most significant benefits of using regular drywalls in the basement:
Cost-Effective
The biggest benefit of using regular Drywall in the basement is saving a lot of money. Compared to other materials used in the basement, regular drywalls are probably the most inexpensive material. It’s noteworthy to mention here that being inexpensive does not mean low quality.
Although regular drywalls are affordable, they are still quite durable and strong for what you’re paying for. On average, this material can last for up to 70 years with proper care and maintenance. In addition, regular drywalls are available in various sizes, colors, and thicknesses, allowing you to renovate your basement according to your taste.
Unlimited Finishing Options
Regular drywalls offer a polished, smooth, and seamless look. With this approach, you can decorate your basement right after the installation. Regular drywalls are becoming increasingly popular because they provide endless finishing options.
While you can use this material to give your basement a traditional look, it also provides several modern finishing options, like paint or wallpaper drywall, to get a more aesthetic look.
Easily Repairable
Compared to other variations, regular drywalls are easy to maintain and repair. As they are not the thickest Drywall on the market, you can easily carry and install them. Moreover, the tools to repair regular Drywall are cost-effective and simple.
Additional Protection Layer
Let’s face it; regular drywalls are not the most durable type of Drywall on the market. Still, they offer an extra layer of protection for your basement. If you get thick Drywall, it can act as an excellent barrier to sound and the elements.
Cons Of Using Regular Drywalls In The Basement
As you can see, using regular Drywall in the basement has several benefits. However, this practice, unfortunately, has some disadvantages as well, such as:
No Protection Against Moisture
Before investing your money, remember that regular drywalls are not moisture-resistant. The only good thing about regular Drywall is that they are budget-friendly. They won’t protect your basement from moisture and mold. But if your Drywall gets wet because your basement got overflooded, you may be able to save it if you react fast enough.
So, you should only select regular drywalls if you have a dry basement and if you Drywall over Drywall.
Not the Most Durable Material
We previously mentioned that they were strong for what you paid for. But this doesn’t mean that they are as durable in the basement as they would be on your walls.
When it comes to regular Drywall, they are not the most durable material to use in a basement. Compared to other types, these drywalls are quite thin, making them prone to cracking, especially if your Drywall touches the floor.
Local Building Code
While renovating a basement, you have to consider the local building code, similar to commercial buildings. As regular drywalls are not moisture or mold-resistant, it might be against using this type of Drywall in the basement, depending on your state and building code.
What Drywall Should I Use In My Basement?
As most basements are prone to humidity, you need to find the best material to protect your investment. Luckily, drywalls are available in a variety of options. You should get a material that reduces the growth of mold while providing a smooth finish.
When it comes to basements, your best bet is sheetrock, also known as the green board. This is also one of the best options for bathroom ceilings. The green board is durable, strong, and moisture resistant. While green board offers excellent protection against moisture and mold, it’s also quite affordable.
Alternatively, you can also get a purple board to renovate your basement. Unlike green board, the purple board is designed to offer mildew and mold resistance. So, you can rest assured you are getting the most durable product.
Do You Need To Use Green Board In A Basement?
Well, the answer to this question depends upon your basement. You don’t necessarily have to use the green board if you know you have a dry basement. In that scenario, it would be best to use regular drywalls to save some bucks.
However, using moisture-resistant Drywall or a green board becomes necessary if your basement is prone to damp conditions. Keep in mind that moisture is the worse enemy of your Drywall. If the moisture seeps through the regular Drywall, it will get damaged instantly. Therefore, it’s recommended to use the green board in damp conditions.
Should You Use Purple Board In Basement?
Purple board is one of the best materials to use in the basement. They resist mildew, mold, and moisture. Moreover, purple drywalls are also resistant to dents, scuffs, and scratches, making them an excellent pick for high-traffic areas.
However, keep in mind that purple boards are quite expensive. In fact, compared to regular Drywall, this variation is around 30% more expensive. That being said, as purple board offers unbeatable protection against mold and mildew, they are worth every single penny.
Is Mold Resistant Drywall Worth It In Basement?
Mold-resistant Drywall is an excellent material to use in the basement. As most basements are prone to mold and humidity, you must get Drywall that reduces mold growth in your home. For this approach, you can get purple board drywall sheets.
Instead of utilizing paper backing, purple board drywall sheets contain a fiberglass net. This approach frees your Drywall from any organic material that mold can feed on. As a result, it will reduce the chances of mold survival and growth.