Most Popular Basement Ceiling Options

So you walk down into your new basement and what would you like to see when you look up? Are you the kind of person that just wants a simple white flat ceiling? Do you prefer more colors, textures and ridges? Your answers to these questions will lead you to consider the type of cieling you should install in your new basement. Each type comes with it's advantages and disadvantages that you'll want to carefully consider. To help you come to a sound decision, we've laid out the must know facts on the most popular basement ceiling types for you below:

The 'LowDown' on Drop Ceilings and Suspended Ceilings

So here's the lowdown on drop ceilings and suspended cielings. This option is great if you have the vertical space for it and if you are planning ahead and need easy access to wiring, plumbing and ventilation.

Advantages of Drop Ceilings and Suspended Ceilings:

• Easy access to pipes, wiring and ventilation. This is a key feature that makes it easy to install a new entertainment system, computer cables, fix a leaky pipe, etc. You will not need to rip open any drywall which is more costly and requires additional labor.
• Manufacturers now offer a wide variety of panel/tile shapes, colors and designs. If you want to be creative with your ceiling, this option gives you a lot of flexibility to create a truly unique space
• Installation is easier than a drywall ceiling
• The ceiling tiles serve as a good insulator. This will make your home theater system sound better and will remove that echo or boomy sound that you sometimes get in homes with tall, hard-surfaced ceilings.

Disadvantages of Drop Ceilings and Suspended Ceilings:

• Reduces your vertical space as compared to drywall. Drop ceilings requre more vertical room for installation so if your basement room is lacking height in the first place this may not even be an option for you.
• Some argue that it makes your room look cheap but if you buy the right products you can avoid this. There are a lot of products to choose from that will make the room look natural.

Why Should you Consider Drywall Ceilings?

So the next option for your basement ceiling is the old standard: drywall. This is likely how the rest of your home's ceilings are built so it is a good option if you are trying to match the basement to the other areas in your home. Below are the pros and cons to consider when it comes to drywall ceilings:

Drywall Ceiling Advantages:

• Arguably a more professional look and easier to match to the style of the existing rooms in your home.
• Ideal if you don't have much vertical space to work with. Doesn't require as much room above as its drop ceiling counterpart
• The materials (drywall) are less expensive

Drywall Ceiling Disadvantages:

• Labor and installation is more difficult and more expensive
• Does not provide easy access to wiring, pipes or ventilation. Make sure you plan ahead to make wiring easy. You'll need to be cautious when it comes to leaky or frozen pipes as this can cause costly damages.
• Not as much flexibility on design compared to the wide array of tiles available for dropped ceilings.

The Ceiling Conclusion?

As you can see, your choices when it comes to your basement ceiling are vast. The best thing to do is consider your budget, your design requirements, and the importance you place on practicality. Be sure to discuss your concerns and desires with the basement remodeling contractor you work with. If you need additional help determining which option is best for you, we offer free basement remodeling estimates from quality remodeling contractors.