Options for a Finished Basement Ceiling

A dropped or suspended ceiling is a popular option for the basement because it looks neat and clean and it gives you access to the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems hidden above it. There are many styles, designs and patterns to choose from making suspended ceilings a choice that will work with many decorative styles and you can also include lighting and lighting panels in your design. In addition, dropped ceilings are fairly easy to install and well within the range of the average DIY homeowner; most homeowners find that installing a dropped ceiling is easier than handling and installing large sheets of drywall which then need to be finished and sanded, primed and painted.

The biggest drawback to a suspended or dropped ceiling is that it is the most expensive option; prices vary based on the system and ceiling tile. One other possible drawback exists if you have a low ceiling in your basement: The installation of a dropped ceiling will lower the height of your ceiling at least four inches.

A drywall ceiling gives your basement a look that is as finished and stylish as another other space in your home. With a drywall ceiling you have the option of installing any type of lighting you want - from unobtrusive recessed cans to stylish pendant lights over a bar or directional track lighting. Additionally, you can paint drywall any color that you choose and a drywall ceiling won't significantly alter the height of your ceiling. A drywall ceiling is much less expensive than a suspended ceiling, but it is more labor intensive: In addition to installing the sheets of drywall, seams must be taped and mudded, then sanded; finally, the entire ceiling must be primed and painted.

The other drawback to a drywall ceiling is that in order to access the systems above it you must remove sheets of drywall. Therefore it is wise to carefully plan the layout of your drywall panels and use screws instead of nails for installation; this way only the panels that must be removed to make a repair can be removed and later reinstalled. Use 1/4" drywall to keep the weight of the sheets manageable during installation.

A ceiling that is fairly free of the clutter of ductwork, electrical and plumbing lines may be a good candidate for a painted treatment that blends all these elements into one painted surface. Textured paint is often used for painted ceilings to visually obscure different elements within the ceiling. While painting a ceiling does not provide as finished a look as drywall or a dropped ceiling, it can give your space a high-tech industrial appeal and it's also a good choice for casual entertainment spaces, playrooms, hobby rooms and teen hangouts.

Finishing the basement ceiling gives your basement room as much appeal as any other space in the home, whether you choose to create a media room or game room. After bringing in your components, furniture and wall art metal, such as framed art or metal leaf wall art, your finished basement will become a favorite destination for family and friends.