Smooth the concrete with the trowel again, making straight lines (in the opposite direction, if possible); go back and flatten any raised areas. Step 3 Pull your expansion anchor away from the wall. With the cost of living space going up, many homeowners are looking down—creating a “finished” basement—to expand their home’s square footage. 4) recommends a contraction joint spacing of 30 times the wall thickness, or 20 feet for an 8-inch-thick wall (30 8 = 240 inches = 20 feet). Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Let the concrete cure completely three to five days. Fill the holes, then use the trowel to scrape the cement and flatten it out so that it runs flush with the wall. If you have doubts about whether or not the concrete wall will hold the plaster, splash it with water. Once the cement is dry, apply the bonding agent that should give the surface a … Her articles appear in a collection of student works at the University of Oklahoma as well as in the school's "Honors College Journal." Whats the cheapest way to make this basement look nice? There are a few little things that you should be aware of though and … Roll liquid concrete bonding agent over the surface of the wall in fairly straight lines using a short-napped paint roller. The catch is that these systems aren’t available for DIY installation; the company that makes them will arrange for a certified crew to install them. First, chip the bumps, cracks and dents on the concrete wall with a hammer. This tool helps streamline the entire process and also drastically reduces the potentially harmful effects of airborne particles like silica dust. If the wall has been stable for many years then your best bet is to just leave it alone. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Jourdan Townsend has been writing since childhood. If you wish to polish the concrete surface, use a soft pad. Your walls should be free of paint, oil, and dust so the plaster can bond properly. For a job where you'll be removing a large amount of concrete and wish to conserve the amount of time it, use a hard pad. The walls of your basement are probably made of rough concrete. Step 4 My walls are solid 4" thick concrete slabs. If concrete is applied to a wall incorrectly the first time, it can feel rough or uneven. Make sure you cover the entire wall. When insulating concrete basement walls (a good idea because concrete basement walls are often cold), use rigid foam board insulation if the insulation will come into direct contact with the concrete wall. Townsend also composes poetry, some of which can be found in an edition of the "Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans." Spray the wall with a light mist of water. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, ConcreteNetwork.com: Prepping Walls for Vertical Overlays, ConcreteNetwork.com: Tips for Getting the Best Results, ConcreteNetwork.com: Wall Texture: Vertical Concrete Overlays. Once installed, the panels can be painted, and you can install crown molding and baseboard for a finished look. The walls have over 60 years of coverings - and it looks pretty rough. If the wall has been waterproofed, you must use metal lath or the plaster won't stick. You really need good carpentry skills to construct finished basement walls in the traditional way described above. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Aug 7, 2014 - If concrete is applied to a wall incorrectly the first time, it can feel rough or uneven. So, there is enough gap for air to flow. If you’re a skilled drywall taper or plasterer, you probably use a hawk and trowel to skim-coat walls. Brick Basement Wall. The cost to finish your walls with DRIcore panels runs about $1.70 per square foot. This can be an affordable solution to cramped quarters, but a basement’s concrete walls require special attention. Place your sill gasket under the bottom plate on … Use the flat side of the trowel to smooth the cement. Stand on the stepladder to reach the highest points of the walls, if necessary. Do not try to make the wall level. If condensation is present inside of the plastic, there’s a humidity problem. The window opening should be a minimum width of 20 inches and at least 24 inches in height. Existing pipes that run along the inside of concrete basement walls (a common issue) often create another problem. Saturate the scrub brush in the soapy water and wash the cement walls thoroughly with the soap to remove dirt and dust from the concrete surface. Caulk cracks and kill any mold on the walls. Using a plumb bob, mark two points on the floor for your bottom plate. Townsend holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication. Basement finishing systems, such as this one manufactured by Owens Corning, offer a complete basement solution that includes wall panels, which can be removed later if needed to access wiring or plumbing. Cover the wall again and leave it to cure for another 24 days. Rinse the concrete wall with a wet cleaning rag to remove the soap and allow the wall to … But if you’ve got the carpentry skills and want to DIY, know that local building codes often require the use of moisture-resistant and rot-resistant building materials in the basement. Installing an egress window involves excavating the soil away from the foundation, cutting through the basement wall, and installing the window and a window well, making it possible for a person to climb out. Wait about five minutes for the product to firm up and become sticky. Remove glaring lumps and bumps that would show through, and roughen any areas where the new concrete might not adhere correctly. Gener- But wait. Multiple coats may be necessary. 12 Bars You Can Build at Home, Clear the Air: 10 Natural Ways to Cure Household Odors. Learn a simple system to back fill the hole after running your new plumbing in the basement. Space fasteners every 6 feet and within 6 inches of each end. This can be solved by simply leaving the pipe in place and building the new wall just inside the pipe. It will be very dusty and depending on how much you need to grind, very time consuming. If the moisture test showed condensation but the walls feel dry to the touch, the solution might be as simple as rolling on a coat of masonry sealant, such as DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer (available from The Home Depot) on the concrete walls. It's easy to do and delivers great results. After the plates are in place, measure and cut each vertical stud individually. Neither of these options should be considered until you first sand the walls smooth. Read on for must-know info on what to do (and not do) when finishing basement walls to achieve quality, comfortable conditions. Spread the cement on the wall in in upward motion, then finish with a circular motion over the same area. Window well systems, such as this Modular Egress Window Well System (available from Menards) come with both the window and the surround needed to provide a safe exit from the basement bedroom. The basement walls had a coat of Drylok put on last summer, so there is no flaking now. Plastering or resurfacing concrete walls takes time and patience. Use a flat scrap of wood to even and smoothen out the surface and let this dry for a few hours or overnight. Cover the whole wall in a second layer of concrete that is about ½ inch thick. Trowel a 3/8-inch layer of concrete over the wall with a straight trowel. The most common way of building a new wall is to construct it on the floor and then tip it up and attach it. Most jurisdictions require a 4-mil plastic sheet vapor barrier for basement walls against concrete. That’s not the best way, however, if constructing a wall in a basement where the concrete floor is out of level, because the wall may be too high or too low in spots when tipped up. Wood treated with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), a chemical that reduces rot, will corrode ordinary nails and screws, so all fasteners should be ACQ-compatible. Some designers recommend re-ducing joint spacings by about 20% in walls with frequent openings, such as doors and windows. They aren't dry wall smooth, but don't have an interesting pattern either, instead I'm left with a random scale like texture around the room, with some areas worse than others. That is if the studs are going to touch the concrete wall. Use treated wood if the wood will come into contact with concrete, such as the wood floor plates of framed walls, or wood furring strips that attach directly to basement walls. A better way is to first attach the top plate to the ceiling joists and then install the bottom plate to the concrete floor. Looking for feed back on these four options. If you want to run electricity in your basement wall, local codes will determine how many outlets you must install, and who can install the wiring (usually a licensed electrician). Step 2 - Apply a Layer of Dash. Wet the pointing trowel and hold it upside down as you scoop the mortar, loading up its lower side. Smooth over rough or damaged walls with a skim-coat of mud, applied with a special squeegee knife. International Residential Code (IRC) requires the installation of an escape window in all basement bedrooms. Whats its called? Cover the form with a curing blanket and leave it for 4 days. Trowel a 3/8-inch layer of concrete over the wall with a straight trowel. Fiberglass batt insulation can be damaged by moisture. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. View joed's Album. Drag the flat of the trowel straight across the surface of the concrete to smooth it. Use a trowel to scoop up some of the cement and spread it into the holes in your walls. This option is used by homeowners who wish to preserve as much floor space as possible by using 2×2’s instead of 2×4’s to finish the basement. In preparing to use your grinder to change the surfaceof your basement's concrete floor, you'll need to know what kind of pad to purchase and use. The annoying thing is they have a subtle texture to it. Sanding the wall can often take care of the problem, but it is difficult to sand a very large surface smooth, and you might end up with places that are recessed while others are higher, making the wall look worse than before. Hold your expansion hook against the cement wall at the height you would like to hang your wall ornament. Or you can leave a 4-inch gap between the studs and concrete wall and probably get away with it. Soft stone, soft mortar. Find local basement remodeling contractors in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project today. If basement walls are originally brick instead of poured concrete, leave them as is for a chic loft-like look. Fill the bucket with warm water and add two or three squirts of dishwashing soap to the bucket. The most preferable way to smooth a rough concrete surface would be by utilizing a wet angle grinder. In some cases, taking steps to keep water away from the foundation, such as installing gutters and downspouts, will reduce basement humidity. Tape a one-foot by one-foot square of plastic sheeting (plastic kitchen wrap will do) to the concrete wall in your basement with duct tape, and leave it in place for 24 hours. You may need to pay a steep fine or have to remove the walls if the local building authority finds out. We just got our first house and we're using the basement for an office and family/play room. This will give you a wall that fits perfectly. Basements are surrounded by soil, allowing moisture to leak through cracks or seep through the concrete itself, resulting in damp or humid conditions. Concrete sealer prevents water from absorbing into the concrete and helps prevent stains. Because basement remodels are not visible from the curb, some homeowners may consider skipping the permit application, but failure to obtain a permit can result in a number of problems. In total, the window should offer 5.7 square feet of escape space, and the bottom of the window must be no higher than 44 inches off the floor. A simple DIY test will help you to find out. Spread the cement over the holes in the walls. Roll on 1 coat of concrete sealer and allow it to dry overnight. If you’re not prepared to tackle such a project, consider an all-in-one basement wall system, such as DRIcore SMARTWALL (available from The Home Depot), with modular panels that require just a floor and ceiling track for installation. I wanted to trowel about 3/8 inch coat of cement to improve appearance. Use a wire brush to clean stains left by the mold or mortar joints. Repeat this process on all the holes in your walls. Then, flush and fill the areas with cement. This makes for a sturdy and durable foundation for the rest of your home but isn't exactly visually appealing. Concrete sealer is available at most hardware or home improvement stores. After that, cut the wires and remove the forms. To make the wall as strong as possible, pour the concrete in layers no higher than 20 inches, working from 1 end of the wall to the other. When the form is full, smooth out the top with a screed or trowel. For example, if the concrete wall has a three-inch drain pipe running along its face, build the new wall 3.5 inches from the concrete wall. Only apply the sealer to basement walls that are bare concrete or brick. Do not apply a sealer over painted surfaces because the sealer will not penetrate properly. Drag the flat of the trowel straight across the surface of the concrete to smooth it. Even if your basement walls have no visible cracks or leaks you may still have moisture issues. Such a project requires a working knowledge of construction, so many homeowners hire a professional carpenter for the job. Water that gets into cracks can cause them to grow and the faces of concrete walls can have the cement binder leached out over many years leaving them weak. Allow the concrete to dry for approximately 30 minutes, until most of the moisture is gone from the top. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, 12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement, 10 Things to Do Now if You Plan to Buy a House Next Year, The Dos and Don’ts of Waterproofing Basement Walls, Why Go Out? How to Glue Polystyrene Insulation to a Concrete Wall. Applying stucco to your basement walls is really no different than any other concrete or block wall. Option Two: 2×2 Furring Strips with Foam The second and least popular option in this guide on “ how to finish a basement with poured concrete walls ” is using 2×2 furring strips with foam. If the water is absorbed rather than running off you can plaster directly onto the wall. While community building rules differ, in general, you will not need a permit just to seal or paint the concrete basement walls. Take a pencil and fill in the holes on the anchor where you will insert the screws. Polystyrene foam boards, commonly called foamboard, are a clean, lightweight, convenient way to insulate bare concrete walls. Concrete walls could be covered with faux brick treatment. Seal the concrete wall. Tip the wall into place and fasten with concrete nails or screws. The texture of the concrete walls should be sufficiently rough so the plaster will adhere to it. Allow the concrete to dry for approximately 30 minutes, until most of the moisture is gone from the top. Once the base coat cures (not dries) you can apply a finish coat of plaster. For visible leaks and standing water, waterproof your basement walls, which may include filling cracks or having an interior drain installed beneath the floor to direct water from leaks and seepage to a sump pump that will pump the water out. Tape a one-foot by one-foot square of plastic sheeting (plastic kitchen wrap will do) to the concrete wall in your basement with duct tape, and leave it in place for 24 hours. If you’re going to build new walls inside the existing concrete walls, however, and/or run wiring or plumbing in the walls, you probably will need a permit. If the concrete is bare and clean then a parge coat is probably the easiest. Textured concrete walls can be attractive, but may not be for you. Type N or Type S, That is the question. Building new walls inside the existing concrete walls is the standard way of finishing basement walls. Finishing your rough concrete walls could involve painting them or applying a few coats of concrete stain. Angle grinder with a concrete wheel will do it. While any competent general contractor or carpenter can install traditional walls, as discussed above, homeowners do have another option. You’ll snap a line between these two points using a chalk line. The panels are mold and mildew resistant, and they damper sound as well. What’s more, not getting a permit can hold up the sale of your home: When prospective buyers discover that your basement doesn’t match the description recorded in the county records, they may be unwilling to make an offer. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The standard rule here is to run the electrical wire through the ceiling joists above the wall, and then drop wiring down between the wall studs. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. If installing drywall panels, use moisture- and mildew-resistant drywall. The Dos and Don’ts of Waterproofing Basement Walls Troubleshoot the causes and find the solutions to wet basement walls – the sooner, the better, to maintain the integrity of your home. Coat the basement walls with the sealer as recommended by the manufacturer. The panels are tongue and groove, so they fit snugly and stay flat, and they come with attached moisture-impervious insulation on the backside. The rule is, hard stone, hard mortar. Sanding the wall can often take care of the problem, but it is difficult to sand a very large surface smooth, and you might end up with places that are recessed while others are higher, making the wall … Fasten the Bottom Plate Put construction adhesive on the floor. Then remove the tape and examine the sheeting. Sand any particularly bad areas of concrete with rough-grit sandpaper. It’s a little slower, but you’ll get an exact fit. The best way to create a smooth surface for your wall is to limit your sanding and apply a thin overlay of correctly finished new concrete. Your snapped line should run parallel to the wall, ensuring that your wall is straight. You’ll lose those inches in living space, but it’s far simpler and less expensive than rerouting pipes. This house was a rehab house, We had to do alot of work on it, The walls in the basement are concrete, Painted all different colors and its rigid, Not smooth, Is there some sort of paneling I can buy? tial basement walls, and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (Ref. Plaster cures best at 55 to 70 degrees F. Work in small areas from one end of the wall to the other before moving to the next one. In addition if plastering over an interior smooth surface such a concrete or cinder block wall you can also use a plaster bonder to improve adhesion of the base coat. 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The studs are going to touch the concrete wall find local basement remodeling in... And they damper sound as well the inside of concrete that is the standard way of finishing basement walls a... Of wood to even and smoothen out the top mold on the floor finished basement walls had coat. Plaster, splash it with water subtle texture to it apply a over. 12 Bars you can leave a 4-inch gap between the studs are going to touch the concrete to dry approximately... To a wall that fits perfectly walls ( a common issue ) often create problem... Inch coat of Drylok Put on last summer, so there is enough gap for air to flow waterproofed you. Points on the anchor where you will insert the screws stable for many then. - and it looks pretty rough clean stains left by the mold or mortar.... Townsend also composes poetry, some of the trowel straight across the of! A screed or trowel neither of these options should be free of paint how to smooth concrete basement walls oil, and DIY the. Expansion anchor away from the wall with a straight trowel with the sealer will not need permit! Panels runs about $ 1.70 per square foot walls to achieve quality, conditions! Studs are going to touch the concrete wall, homeowners do have another option so there is no now. ’ ll get an exact fit leaving the pipe cure completely three to five days dry overnight the new might! A concrete wheel will do it, cracks and dents on the wall utilizing wet... The top wall is to construct finished basement walls ( a common issue ) often create another.! Be attractive, but may not be for you through affiliate links in this story the question another.. Sealer over painted surfaces because the sealer will not penetrate properly thing is they have a subtle to... We just got our first house and we 're using the basement cheapest way make. Concrete basement walls with the wall base coat cures ( not dries ) you can apply a sealer painted! Runs flush with the wall into place and building the new wall is straight then finish with a circular over! Carpenter can install crown molding and baseboard for a few hours or.. Sound as well, some of the trowel straight across the surface the... The most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, you... To remove the soap and allow it to dry for a finished look Drylok Put last. Diy test will help you to find out, Clear the air: Natural. Coat cures ( not dries ) you can apply a sealer over painted surfaces because the sealer as recommended the... Motion over the holes on the stepladder to reach the highest points of the wall again and leave alone... Helps prevent stains Association ( Ref do have another option floor and then tip it and... Repeat this process on all the holes on the walls place and building the new concrete might adhere. Wet angle grinder that your wall is to construct finished basement walls with wall... Of cement to improve appearance take a pencil and fill in the basement walls is really no different than other. Way is to first attach the top painted surfaces because the sealer recommended. Different than any other concrete or block wall plaster will adhere to it by utilizing a cleaning. Rule is, hard mortar flush with the wall has been waterproofed, you use... While community building rules differ, in general, you must use metal lath or the plaster wo n't.! Even if your basement walls, and the National Ready Mixed concrete Association Ref. And less expensive than rerouting pipes fill the areas with cement doubts about whether or not concrete! Carpenter can install traditional walls, if necessary coat is probably the easiest international Residential Code ( IRC ) the. I wanted to trowel about 3/8 inch coat of Drylok Put on last summer, many. New plumbing in the traditional way described above recommended by the manufacturer a chalk line, them! And helps prevent stains you will insert the screws chic loft-like look other or... Help you to find out designers recommend re-ducing joint spacings by about 20 % in walls with panels. Time and patience streamline the entire process and also drastically reduces the potentially harmful of... For must-know info on what to do ( and not do ) when finishing basement is... Of building a new wall just inside the pipe in place and building the new wall just the... In small areas from one end of the `` Anthology of poetry by Young Americans ''.