What are cheap alternatives to cover cement basement wall? We are not handy and drywall is probably beyond us

Question

We have a dry basement and want to make it teen friendly, but have very little money to do it. We don't feel like we have the skills or manpower to install drywall but our kids hate the popcorn finish on the cement walls. The room has almost no natural light so we want to warm it up, not go contemporary.

Answer 1

Try FRP... it's a plastic panel that you can glue on with construction adhesive.  There is a trim piece that fits between the panels so there is an easy transition - and it comes in several designs and colors and is plastic - so easy to clean!

I have a internet link below you can check out... available at Lowes, Home Depot or most lumber company's.

Answer 2

Fast, easy and washable: install shirred fabric on rods on the walls (top and bottom or just top).  When it gets grubby, toss it in the washer.

Answer 3

You could use wood paneling glued to the walls.  You would have to scrap popcorn finish off first.

Cheapest and easiest would be to just paint the walls with a warmer color though.

Answer 4

How about getting the teens involved?

They could paint some canvas or other fabric, and hang it on the walls.  Either 'wall sized' canvas, or more standard sized could be used....you could even fit individual canvases like tiles.

Furring strips can be anchored to the walls with a 'ramset' system, or by using any of several styles of cement anchors.

Other things to consider.... fabric on the walls, hanq some quilts, paneling, vinyl coated sheetrock (seams are covered with trim, no joint finishing), etc.  Perhaps a floor covering product could be used... like carpet, tile, laminated flooring (the snap together type would be very easy to install), tongue and groove wood... lots of choices.

Use lighter colors to help with the lighting, and consider adding some more lights.....lighting can help change a room immensely.

Have Fun