Decorating concrete walls at home can be a great way to add a unique touch to a room and can make a huge different to the overall look and feel of your living space. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative and effective ways to decorate concrete walls.
You can consider painting the walls, adding a mural, staining the walls, or installing adhesive wallpapers or fabric-backed wallpaper to the surface. If painting the concrete walls, use a masonry or latex concrete primer first before applying a coat of your favorite interior paint.
For an artistic touch, a unique mural can be painted directly on the wall or you can buy a pre-made mural that can easily be affixed to the concrete wall.
If you wish to keep more of the concrete texture visible, consider staining the walls. This can be done using either opaque or semi-transparent acid or water-based concrete stain. Depending on the look you wish to achieve, you may need to apply several layers of stain and sealer for the best results.
Alternatively, you can install adhesive wallpapers or fabric-backed wallpapers to the concrete walls. This is a great way to add patterns, textures, and colors to the walls for a more dramatic effect.
Regardless of the methods you choose, it is important to properly prepare the surface beforehand to ensure the best finish. Be sure to thoroughly clean the concrete walls and repair any cracks before applying a primer, paints, or wallpapers to the surface.
Following these steps can help you effectively decorate your concrete walls and transform them into a work of art.
What can I put on concrete walls?
Depending on how you want to decorate them. You could opt for something simple like painting the walls with a neutral color, or you could make a unique statement by adding wallpaper, paneling, wainscoting, or tile to the walls.
If you’re looking for a more rustic look, then you could cover the walls in wood boards or shiplap. You could also choose to hang art, shelving, sconces, and other decor directly onto the wall with the use of anchors and screws.
If you’d like to create texture and dimension on the walls, you could also add texture like stucco, plaster, or brick veneer. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even try your hand at faux painting or stenciling for a more decorative look.
Finally, you could also construct something three-dimensional from concrete, such as a concrete shelf or divider wall to create a feature wall.
How do you hang decorations on a concrete wall?
Hanging decorations on a concrete wall may seem like a challenging task, but with the right materials and techniques, it’s a relatively easy job. The most important step when hanging anything on a concrete wall is to make sure it’s secure.
A few techniques you can use to hang decorations securely include using concrete screws and plastic anchors, concrete nails, and masonry adhesives.
Concrete screws and plastic anchors are a great choice for hanging decorations on a concrete wall. These types of screws are designed for concrete and require special drills with masonry bits to create a hole in the wall.
Choose plastic anchors with mushroom-shaped heads for a secure hold, then attach the screw to the wall by drilling it in. Once the screw is in place, attach your decorations to the screw.
Concrete nails are another suitable option for hanging decorations on a concrete wall. They come in various sizes to support different weights. To install the nails, use a hammer or drill to drive them into the wall.
Be sure to pick the correct size nails for the job – make sure the nails are short enough to not penetrate the other side of the wall if possible.
Finally, masonry adhesives provide another way to hang decorations on a concrete wall. This type of adhesive expands and hardens to create an extra-strong bond, so it’s an excellent choice for heavy decorations.
To apply masonry adhesive, first clean the surface of the wall and make sure it’s dry before spreading the adhesive in a thin layer. Then, attach the decorations to the wall and hold in place for a few minutes until the adhesive sets.
By using concrete screws, concrete nails, or masonry adhesives, you’ll have no trouble hanging decorations on a concrete wall. Keep in mind that it’s important to use the right materials and techniques to ensure your decorations are secure.
Can you put wallpaper on cement walls?
Yes, you can put wallpaper on cement walls. Just be sure that the walls are thoroughly cleaned, scrubbed and prepped before you begin. Start by using trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean the walls and remove any dirt, dust or debris.
Next, use a good quality sealer to seal the cement walls and create a smooth, even surface for your wallpaper. Apply two layers of wallpaper primer after letting the sealer completely dry. Finally, hang the wallpaper to the primed wall.
Be sure to use a heavy-duty adhesive to ensure that the wallpaper sticks properly on the cement wall. If you are unsure what type of primer or adhesive to use, consult a professional or a specialist at a home improvement store.
How do you stick paper to a wall?
The best way to stick paper to a wall depends on the type of paper and the surface of the wall. The easiest option is to use double-sided sticky tape. Place a strip of tape along the top of the paper and press gently onto the wall.
A second option is to use thumbtacks. Push the thumbtacks into the wall and attach the paper to the protruding pins. If you are looking for a more permanent option, you can use PVA glue. Spread a thin layer on the back of the paper and press onto the wall.
Some people even opt for wall paper adhesive, if a super strong hold is needed. No matter what type of paper you are using, make sure the wall is clean, dry and dust-free before applying it.
Which is cheaper wallpaper or paint?
The answer to which is cheaper, wallpaper or paint, depends on a few factors. Generally, wallpaper is more expensive than paint because it requires more to purchase and install it. Paint may be the cheaper option if you are able to do it yourself and have the supplies needed.
Often times, the cost of having a professional install wallpaper will almost always be more than a professional coming in to paint a room.
Furthermore, the cost of purchasing materials also varies depending on the type of wallpaper or paint you are using. If you are buying a designer wallpaper, for example, that can be more expensive than higher-end paint.
If you are buying inexpensive wallpaper or paint, then paint may be the cheaper option.
The lifespan of each type of material also needs to be taken into account. Paint can last for several years whereas wallpaper may need to be replaced sooner as it can be more easily damaged. Depending on how long you plan to keep a room decorated, either paint or wallpaper can be cheaper in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision of which is cheaper – wallpaper or paint – will vary depending on the supplies and labor costs involved.
How can I cover my basement walls without drywall?
Including several environmentally friendly options. Primarily, you have the option of using paneling such as styrofoam, hardboard, PVC, magnetic chalkboard, or acoustical solutions panels. Each of these types of paneling can come in several colors, textures, and finishes to fit the look and feel of your space.
If you are looking for an even more natural solution, consider using tongue-and-groove boards. This type of wall covering is made from either cedar, spruce, pine, or other types of real wood, and can add a natural feel to a basement space.
Another eco-friendly option is to use a bonding material, such as cement-panel siding, to coat the walls of your basement with a cement sealant before using an endurable paint finish. Finally, some people opt to use insulated foam board, which can be painted or wallpapered over and creates an insulated barrier.
Whichever wall covering you select, it’s always important to have a professional evaluate and approve your project, as some options may require a structural engineer’s approval and special installation techniques.
How do you temporarily cover an unfinished basement wall?
One option is to paint the wall. Choose a light color, like beige, to brighten the area and make it more inviting. Painting is a relatively inexpensive option and can be completed in a weekend.
Another option is to use paneling to cover an unfinished wall. The panels come in a wide range of materials, such as wood, vinyl, and polyvinyl chloride. They are easy to install and require minimal supplies.
The panels can be easily replaced once your project is complete.
Hanging wallpaper or fabric are other temporary solutions for covering an unfinished basement wall. Wallpaper is easy to apply and is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors to fit your style.
Fabric works best with large stable walls and can be secured with nails or staples.
Finally, you can choose to install a wall covering, such as wallboard, drywall, or plywood. This will give the wall more of a finished look and provide additional insulation. However, this option is more labor-intensive and more expensive.
How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?
One of the easiest ways to make your concrete basement walls look better is to give them a fresh coat of paint. This will not only help to improve their appearance, but will also help to prevent any further damage from moisture and other environmental factors.
Be sure to start with a quality primer to ensure that your paint will adhere properly to the walls. When selecting your paint, look for a product specifically designed for use on concrete surfaces, as regular interior wall paints may not adhere properly.
After your primer has dried (usually four to six hours), apply your base coat of paint. When that has dried, you may want to add a second coat or add some details or accents. You can use textured or specialty paints to create a more unique look.
Additionally, you can attach wall cladding or paneling to create a more interesting look. If you are concerned about moisture, you can attach a waterproof membrane to the walls before applying your paint or cladding.
What will stick to concrete?
A variety of things can stick to concrete depending on the surface preparation and the type of adhesive used. Generally speaking, it is best to use an epoxy cement-based adhesive if it is a project that needs to last.
This type of adhesive will create a strong, permanent bond with the concrete. Depending on the project, it is also possible to use contact-cement and masonry mortar. For items that need to be hung, it is important to choose an adhesive that is designed for use with concrete and is specially formulated to provide a strong bond to help keep items in place.
How do you cover concrete walls in a basement without drywall?
One way to cover concrete walls in a basement without drywall is with paneling. Paneling is a great way to cover concrete walls without the need for drywall because it’s easy to install, won’t require painting, and provides an interesting aesthetic.
Start by selecting a paneling that is durable and moisture-resistant such as cedar, plywood, bamboo or vinyl. To install, use a drill and concrete anchors or screws to attach the paneling to the walls.
Once the paneling is installed, use wood trim to seal off the edges of the panels and add a finished look. If you’re looking to add insulation, there are paneling options available that have insulation already built in.
Another option is to paint the walls. Painting is a great way to give your walls a finished look while still being able to see the texture of the concrete. To prepare the walls, scrub them down, fill in any cracks and crevices with pourable concrete patch and then caulk around the edges to seal them off.
Once the walls are prepared, you can use a Masonry paint specifically designed for basement applications to cover the walls. The Masonry paint will help create a waterproofing barrier between the wall and moisture.
If you’re looking for an even more unique look for your basement walls, consider using textured wall coverings. Textured wall coverings are a great way to cover concrete walls as they can be easily installed by simply stapling or gluing it to the wall.
There are a variety of textured wall coverings available such as burlap, faux stone, bamboo, and wood-grains. This is a great option to give your basement walls a distinctive look while still being able to protect the walls from moisture.
What is the cheapest interior wall material?
The lowest-cost interior wall material is generally drywall, also known as wallboard or gypsum board. Drywall is a versatile, economical wall surface option that is easy to install, and it can be painted in a wide range of colors.
For an even more affordable option, consider paneling, which is composed of thin sheets of wood that serve as backing for wallpaper or paint. The installation process is slightly more complex than drywall, but it’s a good option if you have a tight budget and are willing to invest the extra time.
Another possible solution is lath and plaster, which is a traditional method of wall-building that has been around since ancient times. This approach requires the skill of a professional plasterer, but it can be completed relatively quickly and can be painted or wallpapered over after it is finished.
What can you use instead of drywall in a basement?
One possibility is to use paneling made from manufactured wood products such as hardboard, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), or plywood veneer. These paneling materials are usually less expensive than drywall and are usually more waterproof than drywall.
Other popular materials to use in a basement include ceramic tile and water-resistant paint. Using ceramic tile on the walls of the basement can provide a finished look and make it easier to clean. Water-resistant paints are available in a variety of colors and are designed not to absorb water and to provide a more durable and waterproof surface.
In some cases, it may also be possible to use rigid plastic panels or sheets of aluminum that are designed to resist moisture. If a vapor barrier is installed, thick insulation can often be used in the walls of the basement.
This type of insulation will help reduce energy costs and keep the basement more comfortable. In some cases, even concrete walls may be used, but this type of basement construction involves significant cost and time and should be reserved for special projects.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?
The cheapest way to finish a basement wall is to either paint the existing block walls or add wood paneling over them. If you opt for paint, make sure to use a waterproof, mildew-resistant paint like an oil-based porch-and-floor paint, which will help protect the wall from moisture and mold.
If you want to add wood paneling, choose something that is moisture-resistant and easy to maintain like wood composite, PVC, or interior-rated plywood. The advantage of wood is that it provides insulation from the cold concrete wall and adds a cozy touch to any basement.
Additionally, wallpaper is an inexpensive option for covering up existing walls in a basement. However, moisture can be an issue so you may want to choose a non-paper option like vinyl, composite, or natural fibers.
Finally, don’t forget about adding drywall for both insulation and soundproofing. Drywall can be expensive but is a worthwhile investment if you plan to spend time in the basement.
What is a cheap alternative to drywall?
One of the most affordable alternatives to drywall is lath and plaster. This material is made up of a wooden lath covered in a thin layer of wet plaster, and is the traditional material used in construction before drywall was introduced.
Lath and plaster is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and provides a more solid and secure wall than drywall because it has greater strength and fire resistance due to the solid backing and thicker plaster coatings.
However, lath and plaster is more labor intensive to install, and requires more skill to apply the plaster evenly. Additionally, lath and plaster walls are more difficult to repair and may not be suitable for areas that are high traffic, such as a hallway or living room.