When renovating your basement, one of the aspects that can easily change its overall appearance is the ceiling. With the right ceiling style, even the darkest of basements could turn into a beautiful space in your house.

But there being tons of ceiling ideas to choose from, many homeowners find it hard to pick one option that’s stylish and within their budget range.

For that, we’ve decided to help you make a decision. Here are 7 cost-friendly basement ceiling ideas you can consider for your remodeling project.

Cheap Basement Ceiling Ideas Top 7 Budget Options to Save

Ceiling comparison

Material HeightBudget (500 sq. ft)
Tin tile ceilingLow - Mid$2,250 - $4,750
Corrugated metal ceilingLow$2,000 - $4,000
Simple drop ceilingHigh$2,500 - $15,000
Painted wooden plank ceilingLow$2,500 - $10,000
Painted exposed beams and pipesHigh$1,250 - $2,500
Beadboard ceilingLow$1,500 - $3,000
DrywallLow$1,475 - $1,825

Note: Over the past year, there has been a sporadic rise in the costs of most home improvement appliances and materials. This is due to the increasing demand for these goods by the people now working from home, the rise in shipping costs, and the shortage in supply of the materials.

Therefore, expect to spend around 5 – 10% more on the ceiling materials and installation supplies from the prices mentioned in this article.

Tin tile ceiling

tin tile ceiling

If you’re going for a unique ceiling design that’ll make your basements stand out, tin tile is the one for you. It features authentic and intricate metal tiles, that give your basement a classy or vintage look.

The ceiling tiles are also very thin, but you wouldn’t know that unless you touch them. This makes it easier for installers to add insulation without degrading the height.

Tin ceilings come in three major types i.e.,

  • The Nail-up ceiling – One of the most popular types of tin ceiling. It usually requires a plywood grid that acts as a base for the installation.
  • Snap-Together ceiling – These types of ceilings fasten to most ceiling materials using its interlocking system. It offers a seamless look with no view of the fasteners. It’s usually the most expensive per tile.
  • Drop-In ceilings – This ceiling features a metal grid system that drops down from the basement ceiling joists. The tin tiles are then dropped and secured onto the grid using clips.

Each of these three types of tin tile ceilings comes in three different finishes; Uncoated, artesian, or powder-coated finish. Here’s how much each cost per tile:

Type of tin ceilingUncoated tile Powder-coated tileArtesian tile
Nail-up$6.50 - $8$11.50 - $25$35 - $45
Snap-together$8.50 - $12.50$14.50 - $30$38 - $48
Drop-in$5 - $8$12 - $24$35 - $45

This ceiling idea is perfect for basements at standard heights. Its installation costs average $4.50 and $9.50 per sq. ft while the material itself costs anywhere from $1.50 to $4 per sq. ft.

Advantages of tin tile ceilings

  • Being metal, they’re durable and long-lasting
  • Resistant to rot, cracking, and peeling
  • Moisture and fire-resistant
  • Gives homeowners a wide range of finish options e.g., powder-coated, polished, and bare
  • Comes in a variety of material options including copper, steel, brass, aluminum, etc.

Disadvantages of tin tile ceilings

  • Some types of tile ceilings can be expensive
  • Difficult to change styles once it’s installed
  • Requires extra coating to prevent rust and corrosion

Corrugated metal ceiling

Corrugated metal ceiling

Corrugated metal ceilings may look old-school but they’re still quite popular for basements across the country. They’re particularly very cheap due to the availability of corrugated metal, which can be recycled for almost nothing.

This ceiling design is perfect for basements with low ceilings as it can reflect the light, brightening the room while still adding a new texture to the space.

It also works well if you need to cover the exposed beams or pipes on the basement ceiling.

Installing this ceiling idea will cost you between $1 – $3 per sq. ft on materials alone and around $4 – $8 per sq. ft if you include labor. If you DIY the job, you can expect to spend way less than $1,500 for the entire project.

Advantages of corrugated metal ceiling

  • It’s cheap and easy to install
  • Easy maintenance, doesn’t require painting
  • Offers a wide of finish and color options to match the interior
  • The industrial look is unique and aesthetically pleasing
  • Resistant to mold and mildew, rotting, cracking, and chipping
  • Strong, durable, and can last a long time
  • Non-flammable

Disadvantages of corrugated metal ceiling

  • Its unique look may not appeal to everyone
  • Needs a protective coat to prevent rusting

Simple drop ceiling (Suspended ceiling)

drop ceiling in basement

Drop ceilings are one of the most popular basement drop ceiling tiles for older homes. It generally refers to a series of ceiling tiles or panels installed just a few inches below the main structural ceiling.

Some people also know it as a suspended ceiling that forms an overhead grid-like design covering all the exposed utility pipes, ductwork, and more.

The most popular tile option used for the installation of this basement ceiling idea is the acoustic tile (Fiberboard).

The tile is very attractive thanks to the numerous finish and color options available. It’s also quite versatile allowing you to combine colors for a stylish and beautiful design.
Other popular tile options include plastic, tin or metal, and wood.

The average cost to install a drop ceiling in your basement ranges between $5 to $30 per sq. ft depending on the material you choose.

If you choose to hire drywall contractors, labor will cost you around $2 – $5 per sq. ft and materials anywhere from $3 – $25 per sq. ft. If you go for a DIY, your costs could be as low as $2 per sq. ft.

Factors such as the number of exposed wiring or plumbing pipes and any extra decorations will also drive up the installation costs.

Advantages of drop ceilings

  • Effectively hides the pipes, wiring, ductwork, peeled paint, and stains
  • Easy to install and repair
  • Provides good soundproofing properties
  • Available in a myriad of colors and materials
  • Makes installation of lighting fixtures easier
  • Most people find it visually appealing
  • Cheaper than making a full renovation

Disadvantages of drop ceilings

  • Won’t last long and may quickly deteriorate (stain, discolor, or sag)
  • Significantly reduces the height of a room
  • Not everyone loves this look
  • Lightweight making it less sturdy compared to other design options

Painted wooden plank ceiling

wooden plank ceiling

If you have support beams in your basement, a wooden plank ceiling should be at the top of your ceiling ideas list. This option may not be the cheapest but it’s still affordable, easy to install, and gives you the freedom to explore the artist in you through paint.

Many homeowners opt for a shiplap installation and prefer painting the wooden planks white. This makes the basement feel more airy, warm, and modern.

If you prefer a rustic appearance instead, you can opt to use old wood that’s just slightly polished. The wooden planks can be installed directly to an existing ceiling or used to hide your exposed ceiling.

To install this ceiling, expect to spend anywhere from $5 – $20 per linear ft depending on the type of wood you use. Painting the wooden planks will add an extra $3 – $6 per sq. ft to the total estimate.

Advantages of painted wood plank ceiling

  • Durable and can last long
  • Easy to install and repair as a DIY
  • Slightly cheaper than most other ceiling options
  • Flexibility to paint the ceiling in the colors you prefer
  • Looks great and appealing

Disadvantages of painted wood plank ceiling

  • Affected by moisture and water damage
  • Prone to mold and mildew attack
  • Planks can crack, rot or warp without proper care
  • Can be expensive depending on the type of wood

Painted exposed beams and pipes

expose beams image

If you’re looking for contemporary and rustic architecture for your basement, this is the ceiling idea for you. It’s one of the most popular designs in coffee shops and many modern commercial spaces.

By simply adding a coat or two of paint to your beams, plumbing pipes, lighting fixtures, and ductwork, you will easily transform the atmosphere of your basement.
The big and bare structural wood or metal planks complete white panels perfectly giving off that farmhouse feel.

If you don’t like the painted pipes and beam surfaces, you can also gloss polish them to get a nice contrast, fit for a modern-day basement. Exposed beam and pipe ceilings work best in basements with high or vaulted ceilings.

The average cost to install this ceiling idea ranges between $2.50 – $5 per sq. ft but it can be much higher depending on your contractor. If you DIY, you can expect to spend between $300 – $500 on this ceiling depending on the size of your basement.

Advantages of painted exposed beams and pipes

  • High ceiling makes the basement feel spacious and bigger than it is
  • Beautiful and appealing when correctly painted
  • Makes it easier to install lighting fixtures
  • Wide range of paint colors and shades to choose from
  • Better at cooling the basement during the hot summers
  • Offers freedom to be creative i.e., it’s easy to install chandeliers, extra windows, etc.

Disadvantages of painted exposed beams and pipes

  • The extra height offered makes it harder to heat the room thus increasing your energy costs
  • You may need extra help during cleaning and maintenance
  • Can be expensive

Beadboard ceiling

beadboard ceiling in basement

While Beadboard is mainly used vertically on basement walls, it still works perfectly for a basement. The ceiling comprises flat planks of wood with one or two semi-circular ridges or ‘beads’ that are milled into the face of each board.

On installation, they create an interlocking reinforcement that maintains a flat and level ceiling. That’s why many homeowners use it to level their uneven ceilings.

Each ridge is usually around 6 inches long and is made from pine or MDF (Medium-density fiberboard). Vinyl and PVC are also often used due to their warp and water-resistant properties respectively.

Some people also know this as a narrow tongue and groove wood paneling. The average cost of this ceiling idea is between $3 – $6 per sq. ft including labor and materials. If you choose to DIY, the job will cost around $2.50 per sq, ft.

Advantages of beadboard ceiling

  • Cheap compared to other popular ceiling options
  • Easy to install and repair
  • Levels uneven basement ceilings and any other structural eyesores
  • Relatively inexpensive since it can be done as a DIY
  • Visually appealing and attractive option
  • Variety of material, paint, and finish options to choose from
  • Has good insulation properties and will keep the basement warm during winter
  • Durable and resistant to impact damage.

Disadvantages of beadboard ceiling

  • Installation is time-consuming
  • Can rot or be moldy when exposed to moisture
  • Makes it harder to access your utility pipes, ductwork, or wiring

Drywall

drywall ceiling basement

Drywalling your basement ceiling is one of the cheapest and most rampant ceiling ideas for most homeowners. Its ease of installation and finishing makes it perfect for DIYs and also results in an attractive finish.

All you’ll need is to apply one or two coats of primer then add coats of your preferred paint color to get the appearance you desire.

You might need to consult a professional contractor to help you get around the exposed pipes and wiring if you’re not an experienced DIYer, but installing light fixtures is very easy.

The drywall ceiling idea will cost you anywhere from $2.95 – $3.65 per sq. ft including materials and labor. Materials pricing ranges between $0.50 – $0.70 per sq. ft. The level of drywall finish you choose for your basement will also affect the overall costs.

Advantages of drywall ceilings

  • Easy to install and repair
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Offers good insulation properties
  • Can be painted any color you want
  • It’s fire-resistant and has eco-friendly options
  • Comes in a variety of options and sizes

Disadvantages of drywall ceilings

  • Easily damaged by water or moisture
  • Not resistant to impact
  • Drywall sheets may be heavy requiring extra labor help

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FAQ’s

What type of ceiling is best for a basement?

There’s no one-fits-all ceiling for every basement. Your choice will depend on the height of your basement and the look you’re going for. That said, suspended ceilings have for a long time been considered among the best by many basement owners.

What is the best color to paint a basement ceiling?

White. While there are numerous other bright colors that could work, white helps reflect more light into the basement. It also gives you a good base to try out your decorative designs.

What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?

Painting it. Just one coat of paint on your ceiling can drastically change its appearance. It may hide the stained ceiling surfaces and even make the room appear more modern.

FAQS Cheap Basement Ceiling Ideas

Benjamin McInerny
Author: Benjamin McInerny - is a qualified arborist and a DIY Home Improvement enthusiast. Ben has a extensive experience on renovation projects including, mold removal, painting, fence installation and more. Ben shares his skills with DIY and gardening enthusiasts.