how do I finish wall by stairway

15 years ago

When you go down the stairs to our basement, 1/2 the wall (above grade) that abuts the staircase is already finished and drywalled. The lower half (below grade) is poured concrete. So imagine running your hand along the poured concrete portion upward...eventually you hit a 'bump' where the drywall starts. How do I finsh this portion of the wall? It looks as if I glued a piece of drywall to the poured concrete it would then align/blend with the drywall already there further up. Drywalling to poured concrete would be a no no though; I'd think. (It is an outside wall under the garage...no moisture issues that I can see but still...)

What should I do? Should I use that mold resistant drywall?

Other ideas....

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Comments (3)

fnmroberts
15 years ago
Mine was against the garage but not where the foundation is exposed to the elements. Put a long level against the wall and set it plumb. Carefully check along the width for the gap against the concrete to see what thickness you must fill.

On ours, I ended up chiseling away several concrete knubs left by the forms, cutting and anchoring some plywood (1/4" as I recall), and gluing drywall to the plywood. I'm sure I had to shim the plywood in places too. Can't recall if I then used 1/2" or 5/8" drywall but the finished result blends perfectly.

Another option would be to set drywall proud against the concrete and cap with a nice piece of wood.

Hope this helps.
andrelaplume2
Original Author
15 years ago
can you elaborate on: Another option would be to set drywall proud against the concrete and cap with a nice piece of wood.

Thanks.
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fnmroberts
15 years ago
If you are unable to create a smooth wall by attaching new drywall to the concrete, then intentionally set it away from the concrete and bridge the space with a wooden shelf. This is often done.