hi,

we are partially refinishing our basement bit by bit as time and budget allows. what we're after is a clean, safe space for the kids to play in, not a finished look. so far, we've taken down the old drop ceiling, wall panelling and carpeting and have spot waterproofed the walls, installed new lighting, started to dry-lok the cement block walls and stained the concrete floor. soon we will paint the exposed ceiling (white).

my question is about the partition walls. there are 2 around the furnace room, and one long one that was originally an exterior wall before this basement addition was built. both are framed with wood which originally held up the panelling. you can see them on the right and left sides of the photo below.

we're reluctant to put up drywall since a) it seems tricky for inexperienced DIYers (we've never done it and don't own a truck for transport, b) the basement is below grade and the house is situated near a stream so we can't rule out a major storm bringing water in at some point; and c) the rest of the room will be painted concrete and a painted exposed ceiling so drywall could look out of place.

would corrugated metal roofing panels work? or shelving with some kind of backing? these options seem like the right "industrial" kind of look but we haven't heard of anyone doing this so perhaps there's a reason not to! any advice is much appreciated!