We used IKEA cabinets for our basement. Selected them because they are designed to use separate legs for the base cabinets which means the sides do not come into contact with the floor. We felt for a basement that was practical. I would carefully check how secure your wall studs are. Some paneling is attached to furring strips which will not support wall cabinets.

Our floor is tile with area rugs. With water heater and sump pumps, we did not want wall-to-wall carpeting.

Our walls and ceiling are sheetrock. We like the look of this vs. a drop ceiling. If ever something needs to be accessed, drywall is easily patched.

Photos are linked from "My Page". Good luck.

Thank you fnmroberts, for sharing what you did with your basement. I will check out the IKEA cabinetry.

Anyone one else have any other recommendations?

I've used combinations of these all throughout the house.

In the basement, I have 3 of the base consoles together for an 8' run of basecabinets. I added a marble tile countertop and use a wall mounted LCD above the cabinets. I ran electrical outlets inside the cabinet and all the kids games, vcr, etc are in the cabinets.

I like them because they are easy to modify for custom applications, unlimited finishes, solid wood (large panels plywood) and cost effective. I use trim from the local big box the tie the pieces together and it looks like custom cabinetry.

I drywalled the ceiling, prefer the look. I left 1/3 the basement unfinished and most of the access issues (plumbing, etc) are on the unfinished side.

I used high quality carpet with 8 lb pad.

Here is a link that might be useful: unfinished cabinets