Tips on Finishing a Wall Next to Stairs in your Basement

By having a finished wall that you can make along the stairs of your basement can help you connect your basement with the upper level of your house in a nicely flowing manner. You will find that most of your basement wall is uneven along the stairway. This can be quite a challenge to most of us, but with precise measurement that you plan nicely, this can be overcome. The wall next to the stairs of your basement can be finished nicely by using the correct supplies and tools that will enable you to smoothly go through your basement floor right to the room above once you enter the top of your basement stairs.

To finish a wall next to stairs in a basement, you need:

  • Measuring tape
  • Adjustable ladder
  • Drywall

Finishing Wall next to Stairs in a Basement

Tips on Finishing a Wall Next to Stairs in Your Basement

  • First thing that you need do is to take the measurement in terms of height and weight of your wall area located along and on top of your basement stairway.
    • Make sure you write down the exact height and width for each of the step in order for you to be able to cut the drywall to fit along the corners of your stairway.

    Always make use of ladder that comes with legs that you can adjust individually so that you can take the measurement safely especially for the higher section of your walls.

  • The next step is for you to transfer the measurement that you gathered onto the drywall by using a T-square.
    • The T-square will help you draw lines for corners that should fit in nicely along your stairs.
  • Take your utility knife and use it to score the drywall along the measured lines.
    • Then, you need to snap the drywall right at the scored edges.
  • After that, you need to have an assistance to help you hold the drywall sheet according to its place.
    • Next, you have to attach the sheet onto the stud by using a power screwdriver and drywall bit.
    • The drywall screws should be screwed with a gap of approximately 1 foot along the length of the stud.
    • You need to continue the task of attaching drywall sheets until you manage to cover the wall completely.
  • The drywall finishing compound should be mixed according to the directions provided by the product’s manufacturer.
    • You need to smooth the finishing compound next to the drywall seams and over the indentations made by the drywall screws by using your drywall knife.
  • Then, you should apply drywall tape over the seams and after that you can proceed to smooth the tape in order to ensure that there will be no wrinkles or bumps that will affect the finish wall.
  • Next, you can add a thin coat of your finishing compound over the tape and make sure that you smooth it over its edges.
    • Before you start to continue doing the next step, you should allow your drywall to dry thoroughly.

    Whenever you are standing on a ladder, make sure that to be extra cautioned especially when you are standing on a ladder or if you have encountered problems in balancing.

  • Once it is dried, you need to sand the dried finishing compound by using fine-grit sandpaper.
    • By doing this you would be able to remove visible lines as well as bumps.
  • After that, you need to take a combination of a primer and sealant and apply it onto the drywall in order for you to even out its texture, plus also preparing the surface before you start to paint the wall.
    • Make sure that once you have finished, you need to leave the primer and sealant combination to dry thoroughly for approximately 24 hours.
  • In order to get your desired color, you can add another coat of paint whenever you feel it is necessary.
    • Then, you need to allow the paint to dry for at least six to 12 hours in between each coat that you apply.

    Always remember that whenever you want to finish a wall next to stairs in your basement

    • Make sure that you always wear goggles and a face mask especially when you are cutting your drywall. Face mask is also important so that you can avoid inhaling the dust coming from your drywall as well prevent it from getting into your eyes.
    • Drywall sheets is actually heavy than it might appear to your eyes. You should at least have an assistant to help you lift or even hold them in place while you are working.
    • You can look for adjustable stair ladders from your local rental centers rather than purchase a new specialty ladder just for the sake of making the project.

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