Drywall or ???

[Beachbum]

Ok, so the significant other suggested today that I finish a chunk of my basement for a "train room". Guess she doesn't like my shelf layouts in my den.

Anyway, I did that in another house - did the framing, electrical, and drywall - so it doesn't scare me. Never got around to putting in a drop ceiling.

But! I'm wondering if drywall is the best way to go for a layout room. I don't mind working with the stuff but taping, mudding and sanding is a pain. Any suggestions? (I'd only do about a 15 x 15 ft room.)

 

[kenw]

I did my room that way....curious as to what else you would use (with the idea that someday it might not have a MRR in it). Sheetrock is so bloomin' easy to work I can't imagine anything easier.

You could always go unfinished sheetrock (no tape/float/texture/paint), IF you would cover most of the visible sheetrock with backgrounds.

 

[Selector]

An alternative is to suspend drop cloths, perhaps on curtain tracks so that they can be slid to the side. It would mean having to build bench modules with legs, or cantilevered between modules on either side...whatever...

Think hard about lighting, too. I use 8' track lighting with the 50 watt halogen GU10 bulbs, but flourescents would do. Where to place them, though?

-Crandell

 

[Rico]

I use fiber tape and small layers of mud, no sanding required.
I like drop ceiling panels that allow access to plumbing, wiring, and ducts when needed.

 

[Irongrave]

are you making a room out of an open floor plan or taking over a room in the basement, if your taking over space no need for drywall and if your making a room out of open floor just drywall the side away from the train room. there are other good products out there for basement walls I like the owens corning wall panels myself lot less work then drywall

 

[Yard_Duty]

I'm there now!! see my progress post. I'm finishing my upstairs though, not basement. I feel your pain, I'm really hating this drywall mess! I still would do it if given the choice again, because to me it's not just a layout room, it's a valuable living space addition to my house. Also, I think the overall looks of the room a layout is in can make or break it. Especially if you get to the point of maybe wanting to be published. Just some thoughts...