If you want a smooth, professional look after you’re done decorating your cinder block wall, you must first prepare it. We don’t think you should wallow in self-pity because you saw some cracks and holes after you painted it.
Hence, if you want to apply any kind of notion further to your cinder block wall, follow these procedures. Keep in mind that if the cinder block wall is outside of the house, you may avoid some of these procedures.
If, however, it is located inside the structure as a whole, a cinder block wall in the basement—you will need to follow these procedures thoroughly before continuing.
Covering Made of Cinder Blocks
In order to decorate your cinder block wall properly, you must first assess its current state. In addition, if it’s in your basement, you’ll need to think about things like waterproofing, insulation, etc., while you update the walls.
Choose between hiring a professional and doing it yourself after you’ve decided on the wall’s condition and desired appearance.
Get Started with a Thorough Cleansing
You may see oily areas and a great deal of surface dust on the cinder block walls inside or outside your home. If you find one of these, you should begin your endeavor by thoroughly cleaning the area.
You’ll also need a stiff brush, some mild dish soap, and some hot water. Scrub the wall with a mixture of dish soap and hot water.
Patch up the holes and cracks
Check the cinder block wall for cracks and holes before beginning any cleaning. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll impede your progress and make your wall more vulnerable to harm.
You may use either hydraulic cement or a concrete patching product for this. The first step in repairing cracks and holes is to clean out any stray pieces of concrete that may have been lodged in the cracks or holes.
Following that, you should apply the concrete patch as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Patching holes and cracks in a cinder block wall may be done using concrete, a sand and cement combination, nails, or epoxy if you don’t have a patching solution on hand.
Remember to Waterproof!
Your home’s outer walls are more likely to have been waterproofed than its inner ones. While working on the cinder block walls within the house, particularly in the basement, it is a good idea to also waterproof them.
Additionally, exterior waterproofing may be lacking in older homes. While they may have had an external waterproofing system performed, it is possible that groundwater movement has worn it away.
The requirement for effective wall waterproofing may increase if you have serious moisture issues. In addition, if you waterproof your basement’s walls, you can rest easy knowing that rain and other moisture won’t cause any problems down there.
Consequently, if you want a completely secured cinder wall for years to come, you must never omit this step. If you’re doing it yourself, there are a variety of waterproofing options you may research online that will work for your basement or space. If you want reliable advice, you should seek it from a professional.
Insulation
Improvements in energy efficiency may be made by insulating the internal cinder walls, especially those in the basement. In addition, it helps prevent concrete from becoming damaged or frozen. For those who reside in chilly climates, this is especially important.
Yet, if you live in a warm environment, insulating your below-average walls won’t make much sense. Also, insulating expenses must be taken into account if you plan on insulating your walls.
But, if you are not on a tight budget and believe that insulation is necessary for your property due to environmental circumstances, you may still install it. Examining the advantages and disadvantages is the best method to avoid problems in the long run.
Intended for Coverage and Prepared
Here comes the fun phase, when you get to express your individuality by selecting the optimal materials and patterns to make your wall stand out. Home décor enthusiasts like us know how enticing it is to decorate a bare wall, and how much more effort is required when working with a cinder block surface.
Keep in mind, too, that it’s ideal to tailor your material selection for walls to the specific conditions of the area. Anything you choose to cover the cinder blocks should reflect your own style while still serving its functional purpose.
In order to get the finest result, it is best to engage a skilled carpenter. If you want to save money by doing it yourself, though, you will need to have exceptional carpentry abilities.
In addition, if you plan on remodeling your basement’s walls, you should familiarize yourself with the local construction requirements and only utilize rot- and moisture-resistant materials.
Ideas for Coating Interior Cinder Brick Walls
These cinder block wall décor ideas can help you choose and implement a look that will bring your interior cinder block walls to life.
1. Paint
It’s arguable that professionals have conflicting views on whether or not cinder block walls should be painted. Many people say that cinder blocks should not be painted since paint often chips or peels off over time. Since cinder block walls lose more moisture than concrete ones, this is also true.
Several other specialists have offered their advice, however, so you can do it if you really want to. You may paint the cinder blocks if you use a primer and watertight paint.
As long as the new wall color complements the rest of the room’s furnishings and accents, it’s OK to use. You might, for instance, paint the cinder blocks white. The white paint applied with a Plaster TeX and a trowel will give the wall a rustic, traditional, and sophisticated look.
Instead, you might leave the outlines of the cinder blocks unfilled using patch compound. Dark, rich hues, such as grey, look even better against such a wall, making the furnishings seem even more opulent and timeless.
There’s no need to restrict your imagination if you decide to paint your interior cinder block walls. Choose a selection that suits your own taste, and let your inner artist shine through!
2. Wooden Shell
It’s a good idea to fasten furring strips or farm timber to your walls, but make sure you only use pressure-treated wood. The liquid preservative applied to the surface of pressure-treated wood makes it very resistant to decay and moisture.
3. Planks Of Wood
Before putting up the wood panels to cover your wall, you’ll need to put up some corrosion-resistant furring channels called battens. Without them, the wood panels won’t remain put, ruining any chance of a polished presentation. In most cases, wood panels will have an elegant look that combines contemporary and traditional styles.
4. Shiplap
Since 2015, the popularity of shiplap has continued to rise. The organic modernity that it conveys is reflected in its highly refined appearance with a classical touch. This means that shiplap is perfect if you want a minimalist, industrial style with plenty of white walls.
5. Cover of Wooden Pallets
Pallet wood panels are ideal for a traditional décor because of their aged appearance. Pallet wood allows you to create a charming rustic aesthetic that will never go out of style. It’s a good deal overall, with chic and comfortable living quarters and a rustic basement made from used pallets.
Several Styles of Panels
There is a wide choice of wall panels to choose from. The greatest thing is that they often come in large sheets and provide extensive coverage with no effort during installation.
All wood panels are installed in the same way, using battens and furring channels that can withstand the weight of a croissant. Choose only wall panels that are watertight as a matter of course.
Reclaimed Wood Panels
In order to cover cinder block walls in a basement, Zen wall panels are the way to go. They’re cheap, long-lasting, and simple to clean because to their waterproof construction.
It is possible to utilize them in basement drainage systems because of the added durability provided by reflective foil barriers and fiberglass insulation. If you want your walls to seem sleek and modern, they may be your best option.
Brightwell Siding Panels
These panels look stunning as they are, without any further decoration. Since they are both waterproof and need little upkeep, colorful wall panels are a practical option for many homes.
Bright wall panels are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also act as a vapor barrier, so they are a great option for basement walls. On top of that, they make your cellar seem lively and interesting.
Drywall
Cinder blocks are the most popular choice for basement walls among homeowners. You have many alternatives to get this protection. The good news is that drywall offers a variety of solutions that may be used for your situation.
Certain varieties, such as those with increased resistance to moisture, soundproofing, and fire, may help you avoid certain complications.
Everlast Wall Panels
As their name implies, Everlast wall panels are very durable. They are much more long-lasting than drywall when used in conjunction with stud framing. If you reside in a very humid environment, this paneling system is a great choice. These panels are completely mold and mildew-proof.
Suggestions For Decorating the Outside of a House with Cinder Blocks
You can’t just leave the front of your property in its natural state if the inside is decorated to reflect your personality and taste. If you wish to hide the unsightliness of your external cinder block walls, consider the following option.
1. Material That Is Concrete.
Refining cinder block walls is as easy as covering them with surface-bonding cement. Having walls made of concrete makes them more energy efficient and more resistant to dampness. It has a smooth concrete surface that may be used as-is or painted to create a colorful accent wall.
2. Vinyl Siding
Adding vinyl siding to the outside of a cinder-walled outbuilding is a great way to give the structure a unified look if you have used vinyl siding elsewhere on your property.
Vinyl sidings may be purchased in a wide variety of colors and styles that simulate other materials, such as stone and wood. Hence, you may customize the appearance of your cinder block wall in a number of different ways.
3. Stucco
If you want a simple and basic finish with a decorative touch, stucco is the way to go instead of concrete. As an added bonus, stucco may make your house seem like a southwestern oasis. Stucco has the same benefits as concrete since it is also constructed of a cement, lime, and silica combination.
4. Man-Made Stones
The ageless grandeur of stone walls can breathe new life into any landscape. Stone walls are the way to go if you want to add some elegance to your otherwise plain cinder block walls.
It’s possible to imitate the look of natural stone using stonewall veneers, and there are many different designs from which to pick. Common types of stone that look well with cinder block walls include river rock, Fieldstone, ledge stone, and slate.
5. Climbing Plants
If you have a green thumb and want your structure to seem more organic and lusher, consider using climbing plants. Growing some vines or vine-like plants up a wall is the quickest method to make your home more attractive. Climbing plants may be easily propagated by simply screwing them into a lattice with concrete.
Conclusion
Covering a cinder brick wall may be a challenging DIY project. So, you should thoroughly scrape the walls and use the appropriate solution. Don’t put off insulating your walls if they require it just so you may decorate them whatever you choose.
Moreover, it is crucial to use only waterproof materials if panels are going to be used to cover the cinder blocks. Your interior and outdoor walls may be made to look more beautiful and last longer if you follow these tips. But if you’re not sure you can pull it off, it could be worth it to hire professionals.