46erjoe wrote:
I've just finished framing out my basement to double our living
space. It's new construction with just a large poured rectangular
concrete floor between cinder block foundation walls.

The walls turn out to be just shy of 8' from floor to ceiling. I plan
to put in a suspended ceiling later so as to be able to get to all the
wiring/plumbing if necessary in the future.

My question is: Should I hang the sheet rock vertically or
horizontally? I've been careful to make sure that all the studs are
exactly 16" on center. I've heard that horizontally produces fewer
joints, but that also produces those nasty hard to hide 4' butt
joints. If I hung vertically, every joint would be flush.

Many of the walls are longer than 12', and since it's just me doing
the work, I don't think I have the strength to handle sheets that big.

I'm planning on doing the hanging and then bringing in a pro to do the
mudwork.

Related question: Should I hang the sheetrock a smidge - maybe a
half-inch off the (concrete) floor, just in case of water leakage?

Would horizontally hung sheetrock make for a stronger wall?

Any other tips?
I like horizontal with as long of sheets as possible. That gives you
fewest seams. As for the but seams your finish guy will have no issues
with that. yes, i would leave a little space at the floor.

I woudl also consider drywalling the ceiling! Here are my reasons.

1) Its cheaper than suspended.
2) It looks a lot nicer
3) it gives you more head room

My counter to the usual reasons someone want to do suspended

Gain access to plumbing and electrical
- The reality for most is they will never need to gain access or if they
do, its only occasionally. Of course in a drywalled ceiling you will put
access panels for your shut-off valves, hvac dampers and such. If you
need access somewhere else you cut a hole and then patch it. You are
still ahead of the cost game in a significant way.

Faster to install
Sort of - Yea, you can be finished in a day where Sheetrock takes time
between coats of mud. A good drywall crew can finish a ceiling in total
hours less time than can a suspended ceiling crew.

What if I need to run wires?
How often do you run wires? Run any before you finish the ceiling. What
would you do elsewhere in your house if you needed to run wires? Put in
conduits if you need to.

good luck

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