On Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:45:44 -0500, "Meanie" wrote:

Earlier this summer, I removed my radiant/boiler system and installed a
furnace/blower system. Prior to the install, one part of prepping procedures
consisted of removing my basement drop ceiling for duct installation. The
walls are 2x2 studs, insulation and paneling, which were painted when I
purchased the house. My plan is to enclose the new furnace and since the
drop ceiling is still down, I thought I would seize the opportunity to
remove the paneling and install drywall, which will also eliminate the need
to repair some of the walls which contained openings and holes where the
copper pipe protruded from the radiant heating. It'll also allow me to
remove the remaining copper pipes in the walls.

Though I eagerly anticipate the new walls, I hesitate due to the taping,
drywall compound, sanding, etc. and thought about basement wall systems
which I've seen here and there, but they require the start from bare walls.
I prefer to leave the studs and insulation in and simply install another
wall panel (drywall). Therefore, I'm wondering if anyone is aware of a
simple wall system which will allow me to remove the panels and install the
new walls, but minus the tedious task of compound, sanding, etc. I'm aware a
drywall finished basement will be the best aesthetically, but anything is
still better than paneling. If I have to drywall and mud, so be it, but I
thought I'd try to discover something which may be easier, first.

Thanks

I know guys who have taped trywall, finishing with a damp sponge to
the point VERY little sanding was required. Hiring a good drywaller is
a LOT cheaper than having a basement wall sytem installed.. My
daughter's small basement was quoted at $25,000. We did it in
paperless (fiberglass) drywall for less than 1/10.