I just had drywall installed in my garage over a concrete slab. The installers put the drywall all the way to the floor, which I've since cut about an inch up all around. Now I'm wondering what I should do with the bottom edges of the drywall. I've also noticed some insulation settling down to the floor, so I'm thinking I need to address that as well. I have some guys coming in to install polyurea flooring this week, and I plan to put up baseboard after that. Should I leave the drywall as it is for now, or is there something I need to do before the floor goes down?
4 Answers
It sounds like the drywall was cut to allow for potential spills, which is a good move. You might not have a base plate there since you’re seeing insulation, which is a bit unusual. I wouldn’t worry about finishing anything at the bottom until the flooring is installed. Once that's done, you can just slap some baseboard on top and call it a day!
So just to clarify, should I just leave the drywall edge as is and put the baseboard over it later? Here’s what it looks like right now: [https://imgur.com/a/sxwrinr](https://imgur.com/a/sxwrinr).
Definitely wait until your flooring is down before you tackle the baseboard. Wood should work fine, but if you’re trying to be cautious about water, maybe stick with rubber cove. It hides the edge well and gives some protection against water damage. PVC trim is another great choice; it's waterproof and requires no painting over time.
Agreed! PVC could be an ideal option as it stays nice even in damp conditions.
That's helpful! I was thinking of cleaning up the drywall edge first, maybe tucking in the insulation a bit. Do I need to seal the drywall edge somehow before putting on the baseboard?
Just a heads up, drywall and insulation that touch the concrete can be problematic if moisture gets involved—that concrete can really draw in humidity or water leaks. Ensure to have a gap at the bottom and consider using waterproof baseboard options like PVC or polystyrene.
Once you're set with your baseboard choices, make sure you don’t leave the drywall raw at the bottom. I used plastic trim to safeguard against spills in my garage and it’s been a lifesaver.
For the baseboard, I suggest using PVC; it’s fantastic for situations where water could be a concern. Plus, it’ll look good after a coat of paint.