Is Drywall needed for under T&G on a wall?
I have some T&G white pine and some walnut that I want to finish my basement walls with. Do I need to install drywall on those walls prior to installing the T&G? The walls in question are exterior walls, they are 8" poured concrete, with a 1/4 foam board (because they were pre-studded) then batt installation. The exterior walls are exposed on the outside. I run a dehumidifier during summer months and a wood stove in winter months. I am in zone 5. I am just a little unsure if i should install drywall before installing the T&G, any advice? Thank You
Tongue and groove wood is a nice alternative to drywall, you would not need drywall underneath.The initial purchase price of wood is always more expensive than drywall, but by the time you factor in labor for finishing drywall - mudding, taping, sanding, priming and painting, the cost starts to even out.
Below is a page that will show you some examples, as well as give you an idea of cost. This page specifically discusses ceilings, but there is no difference in the steps to install and finish it with a wall. And if you tilt your head sideways the ceilings in the photos will look like walls ;-)
Alternatives to drywall - choosing between wood and drywall for ceilings
Given that this is a basement wall, one thing to note - you say there is foam against the concrete (this is a good thing), then the stud wall and batts. Is there a poly vapor barrier on the wall covering the studd wall? If so - the first step is to rip the poly off the walls, since all it will do is cause mold. Vapor barriers on basement interior walls is the biggest mistake ever made in home construction. Read more here -
Why are basements moldy, and how to fix a moldy basement