What is the difference in plaster board or blue board for a basement, which is better

Hi Smurfjp

In my area, plasterboard is called drywall and it is used with JOINT COMPOUND.

Blueboard is used with plaster and plaster is usually NOT for the homeowner to mess with.

If you are a homeowner that is new to this and is planning on installing and finishing the wallboard then you'll probably want a MOISTURE-RESISTANT or MOLD-RESISTANT plasterboard, you'll want to be sure to keep the plasterboard at least 1/2" to 3/4" off the floor (prevents wicking), and you'll want to practice on scrap pieces before working on your finish walls with the joint compound.

If this is a large area, I would suggest working with joint compound from a bag instead of the stuff that comes in a bucket. These types of joint compound differ in time to set and sandability, so be sure to talk to a knowledgeable person in the plasterboard department.

Do you have insulation and a vapor barrier (or insulation with a vapor barrier) installed in the basement walls?

Questions?

Mark