Walls and Ceilings - How to drywall a bsement ceiling...

Hello, I've been wanting to finish the basement for a while now. I first liked the idea of supended ceilings better but then the cost just added up. Is drywall a better choice for finishing a basement? How would this process work and what size can you find drywall sheets?(1/2" x L x W?) How much would a sheet cost? If there are exposed wooden joists up there right now, do you just screw or nail it to the joists, then tape and mud it? If you do not feel like answering all of the questions, is there anywhere I can get this info from online?

Thank you, have a great day!!

IMO drywall makes for a nicer look but the main reason to use a suspended/drop ceiling is to retain access to any plumbing.

Drywall comes in 4x8 and 4x12 sheets. 4x8 is currently about $7 and the 4x12 around $10 for 1/2" thickness. 54" boards are also available but probably not at a big box.

Drywall attached to joists would still be finished the same as when nailed/screwed to rafters.

marksr pretty well summed it up.
If you are considering doing this yourself, it might help to rent a drywall 'lift' to bring the drywall up to the ceiling, holding it in place while you screw it to the joists.

I had the same dilemma. I went with drywall as it offers a better finished appearance and was cheaper and less work. Fortunately most of the water lines are confined to one area and I will not need to get into the ceiling. You just have to keep in mind that if you ever require access into the ceiling again you'll be tearing out the drywall. I rented a drywall lift as mentioned above, its a heavy piece of equipment but is cheap to rent and really saves you time and energy and you can without too much of a struggle do the ceiling by yourself, but a second person really helps. Just remember to keep your recessed joints together and your butt joints together. I made the mistake of mixing some butt and recessed joints together witch required more time mudding to cover. I used 4x8 sheets which produced a lot of waste material, but in my case a lot of the smaller cuts could be reused in the stairwell. Best bet is to measure the ceiling and see what will work best. As for fastening, I just used standard black drywall screws every foot straight into the floor joists. I sleep in the room I built, haven't got knocked in the head yet.

Alright, Thanks guys!