hello all,

i have a question on whether or not knotty pine is in or out. my basement walls are finished off in knotty pine and to me is a bit overwhelming. the drop ceiling is going to be replaced with sheetrock and recessed lighting, however i am not sure if i should put a new satin finish on the knotty pine or to sheetrock over it, or lastly to paint it?

i would greatly appreciate your thoughts and comments. i am not selling my house, however i want to do things to improve the value of the house and make it as appealing to as many people as i possibly can so that when i want to sell i wont have things that turn buyers off.

the house is in catonsville maryland.

i am asking agents and brokers due to the fact that you probably see more reactions than anyone else and are more unbiased than say a salesman.

thank you in advance for your feedback


ps i just finished with my RE pre-licensing course THIS MORNING and will be taking my state exams in about 2 weeks once the psi test goes through.

Around here knoty pine is considered outdated, my Brother in law had his sanded down and now has a whitewashed look. But why chnage things of you are happy? Wait until you are thinking of selling.

good luck on your exams!

If it's real wood... i'd leave it. If it's pressboard or fake finish I'd cover it. My opinion only.

I'm originally from Ohio and like natural wood finishes. However it seems drywall and painted trim is the fad now.

My wife and I built new construction in the last few years. Natural cedar on the outside and a significant amount of knotty pine (the balance painted sheetrock)inside. We don't much care if that is "in" or "out" as we have no plans of ever selling; this is our final home until we are dead or committed to a single room at a nursing home! We happen to like it and have received many compliments on it.

Good luck on your real estate career. I have family members in Catonsville; it looks like a good place to do business!

If you want to cover it and not lose it you may be able to put some 1/4" drywall over it instead of painting it. Just a thought.