Basement Flooring
Are you looking to replace that cold concrete basement floor for your next remodeling project? Are you turning your cold, dark and damp basement into an inviting family room, den or bedroom and therefore considering a change in flooring? One of the first things to consider when replacing your basement floor is to know what the basement is to be used for. However, before planning your basement, check to make sure that your floor is suitable for your plans. Basements often come with restrictions that is mostly due to the moisture that accumulates. One of the things you can do to check for moisture is to take a sheet of impermeable material about 3'x3' and seal it to the floor on all four sides to make sure that no air gets in. Leave the material on the floor for 24 hours and check for moisture. It is very important to waterproof your basement floors because of the contact with the ground and the potential for moisture to seep in. Mold and mildew resistant basement flooring options are a good choice if you have a lot of ground moisture in your basement.
What Are the Different Types Of Basement Flooring?
There are different ways to install flooring a basement and many choices based on what you choose and your budget. These are paint, sheet linoleum or vinyl tile, wood and carpet.
- Paint is the least expansive of all floor coverings for your basement; however, it is the least comfortable underfoot. This flooring involves the removal of old paint, the filling of any cracks and cleaning. You also might want to consider area rugs to put on a painted concrete floor to keep the area warm, since concrete does not hold in heat well.
- Sheet linoleum and vinyl tile are good choices for basements. Sheet linoleum comes in easy to work with sheets or rolls while vinyl tiles come in easy to work with 12x12 or 9x9 inch squares. Both kinds come in a wide variety of styles and colors. This flooring involves cleaning your concrete floor and making sure that it is thoroughly dried, coating with waterproof adhesive and the laying of the flooring.
- Wood is available in different forms including tiles, parquet blocks, and strips and they are easy to install. A damp basement can warp or rot wood, so be sure that the installation recommendations are followed and the basement is dry.
- Carpet that is approved for below grade use or installed on a sub floor is another option for your basement. Indoor-outdoor carpet pin particular works well in the basement in that it does not need a sub floor and that it is also approved for below grade usage. Carpet is also low maintenance and is comfortable underfoot. In installing carpet in your basement, be sure that the basement will remain dry and that you use a glue that is waterproof. Make sure to also follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
Until recently, basements were thought of as only places for storage with concrete floors and walls where one can store old toys, tools and other stuff. Now, people realize the potential of this space for something more such as extra living spaces, family rooms and bedrooms. With this in mind, people are also considering the flooring of their basements as well because they are an important part of in designing a more comfortable space. Basement flooring often makes a difference in underfoot feel as well as the retention of heat in your new living area.
