Basement Flooring How-to Instructions
DIY Basement Flooring just got a whole lot easier!
Installing flooring in your basement can easily be done by the do-it-yourself homeowner. Listed below are a few basic basement flooring options. Keep in mind your basement is not like the other floors in your house. Most basements with concrete floors will have some moisture and this limits the types of flooring you can use. Before considering flooring you should check your sump pump and back-up sump pump for proper operation and maintenance. A little bit of water can ruin a very expensive floor quickly. Your primary thought with basement flooring should always be moisture and how to avoid it coming into contact with your new floor.
Vinyl Flooring
One of the better flooring choices for basement flooring. It comes in both sheet goods or vinyl tile pieces. Sheet goods may be less expensive for large areas but you may have to make seams which can be a tricky project for the average homeowner. Tile vinyl flooring on the other hand comes in squares that can be easily installed by homeowners and if a section of tiles gets wet, they can be removed and replaced without removing the entire floor.
Stone Flooring
Stone Flooring Tiles also called Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) look just like real stone, both in appearance and in texture. Many times LVT is designed to look just like slate, travertine, marble, and other popular stones, yet it is actually vinyl or some mix of hard vinyl and or plastic composites. This type of flooring often can be up to twice as thick as normal tile which results in better insulation against cold coming up from your concrete basement floor.
Wood Look Flooring
Wood Look Flooring Tiles look just like wood no finishing required.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is one of the best options for basement flooring. Porcelain tile comes in many shapes and sizes. You can get long narrow planks, small or large squares of this tile and it also comes with some really nice graphics and designs. This is great looking tile for your basement but it is very expensive which makes it best for a bathroom or small area. It can also draw the cold out of the concrete which will make it very cold to stand on.
Just Concrete
The most obvious of basement flooring choices tends to be concrete. You already have the floor and now there are many things you can do with concrete. You can stain it, paint it, seal it or just leave it plain. You will need to clean the concrete and follow all product instructions if you choose this option and also keep in mind that uncovered concrete will always be cold and there is no way to heat it.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Waterproof Laminate flooring has become one of the better basement flooring ideas lately. Just be sure your floor really is "Waterproof" Get a guarantee in writing before you purchase. Many laminates are actually water-resistant and if your basement gets wet, that guarantee will not apply. Also make sure you include the proper sub-floor system. Laminates will not work without the recommended subfloor.
Carpet
Carpet is the worst flooring material when used in bathrooms but may be your best bet when used in a dry basement. Basements usually have less moisture than your average bathroom. Of course if you have frequent leaks or water in your basement, you should resolve all these conditions before installing carpet. With the installation of sub-floor, carpeting in basements can be made to work. Carpets are also one of the warmest basement flooring options.
Rubber Flooring
Great if you have a playroom or a gym in your basement, but not a very popular basement floor for any other uses.
Carpet Squares or Tiles
Very similar to carpet with the option to pull up and replace sections if they get damaged or wet.Of course if you have not addressed your basement water problems yet, you should not be looking for flooring. Fix the leaks and then come back to visit flooring options. Carpet tiles are also a warm option for basement floors.
This page "Basement Flooring How-to Instructions" is part of the Basements101.com website. More detailed information on how to finish a basement can be found at www.Basements101.com
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