How to choose the right floor for your finished basement
If you are planning to finish your basement, consider covering the concrete floor with a material that is more attractive and comfortable. Here are some important things to know and some floor coverings to consider.
You may need to repair the floor and install a sub-floor
Before you or a contractor can install new floors, the concrete floor may need to be repaired. Any gaps, sections that have shifted, water damage, and areas that are rough or uneven need to be fixed.
Although many floors can be laid directly on top of concrete, this may not be a good idea for a finished basement as it can make the floor cold. Installing a sub-floor can provide a layer of insulation to keep the floor warm.
A sub-floor can also prevent moisture damage. Since a concrete slab is porous, moisture and water vapor can migrate through it. This can cause mold and mildew to form under the floor. A vapor barrier or a waterproof sub-floor can prevent this.
Popular floor coverings for a finished basement
Ceramic tiles can be laid directly on concrete as long as the surface is smooth. However, you may want to install a sub-floor to avoid a cold floor. Ceramic tiles are not damaged by moisture. Tile floors come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Rubber floors can be supplied in tiles or slabs. It can be a good choice as rubber is easy to keep clean, durable, and waterproof, and also provides cushioning.
Vinyl floors are another popular choice for finished basements. It is available in plank and tile with interlocking joints that make installation easy. Vinyl planks and tiles can be made to resemble wood or ceramic tile. They can be installed directly on concrete and can withstand minor water damage.
Another option is vinyl wrap. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it can be difficult to cut and install. Vinyl floors should only be installed over a sub-floor. If this is not the case, rough areas will be visible on the concrete floor after the vinyl floor is installed.
Although there are many types of flooring that can be installed in a basement, solid wood and untreated laminate floors should not be used because moisture can cause them to warp and kink. Wood floors give you the attractive look of real hardwood with the moisture-resistant benefits of a laminate construction. Wood floors have a thin layer of real wood on top of other types of wood or composite panels and can add a sophisticated look to your finished basement.
Talk to your contractor
Choosing the right flooring for your basement conversion project is one of your most important decisions. Talk to your contractor about different options and discuss the pros and cons of each option so that you can make the right choice.
Michael Kogler, ESTATE AGENTS
MIKE KOGLER TEAM: # 1 sales team
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. | Christie’s International Real Estate
Delaware Coastal Properties Division
37156 Rehoboth Ave., ext
Rehoboth Beach, DE. 19971
Cell: (302) 236-7648
E-mail: [email protected]
Network: www.MikeKogler.com
Henlopen Sales & Rentals: www.HenlopenRB.com
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