Basement Flooring Options and Overview
Basements can be a perfectly acceptable living space in many homes. When finishing basements however, homeowners tend to overlook the floor. There is a variety of options available for basement flooring. Before purchasing any flooring do some comparison-shopping online. Online shopping is ideal because customers are not pressured by sales people, and they can do an honest evaluation of products available.
Basements can add value and living space to the home, and the right flooring can make a difference. Basements in many areas tend to be damp, so that may be a consideration when choosing flooring. Therefore, the flooring must be able to withstand dampness without becoming damaged. There are ways of eliminating or overcoming floor dampness in basements, however. Subfloors can be built that will raise the flooring deck up to provide airspace under the flooring. Dehumidifiers can be used to keep the damp air at bay, as well. Online flooring retailers will have the flooring specifications, so homeowners can choose the correct flooring. Flooring will have specifications pertaining to the ideal location for installation.
Best Basement Flooring Types
Tile is ideal for basement flooring, but dampness can sometimes seep through. Tile can be installed on a sub floor using concrete board to absorb the dampness. The sub floor can be installed rather easily right over the concrete floor. The floor should be raised enough to install a vapor barrier, and allow several inches of air space between the concrete and tile. Vinyl is also a choice and when used with a vapor barrier makes excellent basement flooring option. Wood can be used, but it is recommended that a sub floor be installed with a vapor barrier. Properly sized dehumidifiers can eliminate a good portion of the room’s dampness.
Organic compounds in flooring material will breed mold. Owners looking for the look and feel of real tile or wood can research online retailers that offer non-organic materials. The basement flooring will not be damaged by moisture or water leaks. The basement flooring is designed to be applied as a floating floor directly over any existing flooring or concrete. The floor is ready to walk on immediately after installation.
Carpeting is an option such as indoor-outdoor carpeting. The carpet is designed for full exposure to water without deterioration. The problem is that carpet will draw and hold moisture if the basement is especially damp. Even though, the carpet will hold up fine, it is damp to the touch. There are varieties of basement flooring options available online, and many of those options are quite economical.