Get The Right Flooring Systems For Your Basement Remodeling Project

By Christopher Behan

Choosing flooring is perhaps the most difficult part of a basement remodeling project, since basement floors are notoriously susceptible to flooding. It’s important to consider the unique environment of your basement and ground conditions around your home to ensure you’ll get flooring that can stand the test of time. However, it’s also important that you choose a floor that reflects your unique style and vision for your new basement room, so you’ll need to carefully balance these competing factors to determine the ideal option for you.

To help you find the floor that’s right for your project, here are a few popular types of basement floorings you may want to consider:

Subfloors – Though generally not used as the final flooring, sub floors are an important element in many basement finishing projects. These systems act as vapor barriers, helping to protect other flooring materials from water damage, insulating against the cold basement floor and preventing moisture build up by creating a gap through which water can flow to your sump pump. This protection generally comes at the cost of a few inches worth of headroom in your basement, and subfloors may no support as much weight as a normal floor.

Tiles – Tiles are a durable, popular option for basement floors, and are available in styles to suit virtually any taste. It’s important to choose non-porous tiles to prevent potential routs of water infiltration and to install them using an adhesive that can withstand heavy moisture. Regular grout cleaning and sealing should also be done to prevent mold and mildew growth. Since they don’t work well with subfloors, tiles generally form a cold floor but can be outfitted with radiant heat systems to counter this weakness.

Cork – Cork floors are a popular choice for basements due to their low cost and resilience against moisture damage, being naturally mold and mildew resistant. They are available in a variety of stains and finishes, include coatings designed to increase this material’s durability. Since cork is a natural material, it provides a warmer and more cushioned flooring, but may be damaged from heavy furniture and lots of foot traffic.

Stained concrete – Many homeowners are finding that a finished concrete floor is an excellent option, as it’s extremely cost effective. After repairing the cracks, it’s possible to stain, seal and polish the existing concrete in your basement, creating an attractive, impervious water barrier that’s durable enough for use in any room. The main downside to concrete floors is that since they are cold and hard, they can be uncomfortable for some rooms.

Carpet – Carpet is an increasingly popular choice for basements, though it takes more consideration than other flooring types. Subfloors are essential for carpet basement floorings, as direct contact can cause carpets to become moldy and musty quickly. Rather than use a rolled carpet, carpet squares are an excellent option as they can be easily replaced if a leak damages an area. Though requiring more maintenance, these floors can help make your remodeled basement feel just like the rest of your home.

While these are popular flooring types, they represent just a few of the many different options available. If you’re having trouble choosing the right option for you, be sure to consult a professional basement remodeling contractor to find the options that’s best for you.

About the Author: Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on

basement remodeling

, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Source:

isnare.com

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