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When deciding on basement
flooring, consider how the room will function as well. If you are
designing a family room, you might want to use carpet to soften up
the space. Carpeting is not generally recommended for basements, but
when proper steps are taken to prevent moisture, it can work fine.
Carpeting can warm up a cold basement and contribute to the room’s
design.
Hardwood floors also warm up a basement, but they can be irreparably
damaged by moisture. Dampness will warp and rot hardwood floors.
Engineered hardwood floors are a good choice for a basement because
they are made to be resistant to humidity. They come in almost as
many types as traditional hardwood, so you won’t have to sacrifice
form for function.
Similarly, laminate flooring will give you the look and feel of
traditional hardwood floors, but are less vulnerable to moisture.
They are also often less expensive than real wood flooring. Laminate
floors don’t attach directly to the sub floor, so they are easily
installed in a basement where the sub floor is usually concrete.
Even though most laminate floors are suitable for use in basements,
be sure to check with the manufacturer to make sure.
Finally, ceramic or porcelain tiling is another popular option for
basement flooring. Tiles are easily cleaned and maintained. Make
sure there are no cracks in the cement before installing, however,
as they can cause the tiles to crack after installation.
No matter what kind of basement flooring you choose, the most
important thing to remember is to create as dry an environment as
possible prior to installation. There’s no reason why you can’t
create the space you envision in your basement if you take the time
to plan ahead. |
