The excitement over this basement renovation is building. There will be more room for family relaxation and entertaining, as well as a potential home office. But how will you decide about flooring? The right floor preparation ahead of time, combined with the right flooring, can make a significant difference in the finished space.
Why not just buy the cheapest item at the DIY store? There is a lot to consider below the surface when planning the flooring for your basement remodel. Maintaining moisture resistance and overall comfort are the primary goals when selecting flooring for a basement renovation.
Here are the main things to consider when selecting finished flooring materials for your basement.
The first thing to consider is the condition of the concrete slab you are starting with. Modern concrete slabs typically feature a vapor barrier, a layer of gravel, and then the concrete itself, which is at least four to six inches thick.
What about older homes? New England homes built before the 1930s had dirt floors. At some point, a concrete floor was put down. Often, this was a very thin layer of concrete. We have seen them as thin as an inch and a half. It probably does not have gravel underneath and lacks a vapor barrier. A slab that is four inches thick or less should either be poured over or if in poor condition, removed and repoured.
In addition to verifying whether the slab is as thick as it should be, look for other signs of wear and stress. Cracks in the slab or gaps around the perimeter allow vapors and gases to infiltrate. Have your design-build partner assess the condition of the floor before determining the best type of flooring option. Be sure you do radon testing to make sure you do not have an issue or plan for radon remediation.
How should water infiltration and moisture be managed before installing basement flooring? A good practice is to have your contractor take moisture readings of the concrete with a moisture meter. A DIY version of this is to lay six-mil polyethylene in a two-foot square on a section of concrete floor. Wait a few days and see if water or condensation has formed below the polyethylene sheathing. If so, it is a sign of moisture infiltration. Also, suppose you see efflorescence, a white, powdery substance on concrete floors (and walls). In that case, this is a sign of water infiltration. If you observe efflorescence or other signs of water infiltration, consider installing perimeter drains and a sump pump if one is not already installed.
Another challenge before installing basement flooring is whether it is level. If it is not level but also thin, has numerous cracks, or is otherwise in bad shape, the best solution may be to pour a new slab. However, the floor may require some assistance to achieve a level surface. There are many floor-leveling compounds available on the market, some of which are concrete-based. In contrast, others are made from gypsum or other materials. A product called Self-Leveler Plus from MAPEI is one example.
Once the condition of the concrete slab is assessed and made right, the real fun can begin. It is time to choose the right flooring material for your basement.
There are several flooring options depending on your needs and wishes. Here are the main types of finished flooring for basements, along with an assessment of how they perform in the subterranean environment.
The carpet is comfy on the toes, so some clients are looking for this in the basement. For a consistently dry basement, this is a perfectly acceptable option. It is a good idea to use moisture-resistant padding under carpeting in a basement.
The challenge with carpet is to choose the proper underlayment. The rug is soft, but the concrete is hard. On a concrete slab, dense underlayment helps with any unevenness in the slab and provides a softer foot feel.
The great thing about tile is that if it gets wet, you can dry it up - problem solved. It is simple to install on a leveled concrete floor.
The challenge is that this is a cold material installed over cold concrete, so unless you install a floor heating system, you’ll want something on your feet when walking around in the basement.
Engineered wood floors are a good option for use in basements. Underneath, a vapor barrier should be installed. This can be achieved with a six-mil polyethylene vapor barrier, creating a "floating floor." You can also use a liquid-applied vapor barrier material installed with a roller, then glue down the wood. Instead of the flex you might feel when walking on a floating floor, the liquid-applied material feels more solid underfoot.
Many people are selecting LVT for its appearance, versatility, and durability. It often resembles hardwood but can also resemble ceramic or other types of tile. If pipes burst or flooding happens in the basement, carpet and engineered wood are ruined. Some high-quality LVTs, such as COREtec, can be dried, cleaned and reinstalled after the flooding is mitigated.
LVT requires a flat surface, so ensure that any necessary leveling is completed before installing this material.
Suppose you'd like to enhance the look and condition of your concrete. In that case, decorative epoxy finishes, similar to epoxy, that are used on garage floors, can be used in a basement allowing for patterns and swirls of color. It is not traditional but can be beautiful. It also seals the floor and is a very durable material and finish.
There is an all-in-one flooring product that also serves your needs. Dricore is a subfloor membrane panel with OSB (orientated strand board) wood on top. It raises the floor temperature by fourteen degrees because it has a high R-value of insulation. It has a twenty-five-year guarantee.
The installation of Dricore is complex and should be best left to professionals.
Regardless of the type of flooring you plan to install, it is critical to do proper concrete preparation. Be sure to address moisture, cracks, and any other adverse conditions. Your design-build remodeling partner can do this work and help you make the best decision on flooring.
Please don't underestimate the value of proper preparation and flooring installation in your basement to truly make it a place to spend time in and enjoy.
To learn more about the basement remodeling process, please read our eBook, “The Expert Guide to Luxury Basement Remodeling for Discerning Homeowners” And if you are ready to speak about your project, please schedule a home renovation discovery session.