Selecting the Right Basement Flooring

Every homeowner wants floors that are durable, comfortable and stylish, and with help from the pros at Handyman Connection of Boise, you can achieve those goals even in the challenging environment of your basement. Whether you’re looking to upgrade the look of your finished basement or you’re starting from scratch with a cold concrete surface, selecting the right flooring is the first step in turning the lowest room in your home into a place the whole family can enjoy.

While virtually any type of flooring can be used in the basement with proper preparation, some are more suited to the unique requirements of the subsurface room than others. This guide to basement flooring will help you explore your options.

Subfloor Considerations

The majority of basement floors are concrete, and while it’s hard to match the material for toughness and durability, it’s important to remember that concrete is porous. Even if your basement stays wonderfully dry the year round, moisture from the soil beneath your home can penetrate the concrete and creep to the surface. Many homeowners choose to lay down a waterproof subfloor over the concrete before installing flooring. Providing a flat and level base, a raised subfloor allows you use just about any type of flooring material in your basement.

If ceiling height issues make installing a raised subfloor impossible, thin vapor barriers constructed with specialized plastic are another option. Some are even cushioned for extra comfort and warmth under your feet. There are also synthetic materials like vinyl tiles available that have vapor barriers built into the product. For a cosmetic basement floor makeover, the cement surface can be stained, painted and sealed with waterproofing products in a broad range of colors and patterns.

Finished Flooring Options

Just about any other flooring material can be installed over a raised subfloor in your basement, but most experts advise against choosing products made from organic materials like wood to avoid problems with water intrusion down the line. The wide variety of natural look-alikes available, however, makes it easy and affordable to enjoy the beauty of wood, stone ceramic tile in a waterproof and easy-to-maintain material. Choose from tiles, planks or sheets. Other options include pre-sealed laminate flooring that snaps together instead of being nailed down so it can “float” over the subfloor below.

Comfy Carpets

In upstairs room, carpeting is typically installed over a foam pad to provide comfort underfoot. That kind of process can be problematic in a basement where moisture can permeate the pad and carpet. Backed by functional vapor barriers and cushioned padding, carpet tiles designed specifically for basement use offer you an appealing alternative. Some manufacturers even offer carpet tiles with an interlocking design that not only allows for a fast installation but also makes it easy to replace a single tile without disrupting the entire floor.

When it comes to a basement remodeling project, the flooring you choose has a biggest impact on the room’s overall style and functionality. At Handyman Connection of Boise, our trained professionals can help you with ideas and take care of the flooring installation too. We’re here to provide you with the assistance you need to guarantee great results from any home improvement project. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation estimate!