Greatmats discusses 6 best flooring materials for a basement that can be installed over concrete and provide waterproof protection for basement floors that may get damp.
Best carpet material for basement.
Carpet is a great floor covering option for a finished basement for several reasons.
Carpet pads at a glance.
The best carpet pad for basement applications should be made of a synthetic material.
Best carpet for basement.
In addition carpet is one of the most flexible floor covering materials so even if your cement floor is not perfectly level carpet can be installed right over it.
Carpet will trap moisture making it susceptible to mold and mildew.
But if you like most want the warm feeling of carpet in your basement consider waterproofing or large area rugs.
Best basement carpeting is controversial.
Whether your basement will be used as a storage space or otherwise you should go for carpeting that will be hard wearing and serve for an extended period.
Always make sure that you are selecting from the highest grade carpet you can afford.
There are several colors and designs available and it will provide excellent thermal insulating properties in your basement.
Some doubt a carpet s ability to recover from moisture.
The carpet material matters.
This kind of damage should be repaired before any new basement flooring is installed.
The more conventional materials for basement carpets include olefin or polypropylene.
Soundproofing carpet pad is a type of carpet underlayment designed to reduce noise from lower levels.
Carpet on foam base.
Always install basement carpet on top of a vapor impervious subfloor this will raise the temperature of the floor in winter make your carpet more pleasant to walk on and most importantly prevent humid air from cozying up to the concrete and triggering mold growth.
They note that even the least amount of moisture causes mold growth leading to health problems.
Others insist that carpeting is one of the best materials when basement moisture is prevalent.
Plan on having.
That said even if your basement is unusually dry some of the alternatives to basement carpet are likely to be cheaper flooring installations.
Many basement flooring materials like paint epoxy tile and rubber flooring for example can go down directly over the basement s original poured concrete floor as long as the concrete is in good condition.
Alternatives to basement carpet.
Make sure that all cost estimates include padding installation seaming stairs if applicable thresholds the moving of furniture and the removal of old carpet or other flooring and materials.
This is a fancy durable moisture proof and informal floor that makes good sense for basements especially.
Carpet is warm soft and cushioned making it ideal for covering the cold cement floor.