Basement Bedrooms Flooring?

Question

College Student Housing

House is half above ground in front and level in back (back door is flush with backyard)..No water really but is damp.  Want to tile I believe. Will do entire basement in tile.  Anything else I should consider?

Thanks

Robert Anderson · Answer

I had a moisture problem, like most basements. I put in a dehumidifier and an air purifier. I then installed a vinyl interlock flooring. It is a life time guarantee, and can be complete underwater and still be fine. I paid close to $3 a sq ft. I think the name brained was Allure or Allure Plus. It was 6mm (millimeters). You want no less than 5mm in thickness. It is a very nice floor, not like the weak looking old school vinyl. I bought a dark color with texture and etching, almost looks had carved. Very nice floor. Home Depot sold it. .

Jon Holdman · Answer

Before you do ANYTHING you have got to fix the moisture problem.  Tape down a few 1 foot squares of clear plastic and leave for a day or two.  If there's condensation under the squares, you have a problem that MUST be fixed before you can consider any flooring.  Most flooring types are more or less water resistant, so you'll end up with puddles below the flooring.  With the accompanying decay and mold.

We had laminate in ours before the Great Flood of 2013.  After than we ended up doing the acid etching and painting.  Except in the bath where we have ceramic tile.  The paint should avoid any future issues, but is quite cold.  You're just walking on the concrete.

Roy N. · Answer

We have been using vinyl plank (Allure trafficmaster and others) in below grade bedrooms, sometimes over an insulated subfloor.  They are warmer on the feet than tile and, if they get wet ... oh well, nothing organic here.

Mike H. · Answer

I would agree on the tile. No matter what you put down, water is always the enemy. Of all the choices, though, I think tile is your best bet. Its the most likely of anything else to hold up should water get down there.

Carpeting is typically ruined. If not ruined, it may grow mold. If not that, it may just be a headache for you when the tenant calls and tells you they have water in the basement and now you have to go deal with it.

I rarely finish basements (actually did a partial finish on one last year). But I do have some trilevels and for all of those, I always tile the lower level. Just don't want the risk of dealing with wet carpet.

Steve Yoo · Answer

Even if you tile if there is too much moisture the tile thinset may not adhesive well to the concrete floor. Every time I'm doing floors for basements I do a moisture test to make sure there is not too much moisture in the concrete. Most of the time though tile is the best option. I have installed many types of flooring for basements but I would apply a water proofing membrane prior to installation of any floor.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I would do the ceramic tile , basement ever floods , flooring is still good .   I am getting ready to gut and rehab a 1 bedroom efficency , concrete floor .  I am going with stamped concrete . I have seen it before and it looks good , and a contractor friend of mine has the equip so we are going to give it a shot .

Steve Yoo · Answer

I agree with Roy Vinyl flooring is another option. Now they have many that has a wood look appearance. I have used them in many bathrooms. I have not had a client who wanted them for the basement though.

Cons:

•concrete floor must be flat (no holes no high spots) concrete must be as flat as possible. High spots will show and also damage the new flooring.

• when people hear vinyl they automatically think cheap. Actually vinyl has changed significantly and has many designs and value.

• some nice vinyl are around $2.50/SF. There are many nice tiles around this price.

Pros:

• installation labor usually cheaper than installing tiles. No major tools required

• many designs to choose and methods of installation.

• very water resistant

Kevin C. · Answer

Anyone else recommend

TrafficMASTER Allure Vinyl Flooring???

or

Ceramic Tile?

Kevin C. · Answer

I mean Ceramic floor tile........

Basement Bedrooms Flooring?

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