Basement Floor Finish

A durable basement floor finish can protect this surface against moisture damage while creating the appearance of a comfortable, livable basement. No matter what type of floor you install in your basement, the finish makes a significant difference in how your remodeled basement looks and how easy the room is to maintain. Before you begin to remodel the area under your house, consult several contractors for price quotes, recommendations and tips on choosing the best floor and wall finish for your basement.

If your basement currently functions only as a storage space, you've probably considered a total basement finish to make the area more livable. This project may not only give you access to an uninhabited area of your house; it can increase your home's resale value. A house with a finished entertainment area, home office or below-ground rental unit is typically considered more valuable than a home with a dank, uninhabitable cellar. Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your property's value with an attractive, long lasting basement floor finish.

Preparing for a Floor Finish

The first step in any basement floor finish project is to make sure the area is waterproofed and insulated. Basements are notoriously damp and chilly because of their underground location. If the room has no windows, ventilation is also a concern. Check the property around the perimeter of your house for sources of water leakage, such as leaking faucets or inadequate drainage. Water that pools around a home's foundations can eventually end up leaking into the region below your home. Leaky plumbing can also contribute to moisture damage in basements.

To keep this room at a comfortable temperature, the walls and ceilings must be adequately insulated. If you have a concrete floor in place and you don't intend to finish it with vinyl, wood or carpet, the floor may get unbearably cold in the winter if the room isn't well insulated and heated. Even if you install new carpet over concrete, this material can't adequately protect an uninsulated room. In fact, installing carpet in an uninsulated, non-waterproof area may make the floors even colder and can expose the carpet to mold and mildew.

Basement Floor Finish Options

When it comes to choosing the best material for your basement floor finish project, consider how you'll use the space, how much time you have to maintain the floors and how much you can afford to spend. Although many homeowners think of carpeting as their first option, a carpet may be more difficult to maintain than a water resistant flooring material like vinyl tile or engineered wood flooring.

Vinyl is available in a broad spectrum of colors and patterns, and many homeowners can install vinyl themselves as part of their basement floor finish. This synthetic, plastic-based material is also extremely durable, making it a good choice for a game room, kids' room or workout area. For homeowners on a limited budget, vinyl is an attractive choice because of its low price tag. As an added bonus, vinyl is easy to clean and maintain.

If you're looking for a more rustic, natural look, consider an engineered or laminate wood flooring material. These products resemble natural hardwoods but are typically less expensive. Engineered flooring is manufactured using layers of compressed, wood-based material covered with a thin sheet of oak, maple, cherry or another naturally sourced wood. Laminate flooring consists of a photograph of natural wood layered over fiberboard. Wood flooring products should be cleaned with the manufacturer's recommended cleanser or dry mopped to remove debris.

Engineered and laminate materials are protected with a durable, water resistant coating that makes them suitable for basements and other areas of your home where moisture may accumulate. As an alternative to tile, wood planks or carpet, consider leaving your original concrete flooring in place or replacing it with a new concrete layer. A sealant can be applied to concrete to maintain a waterproof surface, and floors may be finished in a variety of attractive colors and textures. In addition, a concrete basement floor finish is durable and easy to maintain.

Comparing Floor Finish Costs

A high quality basement floor finish doesn't have to cost a fortune. When it comes to sturdy finishing products, you have a number of affordable options to choose from. Compare estimates from several local contractors on the cost of finishing your new office or kids' room with a long lasting, attractive material.

Although skillful homeowners can generally complete a basement floor finish themselves, you may get the most effective results if you work with a professional contractor. Contractors are familiar with the unique environmental conditions under a house, and they can recommend flooring products that will resist moisture, cold or pests. Talk with a number of experienced local providers for quotes and tips on this remodeling project.