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March 27, 2009
finished basement floor
we started to planning the basement finish. So what can be done to the floor?
Given, that we put proper vapor barrier, what are the good solutions for basement floor?
One idea was to put radiant heat and tiles. How expensive would it be?
Another just put hard wood floor.
With the second solution we wanted something very light. Is bamboo floors are good for this?
Should we go with darker oak engineered floors instead?
Comments
Depending on the dryness of the basement, I would suggest thinking about using cork - a solution I used in my basement and one that has worked out very well. In addition to being a renewable resource, using cork avoids the coldness of tiles (and hasn't needed any heating element under the cork) and it insulates well. The floor has been down for about 4 years and I haven't had any problems with it.
(My basement is not a high traffic area - it is used primarily for guest space, so your planned use might make a difference.)
Posted by: Brooklyn Red at March 27, 2009 11:44 AM
The radiant heat sounds great. I have a couple of friends who keep their houses at quite a low temperature in winter but the radiant heat warms ones feet and makes it feeler much warmer.
Posted by: Bessie at March 27, 2009 11:51 AM
Are you talking about a Basement or a Cellar?
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 27, 2009 12:07 PM
Master Plumber, why the Basement or Cellar question (besides obvious legal use differences?
Bobjohn, I assume you are either talking about an existing earth floor or a slab you will remove. I am planning to do exactly the same thing. Assuming your foundation goes down far enough to avoid underpinnings, you are talking about removing going down 11-12 inches to do it right and keep the ceiling height the same.
Vapor barrier optional, depending on dampness of the soil and depth relative to grade, then 3-4" gravel, then foam board insulation (guessing 2"), then 3-4' of slab, in which you imbed the aluminum PEX for radiant heat.
The finished floor is your choice once you have confidence that dampness will not be a problem. I think most engineered wood flooring works well with radiant heat, but will likely use tile myself.
There was a previous post to estimate the cost of excavation and slab work. I found it helpful.
Posted by: renomandru at March 27, 2009 1:14 PM
renomandru, you mean Brooklyn Plumber? The question, not related to legality, was only to advise on wood flooring or tile. If it's a Basement with a Cellar below, wood or tile would be fine. If it's a Cellar at the lowest level, I would recommend tile due to the potential for water damage. If there's a flood upstairs, for whatever reason, the water could all end up in the Cellar. Since all of the services are in the Cellar as well, there is potential for water issues. A tile floor won't warp due to flooding. As for the radiant heating, wood or tile is acceptable as renomandru mentioned. I will put a link to another post that discusses factors that you will need to know with a wood application. As for cost, a visit to the building would help so that the existing heating system can be looked at for a radiant retrofit and to take a general look at the space.
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 27, 2009 1:57 PM
bobjohn, take a look a few posts down from yours titled: Floating Floor in heated concrete.....
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 27, 2009 1:59 PM
You haven't actually stated you are putting down a concrete slab. Are you?
You should never, ever, install a wood floor below grade. If you must, engineered wood would be the best.
I would do tile, outdoor carpet over concrete, or paint the concrete. Cork sounds interesting too.
There are a number of click-together solutions that incorporate a vapor barrier underneath and carpet or unfinished wood on top that can be used as is or have something else added on top.
Posted by: denton at March 27, 2009 5:36 PM
Brooklyn Plumber: it is proper basement. 4'2" above grade. 3'8" bellow grade.
Posted by: bobjohn at March 27, 2009 6:21 PM
I know this was not discussed, but what if I will put tatami mats over concrete? this might work well with the rice paper blinds on the windows.
to answer previous questions: there is 2" slab but it is sloped and not very even. Do I need to redo it or I can put more concrete on top?
Posted by: bobjohn at March 27, 2009 6:27 PM
We used cork in our garden/cellar/basement apartment and it is great. We sealed the concrete with a sealant we purchased at green depot, then installed a vapor barrier, then floated the cork. it looks great, feels great (the cork has a nice cushion to it, so your feet and knees don't feel like they've been standing on concrete). cork has natural antibacterial properties, is hypoallergenic, anti-static, maintains a room temperature (a good barrier against a cold concrete and partially subground floor) and also expands in all directions so it won't warp the same way wood does. We installed it ourselves and it was very easy and have had it in for a year and a half and it has held up really well.
Posted by: honeycut at March 27, 2009 8:40 PM
Traditional rush grass/rice straw-filled tatami mats will rot in a damp or humid environment. There are modified tatamis used in martial arts dojos that might work, but even these are usually laid over a layer of 2" closed-cell ethafoam
(in part for shock absorption, in part to extend the life of the tatami). Do you have a cellar beneath your basement? That part is still not clear from your post.
Posted by: vinca at March 27, 2009 9:39 PM
Putting more concrete on top would work if done properly, but are you concerned with floor heights? There are many options for you, it might be beneficial to have someone take a look. Are you planning on doing a lot of the work yourself? If you've hired or are planning to hire licensed professionals, I'm sure they'll be able to give you the best and most practical options.
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 28, 2009 9:03 AM
vinca: I do not have cellar under the basement. So sad about tatami.
BP: I did not hired anybody yet. Just looking for ideas. Sorry for bothering.
Posted by: bobjohn at March 29, 2009 6:41 PM
Didn't mean to make it seem like you were bothering, sorry if it sounded like that. I was only saying that there are so many different options and applications, it might confuse you and make your decisions harder with so many opinions. It may help to narrow your choices if someone were to look at the space first and then offer suggestions. I'm sure you can find many Contractors who would come by for a free consultation. Good luck with the Basement finishing.
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 29, 2009 11:10 PM
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