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…
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Brooklyn Plumber: it is proper basement. 4’2″ above grade. 3’8″ bellow grade.
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.
bobjohn, take a look a few posts down from yours titled: Floating Floor in heated concrete…..