Creative Input Needed
A seller (who is also a builder) offered to finish a cellar for me as part of the deal. He wants to tile the floor, but I would prefer (mostly) wood floors. I realize that moisture is an issue. I plan on putting a rec room and office. The office would have a window in…
A seller (who is also a builder) offered to finish a cellar for me as part of the deal. He wants to tile the floor, but I would prefer (mostly) wood floors. I realize that moisture is an issue. I plan on putting a rec room and office. The office would have a window in the back of the house. Any other flooring alternatives that are attractive but not too expensive etc. Any other basement/cellar ideas appreciated!
It’s about 850 sq. feet.
i did pine planks over foam board insulation and plywood. They are cheap, easily replaceable, and they look good.
I was told that it didn’t qualify as ‘finished’ in NYC if it wasn’t tiled. Not sure what the ramifications of that would be other than not being able to include the sq. footage in the total for you building.
I normally don’t like vinyl flooring, but I think the Novalis products are pretty convincing and come in a variety of wood looks:
http://www.novalis-intl.com/
The engineered flooring usually have a moisture barrier and insulation layer that gets put down first, check this place out: Premium Floors, nice showroom in BK. (866) 369-3232.
Your question goes straight to aesthetics. In my opinion a basement floor will always feel like a basement floor (so do something appropriate on a concrete slab). Engineer floor is a good option but is still susceptible to water damage and will most likely be glued down – it will have a funny sound when you walk on it (even with cork underlay).
Tile can be a real mixed bag, if you can see the ‘image’ repeat on the tile it convey nothing but tacky.
We have had really good luck with this product, it was originally engineered for industrial flooring but they have moved into commercial / residential. We just installed it on a job and it looks great, it was significantly cheaper than stone and has three finish options. All the colors are great too. ( I think it’s around $4-5/ sq ft and it worth to not have off the self ‘porcelain’ tile)
http://www.stonesource.com/products/floor_gres/architech.html
Here’s the project that’s under construction:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70633612@N00/4325639150/in/set-72157623210463543/
I’ve included some installation shots and ‘final’ install.
Good luck,
Drew Stuart
Incorporated Architecture & Design
http://www.incorporatedny.com/
DIBS, not being able to find a showroom to actually see this, have you seen it in place? What *is* the ‘look’…children’s playroom? tacky? renter turn-off?
What cmu has suggested is a great idea if you don’t mind the look. They are easy on the feet (as opposed to a harder surface) resistant to virtually any stain and have an insulating quality. They’d be perfect for a rec room and a gym.
For more of an industrial look use what I have on my garage floor…
http://www.garagefloor.com
Polished or painted concrete. Washable throw rugs or foam mat over it if you want.
There is a special mat you can buy — probably through a catalogue but Lowe’s or Home Depot may have it — that is specially made for cellars. It consists of a rubber mat at the lowest level, with several sandwiched layers, topped by a press or particle board top layer that is suitable for wood flooring. I first saw it in a home magazine. Sorry I don’t have the name for you.
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http://www.danielalter.com