If you want a dramatic yet classy floor for your basement, wood flooring is the classical option. You can give your underground den a comfy look with the feel of warmth of woods beneath your feet.
Which basement wood flooring to choose
You can go for a hardwood floor, which will ensure strength with beauty. Softwood flooring for your basement is also a good option. If you want something new with the same feel go for engineered floor. An engineered floor consists of layers of different hardwood materials glued together with a core made of either hardwood or high-density fiberboard.
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Another option is a laminate floor with a moisture resistant wood based core, a backing and a resin based melamine or aluminum décor with crystal layer of aluminum oxide resembling the customary hardwood finish.
The evil of moisture
But all is not smooth and happy like fairytales. The name of the obstacle is ‘moisture’, which is the most potential danger to your basement wood flooring. So resist moisture before installation of basement wood flooring.
You can do a test to see whether the demon of moisture has already invaded your basement or not. Take a 3’x3’size sheet of water-resistant material and lay it on your basement floor sealing all sides with tape so that no air could get in. Put sheets like this in the walls and other places and wait for 24 hours. Then see whether any moisture has been accrued in the bag or not.
If there is moisture in the bag then you must solve that problem first, and then proceed for your basement wood flooring.
Even if you shut all the possible means of exposure to moistures, the moisture laden summertime air can enter and cause molds and mildews, so always keep the windows of the basement shut in hot weather and use a dehumidifier to keep the inside cool and clean.
The Pros and Cons of Different Wood Flooring for Your Basement
Hardwood floors are robust and can resist damages for long. However, softwood floors are also strong. Some popular hardwoods are oak, maple and ash.
But the basements have a higher humidity ratio. The high humidity content can cause excessive expansion of hardwood floors.
In engineered floors several layers are glued together under heat and pressure so they are less vulnerable to the bites of moisture. If you want to have engineered flooring make sure the moisture content of the concrete does not exceed 4%.
It will be better if you install floating engineered wood floor and fix 4-6-mil plastic vapor barriers in places containing high moisture levels. Engineered basement wood flooring is environment friendly and good for your health. These are available as pre-finished or unfinished varieties in a range of hardwood species. You can install them at or above ground level.
Take the following precaution before installing engineered basement wood flooring
- The slab should be clean, dry and flat
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the basement
- Let the floor get accustomed to the conditions before installation
- Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions while installing
- Laminate floors are more moisture resistant, so better for your basement.
Before you enter the basement wood flooring project prepare the sub-floor with care and ensure the fitness of the space for use. You can take the help of a professional who can inspect your basement and will suggest appropriate actions.
So, it is time now to decorate your basement floor with spectacular basement wood flooring and get set for compliments.
by Manuel Kupka
