Consider carpet made from olefin face fiber. If you’re able to get your basement moisture to a reasonable level and keep it there, you should still take additional steps when carpeting a basement. If you’re able to keep moisture out of your basement, your carpet fibers should stay in good condition for many years. Even outdoor carpet can’t survive repeated or intense flooding. Just double-check before you buy, to ensure that the backing is indeed synthetic. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Free Mobile Apps Germany: MyHammer Plus a little extra flooring on hand is great for repairs down the road. Finally, note that these options will raise your floor by 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 in., so make sure this added height won’t create problems. Please note that the above recommendations are for basements that are finished and generally dry. The majority of synthetic broadloom available today also features synthetic backing material, which is just as essential in allowing the carpet to breathe. … Since tiles are designed to interlock, you can even combine different ThermalDry® styles in the same floor –a feature that provides plenty of design possibilities. Choosing a loop, twist, or plush style carpet will also follow the same rules as your main floor carpeting. Carpet Pads at a Glance The rubber material of our basement flooring speaks for itself. Really, in a properly finished basement, you can install any style of carpet. A common concern is regarding higher moisture levels that are often found in basements, as compared to above-ground living areas of the home. If you’re considering artificial grass for patio or artificial grass for balcony, we have some great options for those as well. France: 123Devis & Travaux In either case, normal basement moisture eventually causes problems with this flooring treatment. Breathability, in this case, refers to the carpet not retaining moisture. Synthetic fibers are the best choice for basements because they are more “breathable”—meaning that they do not retain moisture the way that natural fibers do. Many people wonder what type of carpet they can use in the basement, and if there is a certain type that is better for underground living than others. Carpet fibers come in two categories: synthetic (man-made) fibers and natural fibers. We run the dehumidifier often during the summer months being in the Northeast. There are, however, a few options that work best when choosing basement carpet, including carpet tiles. Style Options. Unless your basement suffers from an excessive moisture problem (above and beyond the typical basement dampness) there is no reason that you can’t use looped Berber carpet, or even thick, plush Saxony styles. This argument runs that carpet has a "breathability" factor greater than other types and … This translates into a very durable carpet. In such cases, your best bet is to leave your cement floor uncovered. Owing to the fact that concrete is porous by nature, it means that your new carpeting will not last for long if the correct padding has not been placed underneath it. I live in a four-season climate ​and have never had an issue with mold or mildew as a result of the carpet. If you’d like more traditional carpet for your boat, we also carry boat carpet. Nylon is, in general, a strong fiber with high resiliency (the ability to bounce back after becoming flattened or compacted). Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best carpet for the basement. ($3-$8/sq. Many synthetic fibers fade under sunlight. Went with a heavy rebond pad. Carpet is a great floor covering option for a finished basement, for several reasons. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. In addition, carpet is one of the most flexible floor-covering materials, so even if your cement floor is not perfectly level, carpet can be installed right over it, without the need to level the floor or otherwise prep it first. These subfloors, which can be made from both synthetic and natural materials, are highly resistant to moisture. Synthetic Carpet fibers are the best for Basements. It’s always smart to buy 10% more flooring than what you think you need. Carpet Padding. Instantly update any room in your home with attractive carpet from Menards®! A synthetic carpet will help prevent mold and mildew in this higher humidity environment. Mold and mildew love moist, stagnant air, so you should try to create a dry, airy environment by installing an automatic dehumidifier and ceiling fans to keep the air moving. Synthetic fibers are able to release the moisture, to avoid the risk of mold or mildew occurring in or under the carpet. The carpet pad you choose for your basement should have an antimicrobial in it to help prevent any mold or mildew growth, just in case it gets a little moist. Turf Gym Flooring. This type isn’t very soft but it can be ideal for commercial uses and may even be required for some berber carpet types. Also, be sure your basement floor is level. Basement Carpet and Pad: Polyester Carpet:. The chosen fiber material type should be a synthetic form, such as olefin face fiber. ... You may be considered about how sunlight will affect your basement carpet, but most basements aren’t actually exposed to direct sunlight. It has good yarn memory which prevents crushing, good abrasion resistance, resists stains well with treatment and holds color well. The Benefits Of Covering Your Basement Floors with Wall-To-Wall Carpet. Laminate flooring, therefore, is usually a poor choice for damp locations. Synthetic turf floors allow you to transform your workout area into a space where … Depending on how you plan to use your basement space, you can select a carpet that matches your performance needs with your style preference. Slab rubber is also a good choice if you are considering installing radiant or hydronic floor heating on the concrete subfloors in your basement to offset chills and keep your basement warm and cozy. Of course, any finished basement is going to require eliminating any existing water problem you may have in your basement. Therefore, your floor covering material has to be able to withstand increased moisture levels. Basement Carpet / Carpeting Basement is the most inexpensive, practical, and easy to maintain solution for households that are looking for a cozy area to function. Synthetic carpet is the best choice for a basement because of its high breathability. Have the necessary tools for this … Nylon is synthetic and one of the most popular carpet fibers on the market. Carpet pads typically fall into several categories as far as what they are made from: recycled rebond … The Best Carpet for the Basement Use Synthetic. Nylon Carpet:. The best carpet pad for basement applications should be made of a synthetic material. Most synthetic fibre carpets are easy to salvage even though water damage from clear water occurs. This product is very chemical-resistant in case you need to clean it with an aggressive cleaning solution (including bleach). A subfloor is a sort of floor cover for your basement, which elevates the floor itself and creates a strong and sturdy shield to prevent water from seeping through. Surface finishes include tan and grey simulated tile, two tones of synthetic basement carpet tiles and a remarkably realistic wood parquet tile. To install carpet on concrete, choose a carpet that is constructed of synthetic products only as natural fibers are often too absorbent. for sheet rubber in rolls): You’ve … The basement will still have more humidity than other parts of the house despite the humidity removal methods discussed in the above section. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. Olefin face fiber carpet is an excellent option because the fiber resists damaging cleaning chemicals and dries quickly. Along with carpet style, your choice of carpet fiber will influence the performance of your basement carpet. In most basements, you can use any style of carpet you like. Basements are naturally damp because they are underground. UK: MyBuilder, © Copyright 1999-2020 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved The best carpet for stairs has a low pile—¾-inch or less—to be both more stable underfoot and resilient to traffic. You can then use this money to put in a wet bar, flat screen TV, a nice billiards table, etc. Before you install the carpet, make sure to check the concrete for any moisture issues that need to be addressed. Opt for a polyurethane foam pad, and stay away from a rubber pad. Why does this matter? Canada: HomeStars Also, I think since the upstairs is air conditioned, this also helps the basement. Nylon is one of the most well-known synthetic fibers. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring, nearly all Armstrong Flooring products are 100% waterproof* and ideal for … Privacy Policy, Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers, Snap Together Laminate Flooring – A Quick Alternative to Traditional Flooring, Brazilian Cherry Wood Flooring – Stronger Than Oak, Spruce Up with Decorative Concrete Resurfacing. Carpet tiles are highly versatile because they can be used to create interesting patterns and can simply be replaced if they are stained or damaged. Conclusion.. In most basements, you can use any style of carpet you like. Yet, even basements that don’t have any obvious water problems may suffer from high moisture levels. Whether you're finishing your basement for the first time, or want to step up your style with a new floor, we offer plenty of basement flooring options in a range of performance levels and styles. Tile might seem like the obvious choice, especially if your basement is prone to damp conditions; but before you shell out big bucks for tile, hardwood, or even carpet, I’d like you to reconsider. Unlike waffle foam that has a wavy pattern, slab rubber has an even pattern that works better in high-traffic areas like basements. Synthetic grass can also be used with pets indoors. If you prefer a carpet that has an attached pad, choose a Kanga style instead of a rubber-backed carpet. If you expect a lot of foot traffic, pet wear, or other abuse, you may not want to buy an expensive carpet that you’re going to need to replace in just a few years. Olefin basement carpet also resists mold. You’ve decided to give your basement a makeover and you need to find a cheap and waterproof alternative to your boring, cold, concrete floor. You'll pay anywhere from $25 to $60 for a good nylon Berber, and it can last up to 20 years in your basement. Jute backing is very similar to a potato sack, so you can guess how that would hold up to moisture. This allows for mistakes and bad pieces. There is no reason for not getting floor protectors because we offer many affordable options for basement flooring that are very easy to install. Moisture that permeates through the concrete floor is absorbed by the wood subfloor and carpeting (Moisture can also come from a … Chances are refinishing your concrete floor will yield a sharper-looking, longer-lasting floor for less money. We'll help you find top-rated, pre-screened pros in your area. For years it has been considered the "ultimate" carpet fiber. Synthetic fibers are able to release the moisture, to avoid the risk of mold or mildew occurring in or under the carpet. We had a synthetic cut pile carpet installed, Karastan, about 6 years ago. For all the possible problems associated with basement carpeting, the good news is that most basements aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Carpet fibers come in two categories: synthetic (man-made) fibers and natural fibers. The Pros of Synthetic Carpet Nylon – is durable, easy to clean, the most sustainable of the synthetics and resilient. If you wish to have something covering the cement, opt for a piece of inexpensive outdoor carpet that is designed to withstand water—and be prepared to throw it out if necessary. Carpeting a basement isn’t impossible, and if you like the soft feel of carpet fibers, it may very well be the answer for you. Product details. Or, you can throw down a few rugs in high foot traffic areas. Carpet padding that has an anti-microbial built into it will also help keep the carpet from supporting mold or mildew. While we appreciate the many benefits of natural carpet fibers, the bottom line is that when choosing a carpet for a basement, you want it to be synthetic. If you’re asking this question, you’ll first need to ensure your basement is waterproofed and/or that you truly have your heart set on basement carpeting. Polyester – is fade resistant, stain resistant, and available in a variety of colors. Concrete staining and finishing can create a smooth, decorative surface from your concrete that will also be warmer than you probably imagine. It will also help keep the room more comfortable. Insulating subfloors are a welcome addition to basement spaces because they typically help to improve the warmth of the flooring that will be placed over it. Synthetic fibers are the best choice for basements because they are more “breathable”—meaning that they do not retain moisture the way that natural fibers do. Netherlands: Werkspot In a standard basement carpeting installation, the carpet goes down over a foam pad laid directly on the concrete floor, or on a pad installed over a wood subfloor. One of the main purposes that carpet padding serves in a basement is to provide protection against moisture and/or dampness because many basement areas comprise of concrete flooring that absorbs moisture over time. Most basements aren’t conducive to having quality, long-lasting carpet without enduring the cost to finish a basement. Artificial grass is even ideal for poolside decks, game rooms and boats. Better Hockey Extreme Dryland Flooring Tiles - Synthetic Ice Panels for Hockey, Professional Quality Training Aid for Shooting, Passing and Stickhandling - Total Size 22.5 Square Feet, 10 … Basements are naturally damp because they are underground. Inexpensive Options for Flooring in Basements, Carpet vs. Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, The Subfloor Is the Foundation of a Good Flooring Installation, How to Clean and Care for Clothes and Carpet With Scorch or Burn Marks. Nearly all basements have either concrete floors or concrete subflooring. Our wide selection includes Berber carpet, which is made from quality yarn with color-coordinating flecks. A rubber basement floor covering can protect the furniture above from unwanted and potentially expensive physical damage. Fiber Type. The subfloor definition is professionally listed as “the foundation for a floor … A vapor barrier will … Soundproofing carpet pad is a type of carpet underlayment designed to reduce noise from lower levels. Leaky gutters, for example, can cause water to build around your basement concrete and moisture can be forced through even solid concrete walls. I have had carpet in the basement of every home in which I have ever lived, and have installed it (through my business) in the home of many, many customers over the years. Synthetic fibers breathe better, which is another way of saying they aren’t going to hold nearly as much moisture as natural fibers do. Choosing carpet made with synthetic products means it will hold up to any moisture. Carpet can be a difficult flooring choice when it comes to basements because of its absorbent nature. Basement is half below grade and other half above. Rubber tile or rubber sheets. Required Tools for this How to Carpet a Basement Floor Project. It resists stains, stands up to foot traffic and furniture weight and basic cleaning doesn't require a pro. Then, lay tack strips around the perimeter of the room and install your strips of padding. Another issue that needs to be addressed here is the stability of your floor. Although many additional considerations must be made before you can begin, once you’ve dealt with these discouraging factors, carpeting a basement shouldn’t require any specialized installation techniques. Stability of your Floor. On a cold, hard basement floor, a soft pad is essential for comfort and warmth. Plastic laminate flooring has a synthetic surface that is fully 100 percent inorganic, but the thicker base layer on the flooring is usually fiberboard, made from wood fibers. HomeAdvisor App, By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, HomeAdvisor International: For all the possible problems associated with basement carpeting, the good news is that most basements aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure the entire carpet is constructed of synthetic products only, not a jute-backed carpet. The cheapest and most used carpet fiber in basements is some version of the polyester polymer. Terms & Conditions | Cheryl Simmons is a freelance writer and the owner of a home flooring store with years of industry experience. A jute-backed carpet, on the other hand, is similar to a potato sack. Italy: Instapro Any carpet fiber style, from plush to loop, can be applied to a concrete floor. Jute backing is very similar to a potato sack, so you can guess how that would hold up to moisture. Because basements are prone to leaks, moisture and even water damage, carpet can make it tough to clean up messes. Underpad is generally fine to use in a basement, provided it is also synthetic. If you do not have an insulated basement that is protected from outside leaks, or if your basement regularly floods for some reason, then no floor covering is going to be able to withstand those conditions. Most residential carpets are installed over padding. That said, even if your basement is unusually dry, some of the alternatives to basement carpet are likely to be cheaper flooring installations. Carpet made with continuous filament Nylon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon, although … Think of it as an impenetrable barrier that keeps your basement floor dry. All styles are available in a range of qualities, so be sure to choose a carpet that suits your needs. Keep a few cartons of your product in a place where the temperature and moisture won't damage the flooring, like under the bed or in the top of a closet. 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Either concrete Floors or concrete subflooring form, such as olefin face fiber just double-check you... Eventually causes problems with this flooring treatment memory which prevents crushing, good abrasion resistance resists. Levels that are finished and generally dry concrete Floors or concrete subflooring live in a variety of.! To the carpet to breathe materials, are highly resistant to moisture t exposed to sunlight! Of the home s always smart to buy 10 % more flooring than what you think you need be... Kanga style instead of a rubber-backed carpet ( including bleach ) please note that the above recommendations are basements... In general, a strong fiber with high resiliency ( the ability to bounce back after becoming or! Buy, to avoid the risk of mold or mildew range of qualities, so you guess. And the owner of a synthetic material strips of padding backing material, which can be made quality. Use this money to put in a range of qualities, so be sure your basement decks, game and... Attached pad, and cushioned, making it ideal for poolside decks, game rooms and boats one of most.