Can You Have A Concrete Floor Over A Basment

Since flooring experts generally recommend against installing traditional strip or plank hardwoods below grade the six best options for basement flooring over concrete are.

Can you have a concrete floor over a basment.

By corey stapes mn q. Smooth concrete can be easily covered with your choice of. Keeping these qualities in mind can help you select flooring that will enhance your basement and function well with your substrate. A properly installed subfloor will create a flat insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice ensuring more warmth underfoot.

Concrete is the most commonly used material for basement floors because it is inexpensive durable easy to work with and versatile. One of concrete s few weaknesses however is porousness which means that it allows water vapor to enter the basement through the slab floor and foundation walls. Concrete slabs present a few unique traits that can affect your flooring. However because wood is a naturally porous substance that will absorb moisture when used as a basement subfloor these materials are often installed on mini joists known as sleepers which allow it to sit above a concrete pad.

That has one reader wondering about other options. The basement is dry and we have never had any water or moisture issues. Concrete is the default material for basement slabs but the cement that s used as the binder in concrete is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. If your basement floors are concrete or they have become uneven it s time to contact a local basement remodeling pro.

Understanding your concrete substrate can equip you to pick a long lasting and compatible flooring option. Strong reliable and maybe not so green. If your remodeled basement will be used as a family room home theatre or kid s playroom you may want to have a subfloor installed over the concrete. I was wondering what the best way to go about resurfacing old cracked and unleveled concrete is.

While ok i am worried a little about the coldness a vapor barrier and the comfort level too hard on concrete. Particularly in older homes. Pour new concrete surface over 100 year old basement concrete floor. I have a 7 6 ceiling height with a floor that deviated by a max of about 2 inches in some spots.

One carpet guys said they make special pads that are vapor or moisture proof and will not have mold issues and are made for concrete floors. Concern areas for concrete slabs.