I need a new floor covering for a sometimes wet basement
You may have heard about the recent flooding in Colorado. I was unlucky enough to have my basement flooded twice over a few days time. I am working on some preventative measures, however I would not be surprised if it doesn’t happen again some time in the future.
Because of that, I have decided it would be foolhardy to replace the existing sopping-wet carpet with even more carpet. So I went to HD looking for a solution for my cement floor. I saw several variations on individual vinyl tiles, some quite nice looking, but many were peel and stick and others were “floating floors” where the tiles adhere to each other but not to the cement. They all said they were suitable for wet areas, but I have my doubts. I did not see anything like the old style vinyl tiles that you stuck down with mastic, so perhaps those are no longer available. So for a vinyl product that is fully glued to the floor, I assume my best (only?) option is sheet vinyl.
They do make some decent sheet vinyl, but it is not that great looking – at least not in comparison to the individual tiles I saw.
The size of the floor makes the use of real tile cost prohibitive for me.
Does anyone have any suggestions for other than sheet vinyl?
Thank you
Replies
berg
I finished out a basement a couple yrs ago-homowners had NatureStone put down. A bit rough on bare feet, looked pretty good if you like the style-something to think about.
There is an epoxy that has some flecks of something broadcast into it-looks like a sort of sand corian............
VCT tile is still made-that's the old stuff you mentioned. With the black adhesive or other that mimmics what used to be used might hold up to being flooded.............not the usual mastic that goes with sheet goods. I would not use peel and stick tiles............at least not just P&S............I'd glue it down. But again, spec a flood possible glue.
There are floating vinyl "plank" floors...............what happens after it's been flooded? beats me-might be a mold farm.
wet basement floor covering
Thanks for the suggestion on the epoxy garage paint. I'm not yet sure I want that look for my basement, but I don't see much in the way of alternatives other than ceramic/porcelain tile. Both HD and Lowes tell me that sheet vinyl would be no good if it gets wet from below. And since that is liable to happen again someday, I guess I am stuck with the paint of the tile.
Thanks
berg
Look further. I did not mean garage paint.
There's a clear coat (or color) and then these chips or something are broadcast into it. Looks more like the solid surface countertops with the large grain of sand chips/dots/whatever.
wet floor coverings
I'll check it out. Thanks
Staining the concrete can give a very nice distressed leather appearance. Suppliment with throw rugs, no larger than 4x6'- any larger, and they're a bear to handle when wet.
Otherwise, I prefer to make the floor on a platform built atop the cement floor. This leaves channels for water to drain to the sump. Your recent floods should have revealed any low spots- have the floor levelled with gypcrete, or a similar thin coat before you build the platform.
The platform can be as simple as 3/4" metal "hat channel" laid down at 1-ft intervals, with T&G subfloor placed atop and fastened to it. Now you can cover that with vinyl, cork, carpet, whatever you want.
PLAN AHEAD. The basement should have receptacles spread among MANY circuits. You'll want them in the next flood, to power the fans and dehumidifiers.
Wet basement
Many thanks for your suggestions. I'll look into them.