Interior of modern renovated lover floor basement common room in private city residence.

Finding the best flooring for your basement doesn’t have to be difficult.

What’s the Best Flooring For My Basement?

 

Selecting the right flooring material is essential in all parts of the property, but you could be forgiven for giving this decision a little less attention when dealing with the basement. In reality, though, finding the perfect basement flooring material is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for homeowner success. 

 

Whether you plan to use the basement for storage or as a living space, its influence on the rest of the home cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the significance of the flooring is more telling in the basement than any other room in the property.

 

What Do You Need From Your Basement Flooring Solutions?

 

When buying flooring solutions for any part of the home, you must first make a list of the most desirable attributes. For basement flooring, the following checklist is crucial will provide the guidance you need;

 

  • Basement flooring should be waterproof to protect the home’s foundation.
  • The basement flooring should provide excellent durability.
  • Basement flooring should offer value for money and a positive ROI.
  • The basement flooring should brighten up the boring concrete.
  • Basement flooring should be easily installed and changed if required in the future.

 

While all homeowners will want a basement flooring solution that satisfies all of the above, individual circumstances must be factored into the decision-making process. Is your home prone to flooding? Do you plan to use the basement as a living space that anticipates heavy footfall? Are you concerned about noise levels disrupting people on the ground level? Do you need kid-friendly flooring?

 

When you have a clear vision of what’s expected of the basement flooring, finding the best solution is a far simpler task.

 

The Best Basement Flooring Solutions Explained

 

When seeking flooring solutions for the basement, tiles may stand out as the obvious choice for an affordable and practical waterproof solution. However, better answers are available – the key is to find the floor type that matches your requirements.

 

Carpet – The Ideal Choice For Non-Living Spaces

 

Basement Carpet installation in Lisbon, North Dakota.

 

If you do not intend to use the basement as a living area, carpet can be the perfect solution. It works wonders for the home’s insulation properties while also reducing the noise of the basement. However, with many different carpet types on the market, it’s essential to choose a product that boasts the following attributes;

 

  • Waterproof – Obviously, this is a key component. Carpets that have an impenetrable backing are considered waterproof and will protect the basement if a leak strikes.
  • Synthetic Materials – Wool, for example, may look fantastic in living spaces. Sadly, natural materials will not handle any water damage. Avoid them at all costs.
  • Low & Cut Pile – A thick (high pile) carpet will take a long time to dry, which is why lower piles are advised. Meanwhile, a cut pile is more durable than a looped alternative.
  • Less Padding – While you may think that lots of padding is a smart move due to insulation properties, it can also act as a sponge to soak up moisture. Use a less padded solution.

 

There are plenty of additional ideas to consider, such as using sectioned carpets so that any subsequent replacements due to water damage can be localized. When the space isn’t frequently used, carpet is an affordable and practical option.

 

Luxury Vinyl Planks – The Perfect Choice For Busy Living Spaces

 

Basement Redefined Pine LVP Install

 

If the basement is to be used as a living space, a games room, or a home bar, luxury vinyl planks are the answer. Their durability, easy installation, and extensive range of design options make them well suited to busy basements while their sound reduction qualities are equally beneficial. Some of the other key advantages over other floors include;

 

  • They are warmer than ceramic tiles. Not only does this support the insulation attributes of the property, but it also creates a more comfortable living space when walking barefoot or in socks.
  • Their water-resistance properties are far greater than hardwood equivalents, as well as a range of other basement flooring material options.
  • No subfloor is required while they also offer a far more cost-effective alternative to tiles and other traditional basement flooring choices.
  • The luxury vinyl planks can be used in conjunction with radiant heating systems in a safe and effective manner, unlike some options.

 

When combined with the fact that they can be designed to match the esthetic appeal of various other materials and are built to last, luxury vinyl planks are the best option for anyone needing a new floor for their busy basement.

 

How To Find Your Dream Basement Flooring

 

While knowing which type of flooring is right for your needs will establish a great starting point, you need to find the exact product for your needs. LaValle Flooring stocks a wide range of carpets and luxury vinyl from top brands like Cali Bamboo, Phenix, Southwind. 

 

Furthermore, our advisors can help identify the perfect option for the size, purpose, and style of your basement. Visit us today to find out more.

 

 

Carpet has remained one of the most popular flooring options in our part of the country due to it’s warmth and noise reducing properties. Most people would consider Fargo, North Dakota as a cold state six months out of the year, so carpet really does shine compared to other flooring options such as ceramic tile. Due to it’s popularity coupled with a skilled installer shortage, we’ve found that most carpets are not properly installed. One of the most skipped steps is properly power stretching the carpet.

 

 

     If your carpet is meant to be stretched but your installer says it’s not necessary, you may want to reconsider having them do your carpet installation. Power stretching carpet has been around almost as long as modern constructed carpets. Brands such as Shaw, Southwind, Mohawk, and Axminister actually require it per their installation instructions. A knee kicker does not apply the same amount of force as a power stretcher does, since the knee kicker can’t hold the wall to wall stretch that the power stretcher can. 

Man improperly installing carpet with no power stretcher
Man installing carpet properly with knee kicker and power stretcher

In the two photos above, you can see that two different individuals attempting to install carpet. Use of a knee kicker without assistance of the larger power stretcher will not only leave your carpet improperly stretched, but will also be much harder on the body and knees. This can potentially lead to injuries with a reduced ability to perform future carpet installations. 

 Power Stretching Helps A Carpet From Developing Wrinkles

A power stretcher helps keep a carpet from developing wrinkles, which means it stays looking and feeling newer for longer. Wrinkles or simply improper stretching can damage the bond between the primary and secondary backings in your carpet. Once your carpet starts to develop damage between it’s two backings, this can lead to what’s known as delamination which would make it next to impossible to stretch as the carpet can no longer attach properly to the tackstrip which holds it in place. 

 

Power Stretching is one of many steps required to properly install your carpet. There are other factors that help determine the longevity of your carpeting, such as carpet padding, fiber type, density, etc. We will cover that in future posts. If you have any questions, feel free to fill reach out to us via our contact us page! 

 

Fargo

Valley City

Jamestown

Best Sellers

Luxury Vinyl Tile

Carpet

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Hardwood

Sheet Vinyl

Residential Flooring Install

commercial flooring

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
      Calculate Shipping
      Apply Coupon
      Available Coupons
      hi2022 Get 10% off 10% off all flooring on LaValle Flooring
      Unavailable Coupons
      apzkuucp Get $0.00 off Free Shipping