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. That said,
even if your basement is unusually dry, some of the alternatives to
basement carpet are likely to be cheaper flooring installations. Nearly
all basements have either concrete floors or concrete subflooring.
Concrete staining and finishing can create a smooth, decorative surface
from your concrete that will also be warmer than you probably imagine.
Or, you can throw down a few rugs in high foot traffic areas. Chances
are refinishing your concrete floor will yield a sharper-looking,
longer-lasting floor for less money. You can then use this money to put
in a wet bar, flat screen TV, a nice billiards table, etc. Because
basement flooring systems must be placed over the top of a cement slab
on grade, preparing the basement properly is of key importance
Yet,
even basements that don’t have any obvious water problems may suffer
from high moisture levels. Leaky gutters, for example, can cause water
to build around your basement concrete and moisture can be forced
through even solid concrete walls.
Carpeting a Basement
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. 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. It will also help keep the room
more comfortable. Carpet padding that has an anti-microbial built into
it will also help keep the carpet from supporting mold or mildew.
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. Choosing a
loop, twist, or plush style carpet will also follow the same rules as
your main floor carpeting. 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. On the other hand,
if you’re able to take care of your carpet, paying a little extra for
carpet that may actually last 15 years may be the right decision.
Along
with carpet style, your choice of carpet fiber will influence the
performance of your basement carpet. Consider carpet made from olefin
face fiber. This product is very chemical-resistant in case you need to
clean it with an aggressive cleaning solution (including bleach). Make
sure the entire carpet is constructed of synthetic products only, not a
jute-backed carpet. Jute backing is very similar to a potato sack, so
you can guess how that would hold up to moisture. For all the possible
problems associated with basement carpeting, the good news is that most
basements aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Many synthetic fibers fade
under sunlight. If you’re able to keep moisture out of your basement,
your carpet fibers should stay in good condition for many years. Â
