After you’re done basement waterproofing in Chester County, PA, there’s still more work that can be done. There are many ways homeowners can flesh out their basements design even further now that it’s safe from water damage, including a wide array of colors and styles to decorate it. However, there are many different types of flooring to select, and the decision can be overwhelming and stressful to make. Here are some tips to help you decide on what type of flooring is best after you’re done waterproofing your basement floor, including each material’s strengths and weaknesses.
Carpeting
One of the more comfortable and flexible basement floor refinishing options is carpeting. It is warmer and softer than other options and relatively inexpensive if budget is a concern. There are several variations of carpet to work with as well, such as wall-to-wall and rug tiles. Both are easy to install without the help of a professional but are more difficult to clean compared to other flooring materials.
Painted Concrete
The next finishing option to think about after waterproofing your basement is painting the concrete directly. After finding a paint brand that’s been formulated for concrete floors, all it takes is to coat the basement floor with it and let it dry. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a DIY project, as well as a material that’s not very costly. If you desire a more unique and fancy design to decorate your concrete floor, consider staining or acid-etching. You can use stains to create more dynamic one-of-a-kind basements to provide guests with a memorable sight, in addition to their durability and more eco-friendly approach.
Vinyl
If you need basement floor refinishing for a basement that’s uneven and sloped, consider using vinyl planks or tiles. Vinyl flooring is moisture resistant so that it won’t grow mold easily. It’s relatively easy to clean and maintain over the years, and installing it over a concrete slab is not challenging. There are also plenty of patterns and colors to use, such as stone and wood patterns that look real, but be wary that vinyl is more expensive the thicker it is.
Engineered Hardwood
Classic wooden flooring might appear like a great type to implement once you’re done waterproofing your basement. Still, wood has a tendency to bend and contract based on humidity and temperature. Engineered hardwood is a viable option for basement floor refinishing as it’s manufactured not to bend and warp over time. It can be plastered and glued onto the basement subfloor, but only if it’s flat; otherwise, alterations in humidity will cause it to become unstable. Alternatively, engineered hardwood planks can be floated on top of the floor. They are slightly more costly than other flooring types, however.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
To celebrate waterproofing your basement, you can install decorative tile flooring to help it stand out. There are different materials to work with, such as waterproof porcelain and water-resistant ceramics, and even more shapes and sizes to select. Unfortunately, this does mean their price will vary greatly. Condensation buildup can be an issue, but it is preventable if the tiles are glazed. Tiles can also last a long time but maybe cold to the touch if there is no basement subfloor underneath.
If you’re looking for Delaware Valley basement waterproofing, check out Rightway Waterproofing for help with your basement floor refinishing!