Tips to Install Laminate Flooring in Basements

If a basement remodeling project is in the offing, then choosing the right basement flooring type is one of the many important factors you have to consider. Choosing the basement flooring depends largely on what you are using the space for. For instance, if it is a home gym you may use rubber flooring. On the other hand, if you want to create a den, a space you can retreat to and be just with yourself, you may want the warmth of wood to give you a cozy appeal. While hardwood flooring is a definite no-no as a choice for basement flooring, you can choose to have laminate flooring installed in your basement, as long as you follow some important measures, which have been mentioned below.

Measures to Take when Installing Laminate Flooring in Basements

Laminate flooring is a feasible choice in terms of basement flooring, but as mentioned earlier, there are some precautionary measures to take while getting this flooring type. These are most important particularly if you live in a tropical climate where humidity levels are perpetually high.

• Type of Laminate Flooring: When considering laminate flooring as a basement floor option, you should preferably choose the edge-glued variety rather than the interlocking or floating variety. This is because the former is highly resistant to moisture in comparison to the other types. Also, it should be labeled as below-grade and suitable for sub-level installation. It should ideally carry a manufacturer's warranty.
• Leveled Flooring Base: The base flooring is likely to be made of concrete. Ensure that it is leveled so that the process of installing laminate flooring is easier. If it isn't, make sure that you level the base floor before you apply the laminate flooring.
• Moisture Protection: It is obvious that your basement floor is likely to have high amounts of moisture, more so if the flooring has cracks in it. Ensure that these are tracked down and filled up before laying the flooring. As resistant as the laminate flooring may be, it is important that you provide a moisture barrier, also known as a vapor barrier, before you apply the laminate flooring. Experts suggest the use of a 6-mil plastic sheeting as the best option, for the flooring and the trim. This will also raise the height of the floor and provide appropriate moisture protection.
• Acclimatization: Finally, with all the aforementioned steps followed, open up the laminate flooring for basement and place it on the basement floor about three days before you actually install it. This will allow the flooring to get used to the environment in the basement. This is a very important step you must follow before installing the flooring.
• Floor Expansion and Contraction: When you go ahead and begin the process of installing the flooring, ensure that you account for some amount of expansion and contraction of the flooring. This is an aspect of laminate flooring that should be taken into consideration.

Laminate flooring can definitely be one of your best basement flooring options as long as you follow the aforementioned tips and steps. You can bring home the beauty of hardwood floors without having to actually use them in the basement or struggle with all the changes that such floors are accustomed to due to climate change. Laminate flooring for basements is available in as many shades, textures, and varieties of real hardwood floors. So if you wish to use this flooring to make your basement a cozy space, this flooring option is definitely worth considering.