Hardwood Flooring for Basements

Based on what you would like to use your basement for, some of you may want the warmth, comfort, and coziness of hardwood flooring in your basement. For instance, a lot of you may want to convert it into an extra room for guests, a study, or a den where you can retreat to, away from everyone else. So if you are considering hardwood flooring for your basement, there are some things you need to know about it. Is it the best option or not? Let's take a look.

Installing Hardwood Flooring in Basements

Basements are areas where moisture levels are high. These high moisture levels can affect the type of flooring you put in the basement. If you particularly choose hardwood flooring as a basement flooring option, the effect of moisture on it can be hazardous. Because hardwood is a natural material that is not moisture resistant, the damp environment can cause the flooring to expand and contract excessively, to rot, lead to the development of mold and mildew, and make it a terrible investment for the basement. In simple terms, hardwood flooring is not one of the best basement flooring options to consider. Further, it is also an expensive choice that can cause major loss when used in the basement. Thought mold-resistant varieties are now available, their durability is yet to be tested.

There are some other options that you can choose from that give you the warmth and visual appeal of hardwood flooring, without the trouble it can cause in the basement. Let's take a look at the alternatives to hardwood flooring that you can utilize in the basement.

Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

Engineered Hardwood Flooring
One of the best alternatives is engineered hardwood flooring. This flooring is prepared from real hardwood. However, it is not hardwood all through. It has a top layer that is about 1/8 inch thick that is made from solid hardwood. The portion below is a combination of high density fiberboard and plywood that makes it less prone to expansion and contraction as well as rotting from the changes in climate. It can in fact even be sanded as many as three times to look refreshed. Like hardwood flooring, it requires a protective coat to make it less prone to scratches. Most types of engineered flooring that are used for basements are treated in order to make them resistant to moisture. It is still important to keep some margin for expansion and contraction of the flooring. This may not be as high as hardwood flooring, but will still be prevalent. Also, installing a sub-floor is important when installing even engineered hardwood flooring. It is only a safer option, particularly when it is used as flooring for wet basements. As such, it can be said that engineered hardwood floors are suitable for the basement.

Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is another option you may consider. While engineered flooring is made of some real hardwood, laminate flooring is made only from a high density fiber board that has a top layer of melamine-infused paper. Laminate flooring is also greatly scratch resistant, more than engineered hardwood flooring. Though it is not made of real hardwood, when installing laminate flooring in the basement, some amount of margin (at least half an inch) should be left for expansion and contraction of the flooring. Laminate flooring for the basement also requires a sub-floor for the purpose of prevention from excess exposure to moisture and humidity.

Both the aforementioned varieties come in colors, textures, and the refined elegance of hardwood flooring. As mentioned earlier, real hardwood flooring may not be one of the best options for basement flooring. However, with the increase in the variety of alternatives that do not make you compromise in terms of the aesthetic appeal of hardwood flooring, there is no reason you should be disheartened about not being able to use hardwood flooring in your basement. Choose wisely from these less expensive alternatives and convert your basement into a regal retreat.