How to Make Basement Laminate Warmer on the Feet

Sweep the basement floor thoroughly, removing all dust, dirt and debris. Repair any cracks, crevices or low spots with a concrete patching mix or a leveling compound.

Select a convenient location for the thermostat. Locate the vertical wall stud and cut a hole in the drywall next to it for the thermostat and wiring using a utility knife. Cut a second 2-by-3-inch hole directly under the first, 3 inches from the floor.

Chisel out a 1/2-inch deep, 6-inch square on the concrete floor directly under the holes in the drywall. Also chisel a 1/2-by-16-inch groove in the concrete floor, centered on the 6-inch square hole and perpendicular to the wall.

Roll a 6-mm polyethylene vapor barrier over the entire floor. Overlap the edges of the polyethylene by 8 inches and tape together with duct tape. Remove the excess polyethylene by cutting with scissors.

Place the heating mat over the vapor barrier, with the connector block in the hole in the cement. Secure the connector block with tape.

Place the temperature sensor in the 16-inch groove in the floor. Pull the cold lead and sensor cable through the hole in the wall and up to the thermostat.

Fold the hot leads between the heat mat and connector block, keeping the two leads 1 1/2 inches apart and making a U-shape. Do not cut the leads or cross them. Attach the leads to the floor by using tape over the folds.

Turn the power off at the circuit breaker box before attaching the electrical conduit between the thermostat and the outlet.

Locate the last electrical outlet on the circuit. Unscrew the outlet cover and remove it. Then unscrew the outlet to reach the box behind it. The last outlet on the run will have two unused screws available to hook up the thermostat's wiring.

Insert the thermostat wires through the hole in the back of the box. Attach the white wire to the unused silver screw on the side of the outlet. Loosen the screw and insert the twisted end of the wire onto the screw. Tighten the screw until the wires are secure.

Repeat the process with the black wire, attaching it to the brass screw on the outlet. Last, attach the green ground wire to the metal box. Insert the outlet back into the box and reattach the screws. Replace the outlet cover.

Trim the wires from the heat mat to the thermostat if necessary. Then attach the wiring to the thermostat according to the manufacturer's directions.

Insert the thermostat into the wall and secure with screws. Turn the power on at the circuit box and set the thermostat according to the manufacturer's directions.

Install the underlayment and laminate flooring over the heat mat according to the manufacturer's directions.