What Is Best to Cover a Concrete Basement Floor Where Dampness Is a Problem?

Checking for Moisture

• A damp basement creates a problem for your flooring, but also invites the growth of mold and mildew. For basements that are constantly damp, there will be efflorescence, a white residue, on the floor or walls. Contact a professional to determine the source of the problem. For high basement humidity and minor moisture problems, check your basement floor for moisture. Place a 10-inch square of plastic wrap on the floor and tape it down with duct tape. Wait for 24 hours. If there is condensation on the plastic or if the concrete is darker in the taped area, your floor has excess moisture.

Raised Floors

• A raised subfloor keeps your flooring off of the damp basement floor. Plastic subflooring with raised pegs prevents water from being trapped in your flooring. The air space between the concrete and the subfloor allows the concrete to breathe, which prevents the development of mold and mildew. The plastic material will not rot or buckle like a wood subfloor. You can install either carpet, ceramic tile or vinyl tile over these raised subfloors. Interlocking floor tiles with a raised base are an option that is available in a choice of carpet or vinyl designs. Both products add 1/2 inch or more to the floor height. You may need to adjust doors that open inward into the room to accommodate the height difference.

Engineered and Laminate Floors

• Hardwood flooring is not recommended for use in basements as the wood is sensitive to changes in humidity. You can use engineered wood flooring in the basement, however. These floors are more resistant to high moisture levels. For damp basements, install a floating engineered floor that is laid over a plastic vapor barrier. A laminate floor is another option that will give the look of wood to the floor. Laminate flooring is a floating floor that is also more resistant to moisture levels than hardwood. The flooring is installed over a vapor barrier and a foam underlayment. Provide a 1/2-inch expansion area around the perimeter of the walls when installing a laminate floor to allow for the expansion and contraction of the flooring.

Floor Finishes

• Painting and concrete staining are inexpensive options for covering a basement floor. Garage floor epoxy is available in your choice of colors. With a painted floor you do not need to be worried about water damage to your flooring. You will need to repaint the floor every few years due to wear and tear on the surface. Acid staining is a more labor intensive option that creates a mottled, variegated look in natural colors. For more color choices, acrylic staining is an option. You will have a hard surface with a painted or stained floor, but you can add area rugs to soften the space.