When you own a home with a basement, you have to decide how you want to use it. Some use it simply for storage, so an unfinished basement can be left undone. Others turn it into a recreation area or spare bedroom. In some cases, homeowners buy their home with an unfinished basement and turn it into a highlight of the home. Chances are your basement has concrete floors. Should you replace your basement’s concrete floors when remodeling? Let’s answer that question!
Replacing Your Basement’s Concrete Floors
Your concrete basement floors can’t be ripped up and flat our replaced. In many cases, this concrete is also part of the foundation so keep that in mind when remodeling your basement. Most floors installed in a basement, whether carpet or wood, are installed on top of the concrete that was built with the home. There’s a filler or sound proofing that goes between the layers and then you install what you want on top it.
When replacing the concrete this way, it really depends on what you’re looking to get out of the room. In many cases, homeowners will leave the original concrete, clean it up and use area rugs as a buffer. In other cases, they install beautiful shag carpeting or hardwood floors depending on what the basement will be used for. It’s also not uncommon to see split basements where 1/3 of it is concrete and the rest is carpeting or wood.
The real choice comes down to what you want to do with the basement. If you want to turn it into a rec room, guest room or small apartment, installing wood or carpet is best. If you’re using it for storage, cleaning up the concrete and maybe installing flooring in one area is better. Work with your concrete specialist to determine the best route to take for your basement.