The One Secret to Installing a Wood Floor in a Finished Basement

It is no wonder since basements house a great deal of unused space which may be turned into a wide variety of alternatives to fit your lifestyle. With a basement renovation, it is possible to add a family room, an extra bedroom, a bath, recreation room, home gym, home office, toy room, family room, or just about anything you would like.

A key part of your basement renovation is picking a excellent flooring alternative -- something which will look good, be comfortable, and work on a concrete foundation, where moisture can sometimes be an issue.

If you believed hardwood floors were not an option, due to extra moisture, then we've got great news for you! For homeowners who adore solid hardwood flooring, we have a remedy -- engineered wood floors.

What Are Engineered Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors are made for use in areas where moisture can't be controlled, like on a concrete slab. As opposed to a good piece of timber, which will warp when exposed to moisture, engineered wood planks are composed of multiple layers of wood that are glued, pressed, heated, then coated with a thin veneer of wood on top. This process makes the flooring less susceptible to warping. An engineered hardwood floor appears every bit as beautiful as a good hardwood floor and is usually pre-finished and ready to use immediately after installation is finished.

Engineered Wood Floors Cost Less Than Strong Wood Floors

Another benefit is that engineered timber is less expensive than solid wood since less costly woods are used for the lower layers. Some engineered floors using a thin veneer generally cannot be refinished, nevertheless, many modern engineered wood flooring are made out of a thinner veneer which makes refinishing possible. If you are seeking to bring the warmth of wood floors to your basement, without risking rust damage, then engineered hardwood flooring are a terrific alternative.

Why Install a Moisture Barrier into Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors should be set up within a moisture barrier and underlayment. Humidity levels below ground are too inconsistent to danger skipping the extra protection given by a moisture barrier. You will find glue-down options that are designed to protect the finished floor from fluctuating moisture levels below the finished floor. A much better option is to get them professionally installed.

With all of the beautifully engineered hardwood flooring options on the market today and skilled installation methods which include a moisture barrier and underlayment, there's no reason you can not delight in the beauty of a hardwood floor in your new basement living space!