Choose the Right Floor for the Basement

Turning your basement into extra living or storage space is a great project many homeowners would consider and invest in. Of course, who would be against enjoying extra space in their house? There are many purposes you can use the basement for. You can turn it into an additional storage space where you can store seasonal stuff and items you don’t use on an everyday basis. However, you can also turn the basement into a family room, an entertainment centre space where you can enjoy movies and music, you can make it an additional spare bedroom if you often have guests staying overnight, a play zone for the kids and so much more.

It is entirely up to you how you will utilise the additional space. And depending on the purpose of the basement you decide on, you can consider the right type of flooring. So forget about the creepy basements with spider webs and concrete floors, you can turn yours into a great space the whole family can enjoy. You just need some extra budget and the right type of flooring.

Choosing Wood Flooring for the Basements

The popular belief is that wood floors cannot be installed in below-grade rooms and spaces such as the basement, since there is a higher moisture and humidity level in this area of the house and this will affect the condition of the floor, making the wood expand and contract excessively which will lead to a bunch of issues and problems. However, this is not the whole truth. While some real wood floors are truly not suitable for below-grade installation, other real wood alternatives can successfully withstand all the specifics of the environment in your basement.

Engineered wood flooring is a great option for basements as it is specifically designed to handle the high levels of moisture and humidity associated with this area of the home. Engineered wood is made up of several layers of real wood, typically 3-9 layers, which are glued together in a cross-ply construction that helps to resist warping and bending. This makes engineered flooring suitable for installation in basements where temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate greatly. Additionally, engineered floors come with a protective finish so they are more resistant to scratches and scuffs than traditional solid wood flooring.

Engineered wood flooring also offers homeowners flexibility when it comes to design options. Many different finishes, stains and colours are available so you can choose a look that suits your style. The thinner profile of engineered wood means it can be installed on top of existing concrete or plywood floors without having to add additional leveling materials. It can be installed over radiant heat systems which can provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort during the colder months.

Due to its durability, engineered wood flooring carries long warranty periods from many manufacturers, giving you peace of mind knowing you have invested in a quality product that will last for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, your engineered wood floor should remain to look beautiful in your basement for decades!

Key Features of Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered wood floors are the perfect solution for anyone looking to achieve the classic aesthetic of real wood in rooms or areas with higher levels of moisture. Engineered wood is constructed from several layers of plywood that are fused using high heat and pressure, creating a single plank engineered board with exceptional strength and durability. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is not subject to expanding or contracting due to fluctuating temperatures. This makes it ideal for basements and other damp spaces where regular hardwood might warp or buckle. 

Engineered wood planks have a top layer of real hardwood, typically oak, mahogany, cherry or walnut, meaning that your floor will have an authentic wooden finish to it. The panels come prefinished so there is no need for additional wood floor sanding or staining. Plus they come in a range of different finishes such as matte, glossy and distressed providing you with more customisation options than conventional hardwood floors. 

Engineered wood also offers superior resistance to scratches and dents due to its multiple layers of plywood fused with resin adhesives under intense pressure - making it very difficult to damage compared to traditional solid wood floors. Engineered wood floor installation is much simpler than solid boards as well because most engineered boards come with tongue-and-groove connections which can be clicked into place without any gluing or nailing required. 

Overall, engineered wood flooring offers all the beauty of natural hardwood floors but with greater durability and resistance against warping caused by moisture and temperature fluctuations - making it the perfect choice for basements and other potentially damp environments where real wood wouldn't usually fare so well.

Why is Lighter Flooring Better for a Basement?

Now, you understand why from a technical point of view, engineered wood flooring is a great choice for your basement. When it comes to the particular design and appearance of this type of flooring, there are no rules and no limits to your creativity and you can get the exact colour, texture, grade, pattern, and design you would like to have. However, if there is a professional recommendation you would like to know, wood flooring specialists recommend you choose a lighter floor with minimal grading and a natural pattern. This flooring design will help you make the entire place feel more spacious and airy and it will also make the dark basement appear brighter and lighter.