Another Basement Flooring Option
Total Basement Finishing offers multiple options when it comes to floors for your finished basement. But when you are remodeling, it is important to be aware of scams from big name companies, so you don’t fall into their traps.
Most big companies have an underlayment that claims it was “made just for basements,” and is 2’ square tiles of chipboard with a dimpled plastic on the bottom. They recommend installing it first before putting carpet down in your basement. The idea is that it will create a space between the floor and your carpet for warmth, and the plastic will stop water vapor from getting to your floor. However, there is one big problem with this theory—it's made of wood.
Wood is organic, and organic materials in your basement are never a good idea. All it takes is one plumbing leak, and you’ll be replacing the flooring. When organic materials get wet, they absorb all the moisture and swell. If you have thin carpet with no padding, you might even be able to see the outline of each tile where it has swollen. Just because big companies claim that something works, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. Total Basement Finishing offers a great substitute for carpeting in your basement—ThermalDry Basement Floor Matting.
Along with ThermalDry, another good option for your basement is MillCreek Flooring. MillCreek Flooring is an inorganic wood floor that is exclusively from Total Basement Finishing. It has the warm, earthy look of wood, but it’s made entirely from plastic, so it can withstand any basement leakage you may have. It has the same look as a genuine wood floor, but without the worry of water ruining it.
MillCreek Flooring does not create a space under the floor like the ThermalDry flooring does, but it will still not be affected by water at all. When you have a leak in your basement, you will not have to worry about your floor. You simply have to fix the leak and dry the area, and your floor is as good as new!
It comes in planks, just like real wood, and has a tongue and groove design to lock the planks together. They are installed on a 2mm thick foam underlayment like a laminate floor, which makes it quieter and even softens the floor. MillCreek is a great option, but if there is going to be a lot of rough activity in your basement, the ThermalDry might be a better choice. MillCreek isn’t as hard as real hardwood, but you’ll love it for a family game or TV room. And you’ll still love it after a plumbing leak!