Concrete Flooring

kyleGR

I am looking for a cheap yet nice looking alternative to the ugly toothpaste green carpeting in my basement. I've been in my house for about 6 weeks now, so I am starting to get a good idea how I want it to look. Would it very feasable to have someone lay fresh concrete in my basement? If so, what would I expect to spend?? My basement is not very large -- just two rooms, each around 17x13.
If anyone has any better ideas, please feel free to speak up.

Thanks

Floorwizard

It probably is feasable, but would take an on site inspection to be sure on price.

There may be other more practical flooring alternatives as well.

what do you not like about carpet?

Teetorbilt

How is the carpet attached? Is paint an option? Tile? New carpet? Wood? Laminates? Stone?

kyleGR

Sorry for the delay, I sliced my finger up the other day while washing a long-stemmed wine glass ...
The carpet looks to be on a tackboard. I am not sure what is underneath it, but it is black with a rough surface.
I am not sure where the concrete idea came from, but I think it came from my girlfriend watching the home & garden channel. I am open to alternative surfaces, as I am first concerned about cost.

KenTheHandyMan

Concrete is absolutely an alternative, but I can't say it will be cheaper than other routes. You can get an excellent looking job though. Check out the Permacrete line of decorative floor options. http://www.permacrete.com/

__________________
Regards,

Ken Walker

Teetorbilt

You need to determine what the "black, rough surface" is before doing anything. Do you have any buddies in construction that could help you identify it? Without that info everything is at a standstill.

kyleGR

Ok, had another look under the carpet. There is tile that is glued to the concrete underneath. Would it be feasable for me, total newbie to home repair, to clean that up & then repaint it?

Teetorbilt

I don't recommend painting tile, not much sticks to it for very long. Maybe if you sandblasted it.......
Maybe you will like the tile. If not you can pick it up or put a floating floor over it.

kyleGR

The basement floor is not even in most areas -- would a floating floor work in this scenario?

joediddy

floating boards are a great option. even if you have uneven floors, a general flat floor with give you a smooth flat surface with floating laminate flooring. if you want other options you can check out http://www.flooringplans.com/laminate.html they have a wide variety of options and pictures for you to choose from. good luck on making that basment a good looking one. - joe

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mighty anvil

You need to determine if the old tile is vinyl-asbestos. If it is very brittle and in 9" square tiles and it was installed more than 30 years ago you should have a piece tested to see if it has to be removed by a licensed abatement contractor. If you are caught removing asbestos tile without a license and permit or disposing of it improperly you will be fined.

If the surface is uniform I believe you can still cover asbestos tile with carpet but you should check to see what the law is in your area. The new flooring depends on the use of the space, the height of the ceiling, and your budget, none of which I know so I won't guess.