|
Carpeting is great for a basement because it keeps it warmer in
the winter, and is much softer to walk on than a tiled or concrete
floor. Also, it will deaden the echo in your basement which should
help make your home theater sound much better!
Indoor/outdoor carpeting can be used, but you may like the look
of Berber or other 'regular' carpet better. Go with a good thick
padding and try to get a moisture resistant pad. When you go shopping,
make sure you let the salesperson know that it's for a basement.
He or she will be able to guide you away from products that won't
work on your lower level.
|
|
| Make sure you don't have any wall leaks or other
moisture problems! If you do, see our basement
waterproofing topic, or our sections on repairing
cracks and repairing
rod hole leaks.
If you're putting in a bathroom, wet bar, or kitchen, you'll
probably want some tiled areas too. Remember that tile will reflect
sound and wreak havoc on your room acoustics. Also, when you have
your 'loud' friends over, they'll be that much LOUDER! If you
have large areas of tile, you may need to offset it with carpeting,
area rugs, or other treatments to 'deaden' the sound.
Since ceramic or stone tiles are difficult to install, vinyl
tiles or linoleum may present a good compromise. They offer some
of the cushion of carpeting, and absorb some of the sound in a
room. If you go with linoleum, you'll probably want to have it
installed for you. One bad cut can ruin the whole room- you may
not want to take that chance! |
|
