When it is time to resurface your basement floor, cleaning and prepping the cement base is your first priority. Your choices are many when it comes to flooring options, but a concrete overlay is ideal.

 Ready to tear up that old carpeting in your basement? Perhaps you have suffered damage to your basement, or maybe you are just ready for a makeover. Many basements come with pre-installed carpeting, and due the nature of a basement, it can become moldy or over time, or due to a flood. Additionally, carpeting can hold dust and other allergens. Whatever the reason, if it is time to remove that carpeting and resurface your basement floor, here’s how to get started, and a few flooring options to choose from.

 When the old carpeting has been removed you will be left with a dirty gray concrete slab. Before moving ahead with any other kind of flooring, the surface must be cleaned and prepped. For floors that are in fairly good condition, an acid wash may be the best option. The acid will clean the surface of the concrete and open up the pores of the concrete.

 Another method is to grind off the old surface of the concrete. A shot-blast or bead-blast machine, a floor grinder, or concrete polishing machine can be used. This type of work is best performed by a professional concrete contractor.

 Regardless of how you choose to prep the floor, you will then be left with an ideal surface on which to build upon. One option is to apply an epoxy coating, like those frequently used on a garage floor. However, this is not ideal as a basement does not have the proper ventilation required for this finish. Hardwood is another option but unfortunately, the natural moisture of a basement will cause the wood to expand and contract, which will make the floor buckle. Vinyl or linoleum tile could be used, but again, the moisture will present a challenge, affecting the adhesiveness of the tile and also causing warping. Ceramic or concrete tile is a more viable option - you could even install a heat mat underneath for warmth. This is expensive, but quite a treat if it can be afforded.

 Possibly the most inexpensive and desirable option is a concrete overlay. This may be called a skim coat and is a very thin layer of fine concrete. This can be colored and there are plenty of creative options for a durable yet aesthetic concrete floor. Acid staining can be used to create a unique variegated finish that resembles marble, stone, wood, or even leather. Stencils or masking can be used to create a design or mimic the look of tile or wood. You can also install radiant floor heat under any concrete finish. A professional concrete contractor can offer consultation and show you all the options available to you.

 When it is time to resurface your basement floor, cleaning and prepping the cement base is your first priority. Your choices are many when it comes to flooring options, but a concrete overlay is ideal. This concrete resurfacing method is easy to clean, breathable, and mold-resistant, and may the best option for a basement floor.