3 Ideas for Carpeting a Basement

Carpeting a basement at your house is a good idea if you want to provide more living space for your family. However, before you head to the shop, think of your project and the space you will be creating.  

Idea #1: Carpeting for a Kid's Playroom

If you intend to turn the basement into a kid's playroom, you should lay a carpet or even better, you may install carpet tiles. It will be great for the purpose: the floor will be soft and warm enough for kids to sit around, and the whole place will look nice and comfortable. The best quality carpet tiles are expensive (you will pay as much as for a good quality carpet), but they are easy to clean and to keep clean. It is best to buy some extra tiles in case there is need for replacement.  

Idea #2: Installing Carpet Tiles

The first step is to make sure that the floor area is flat and clean. You can install carpet tiles on top of hard flooring or a subfloor. However, placing them over another carpet is not recommended. Then, find the center of the basement floor by pulling chalk lines from one corner to its opposite corner so that you form a diagonal. Repeat with the other  two corners. The center lies where both diagonals cross. Then locate the centers of all walls and connect the midpoints of the walls that face one another. Apply some carpet tape over all chalk lines and the room’s perimeter and start placing the carpet tiles. You have to lay them from the center of one wall to the center of another. You may need to cut some of the tiles so that they fit nicely at the edges. When you place all tiles, clear away the paper backing, sticking the tiles in place.

Idea #3: Indoor/Outdoor Carpet for a Game Room

If you plan to turn your basement into a game room, you will normally expect high traffic. Your kids’ friends and neighborhood children are likely to frequent your place. In this case, another option is to install an indoor/ outdoor carpet which cleans easily and stands up to higher traffic.

Tips for Installing an Indoor/Outdoor Carpet

Remove all doors that may swing over your carpeting project. Place double-face tape around the rooms’ edges and 6x6 inch X over the floor area – every 2 feet. Then, you have to lay the carpet and center it. Fold the indoor/outdoor carpet on one side in half and remove the tape’s protective paper. Fold the carpet back and do the same with its other half. Remove any excess carpet and make sure that the carpet adheres by walking along its edges. Now, you can re-hang the doors.

If you plan to turn your basement into an entertainment room with a more relaxed atmosphere, you might consider placing a more comfortable and softer carpet. You may opt for a plush carpet which will make your basement look cozier and with some recreational items and comfortable seating – you will have the perfect place to relax.