Basement Flooring Options

Hello - I have an unfinished basement in a new home that I would like to finish. The basement is 700 SF, has a walk-out entrance, is ~3' below ground level on average, has dirt floors, ~8.5' ceilings, rough framing, and is next to a crawl space (which is covered w/ a black moisture barrier). There is a 1-way drain @ floor level that drains to the street.

*My question is as follows: What are my flooring options?
- Do I need to pour a concrete floor prior to putting in a subfloor?
- Could I use gravel/vapor barrier, press treated joists to form a subfloor?

Thank you.

 

Hi AJ and welcome to the forums.

If it were mine, I'd pour a concrete floor in that size basement, what are we talkin 8-9 yds, worth it to eliminate the dust!

Then I'd lay some nice 12" tile over a heated floor system & you've got a great start on one heck of a family room. Just my $.02 worth.

 

Thanks. Interesting idea - would you have a heated floor option recommendation? I've done some web brousing and have come up w/ a few options:
1) Cables that are laid in concrete
2) Pads that are the flooring equivolent of an electric blanket

Seems to me the pads would be easier to install (place below tile, just cover in mortor), but they're pretty pricey and I haven't heard much about them. Any insite to offer?

 

Here's a couple of links to good products.

www.nuheat.com

www.warmlyyours.com

Stuff is a bit pricey, but IMO worth the price charged.

If you'll send me a pm I can also give you some other recommendations.

 

What about that newer insulated "cork board" stuff, would that help to "keep" heat in the room and not let the cold radiate to either the basement carpet or tile?

I know this isn't the same as heating the floor, but I'm wondering if it is a viable low-cost option to keep the floor any warmer than tossing down a thin layer of ply and tile/carpet.

 

I don't have any experience with that kind of product, you wouldn't want to use it under a tile install, the last thing you'd want is anything spongy under a tile install, but under carpet, laminate flooring, or vct, I don't see what it could hurt.

 

Oh yeah, good point. I have no idea why I said tile....?!