Hello,

My house is 3 years old and we absolutely need a playroom for the boys. So, I don`t want to invest in the future (I will probably move elsewhere in the next 3 years), but still do a nice job so it`s confortable and easy to sell.

I`m planning to finish about 1/3 of my basement of 1600 sq feet. Another 1/3 will be unfinish for my workshop and the balance will be open for my boys to play hockey.

I don`t think I have any humidity problem, there is no visible crack, but there is a small odor of basement (not sure where it could come from, maybe the refrigerator).

My questions:
Should I put a concrete sealer on all the floor (finish, play area and workshop) ?
Should I put a concrete sealer on the wall (it`s not the masonry block type) ?
I`m planning to paint the area where the boy wil be playing hockey ... what should be the proper step for that area ?
What is the pro and con of using 24" vs 16" wood frame wall spacing ?

Thank you for your help.

 

Daveluyville,

Should I put a concrete sealer on all the floor (finish, play area and workshop) ?

Well here are a couple of options to your question as long as we don’t need to be concerned about color. Each can easily be done. I agree that all concrete lets off cement dust every time you sweep and walk on it.

Bear in mind that if at anytime you desire to use ceramic tile or self stick vinyl or glued down carpet, that the floor will require a process called etching. This chemical cleaning process cuts the sealers and prepares the concrete for sound adhesion. Some sealers are not compatible with various adhesives.

Etching can be done for basements or garages by most do-it-yourselfers by first degreasing the surface with detergent and water. One method to use once this is done, is to mix 1 part muriatic acid to 3 parts water. Use gloves,long sleeve shirt and goggles as this will harm your skin. Ventilate well. Then rinse with clear water and let it dry.

The other method of etching is using Sulfamic acid which is in a powder. This is dissolved when poured into hot water. Much less dangerous to work with than the other acids as that of muriactic acid and the best choice. Mix one pound of Sulfamic Acid with 1 gallon of hot water to treat 300 square feet of concrete.

So if you want to etch it, then you can either apply the below sealers or apply epoxy paint which costs more than sealers but you have color options available.

1. An inexpensive approach is to use a pump up pressure weed sprayer. Buy some concrete sealer and apply a thin spray mist over your floor. Let this dry, ventilate accordingly.

2. For an easier maintainable floor as the sealers will wear out in time depending on what you are doing is to use a clear moisture cure Polyurethane product. The secret is to cut a standard product with about 5% thinner and let it soak into the floor. It will seal the floor making it easy to clean but again won' t help the looks. The urethane should just soak into the floor, ensure that no puddles are on the surface. You may have to adjust the thinner to obtain the proper dilution. The fumes from the urethane may be a problem be sure to take precautions with proper ventilation.

Should I put a concrete sealer on the wall (it`s not the masonry block type) ?

http://drylock.com/H2Dry.html

http://www.ugl.com/faq.html

I`m planning to paint the area where the boy will be playing hockey ... what should be the proper step for that area ?

If you are wanting to paint the floor consult with a good pant store and advise on the Sealer you may have used or acquire the sealer at the same time. Epoxy sealers work great as long as floor prep is done right.

What is the pro and con of using 24" vs 16" wood frame wall spacing ?

You would need 5/8" drywall versus 1/2" for one. Walls tend to be more flexible. Future ideas on hanging cabinets or other items may be more of an issue with 24" O.C.'s.

Hope this helps!

 

Thank you for your detail answer.

I come back asking the same question, because I feel that you did answer the HOW ... but not the question:

1- Should I put a concrete sealer on all the floor (finish, play area and workshop) ?

2- Do I need a sealer or I can just "etch" and glue my carpet directly ?

 

Daveluyville,

I'm sorry.

1- Should I put a concrete sealer on all the floor (finish, play area and workshop) ?

If you want to, you can. - "I agree that all concrete lets off cement dust every time you sweep and walk on it."

The issue is "If you are wanting to paint the floor consult with a good pant store and advise on the Sealer you may have used or acquire the sealer at the same time. Epoxy sealers work great as long as floor prep is done right."
"Some sealers are not compatible with various adhesives."

2- Do I need a sealer or I can just "etch" and glue my carpet directly ?

If the floor was not sealed, no etching is necessary. Then you could glue down the carpet. In most cases, carpet tack strips are used versus gluing but the option is yours.

Hope this helps!