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Solid core flooring in a basement finish?

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February 04, 2020, 08:49 AM
frayedends
Solid core flooring in a basement finish?
I recently had a thread on fixing a crack in my basement floor. I had a lot of people telling me to make sure the builder uses a decoupling membrane before putting tile down. Based on the tile we originally chose the builder agreed to do it for little extra cost (since our tile choice is less than we originally built into the plan).

Anyhow today I was at HD and saw the solid core flooring. I was against any kind of vinyl before but this stuff looks pretty good. I'm thinking it may be a better option for a basement. No worries on floor movement/cracking. Easily repaired, easily installed, and easily changed later if need be. This stuff has underlayment already attached, and looks like it isn't even glued down (not sure on that).

Any downside? Does real tile offer much benefit other than looks?




These go to eleven.
February 04, 2020, 09:11 AM
smschulz
Vinyl planks especially high-end vinyl planks are THE thing right now.
February 04, 2020, 09:21 AM
arcwelder
The free floating vinyl available now is good stuff. Some offer a little R value. Most if not all are themselves a vapor barrier. Depending on the product they go down right on the concrete, some with a roll cushion/barrier. I've also done dri-core panels first. Lots of options, all of which are better and more comfortable than tile.

You also get a thermal break, so while cold, it won't be an ice cube like tile. Though your house is new and they may have done an insulated slab.

Anything but carpet.


Arc.
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February 04, 2020, 09:51 AM
ridewv
I would certainly consider a good quality, floating, LVT/LVP floor over tile for all the reasons already mentioned, as well as no grout to scrub. Assuming the slab is dry with no moisture to speak of migrating up through.

I put a commercial version in my shop (concrete on grade) and the stuff seems to stand up to about anything.




No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
February 04, 2020, 10:23 AM
6guns
Based on my past experience, I wouldn't finish a basement floor with anything but ceramic or porcelain tile.




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