skip to main content

basement carpet

11 years ago

I'm considering putting carpeting in my basement, directly on the slab. The slab is new, has vapor barrier installed under the slab, and the basement generally stays very dry.

I'm considering installing urethane foam carpet pad, such as ScotchGard that I see HD carriers, and low pile carpet over it. I've used this pad upstairs and like it, I wonder how well it would work over a basement slab. It claims to have built in moisture barrier. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing for this application.

The other option is to build a subfloor using something like Delta-FL and plywood, and while I'm sure that'll be better overall, I'd like to see if I can avoid this effort, time and expense.

Here is a link that might be useful: ScotchGard carpet pad

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

worthy
11 years ago
See this previous thread.

The vapour barrier under the slab will do a good job in limiting moisture drive into the basement. However, it does nothing for the temperature differential that will leave the slab cold in winter. So I would avoid using any carpet pad in a basement unless it's on top of Delta FL or equivalent or XPS and plywood.

Confession: For years in the '80s I did install basement carpet over pads; felt great on the tootsies and would hold up for the time it took to sell the homes, up to two years.
goldengirl327
11 years ago
I'm not sure what it's called, but our installer used a felt-type breathable pad on the concrete under our carpeting. He said he used it all the time in basements because it didn't trap moisture. It was installed six years ago and still looks great.

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Get New Carpeting

By Laura Gaskill

Carpeting adds a layer of warmth and softness to a space. Here's what to know about today's materials, costs and trends

DECORATING GUIDES Go Bold (and Green) with Eco-Friendly Carpet Tiles

By Debbie Snider

Get Ideas For Your Own Recyclable Rug Made of Colorful Carpet Squares

REMODELING GUIDES Pick the Right Carpet Material

By Jennifer Bishop Design

A little knowledge about carpet fibers can mean longer life for your floors. Our guide can help you make the best choice

REMODELING GUIDES 11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again

By Judith Taylor Designs

Is it time to kick the hard stuff? Your feet, wallet and downstairs neighbors may be nodding

DECORATING GUIDES Set Staircases Racing With a Striped Stair Runner

By Rachel Grace

Energize your stairway with a carpet runner decked in stripes to go the distance

BASEMENTS A Raw Washington Basement Gets Serenity Now

By Becky Harris

Neutral tones and custom storage infuse a family's newly finished basement with a restful air

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: From Dumping Ground to Family Zone in Minnesota

By Becky Harris

Erasing every trace of this basement's former life took creative thinking and smart design touches

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: High-End Problem Solving for a Show House

By Becky Harris

Dark and dated? Naturally. But this '70s-style basement had myriad other design issues too. See how the designer rose to the challenge

STAIRWAYS The Upstairs-Downstairs Connection: Picking the Right Stair Treatment

By Laura Gaskill

Carpeting, runner or bare wood? Check out these ideas for matching your staircase floor treatment to upstairs and downstairs flooring

EVENTS New Rug Designs You Can Expect to See Soon

By Stacy Briscoe

This September, home professionals will gather at the New York International Carpet Show, where it’s all about floor decor

Sponsored

More Discussions

Kitchenette or wet bar?

1

water seeping up through well water line

0

How do you get slug slime off of painted walls?

0

basement flooring

0

Finish basement or not?

3