OT: Flooring experiences/opinions

[thegrimreefer]

Well, the tax refund came in and visions of new MH lighting and Tunzes were shattered when the CFO informed me it was slated for flooring in the basement and the basement stairs. Oh well.
The basement concrete floor is dry, always has been. I've cut holes in it for various reasons, and I know that it is absolutely powder/dust dry under the slab, so moisture/dampness ought not be an issue.

We were thinking of either laminate or real wood prefinished flooring. Particularly for laminates, there's a LOT of choices for brands and different product lines. Lots of wood products as well.

I was wondering if any of you have had good or bad experiences with any particular products? Durability, installation, whatever?

Thanks, Ron

[noob101]

There are a ton of different things you can do... I used to have carpet in my basement but the transition from winter to spring it got pretty moist down stairs and started getting musty... If you go with wood make sure you get a moisture sealant, also wood is very hard to install and takes a while with sanding and finishing. I ended up using a sealant and laminant. It is the most durable but you just have to make sure you get enough glue and what not so it doesn't peel up.

[Sizzlersonthebrain]

ever thought of acid etching the floor? I have seen some extreamly good work done in new houses while installing theatres . floos look like custom stonework without the price... might even have some left over for the tank fund!

[latazyo]

my buddies do decorative concrete work here, they can make it look like anything and it will never have moisture problems...maybe look into something like that?

[aka_bigred]

Originally Posted by latazyo

cuz inside out is wiggida wiggida wiggida wack

Just noticed your sig. ..... nice. Nothing like the oldskool Kriss Kross.


Now....back on topic, I've also wondered on flooring options too. I'd like to go wood/laminant in my living & dining rooms. I'd like laminant for durability, but some say wood holds value better, and looks better in the end. Anyone have thoughts on that in general? (as it would apply to us both)

[Tutmos]

Wouldn't it be cold on bare feet? Unless you're going to put a heating element under the wood floor I'd go with carpet so your feet don't freeze everytime you get out of bed and go downstairs.

[oyam123]

carpet.....and you will have $$$ leftover for your toys

[Irenicus]

Originally Posted by thegrimreefer

Well, the tax refund came in and visions of new MH lighting and Tunzes were shattered when the CFO informed me it was slated for flooring in the basement and the basement stairs.

Wow man, that is a kick in the pants.

[jamielind]

since im a tile setter id say tile it. all floating floors have a foam underlayment so cold really isnt that much of a issue. kahr's makes a really nice looking real wood floor that can even be refinished, but if you have any kind of dogs it will look like crap real quick. laminate will hold up better but it will always look like laminate. i personally wouldn't want carpet in my dog's house but that my opinion. if you want tile without the cold you can put electric heat down then tile over it.

[csb123]

Look into Bamboo flooring. I had installed in my kitchen 2 years ago and love it. I costs about the same as other hardwoods, it is a renewable resource, it is hard as maple, and it just looks cool.

[sls]

i agree with sizzlersonthebrain, i like acid etched concrete but thats because my brother and I actually do it. (we own a faux finish business) so we also do the concrete, distressed woods, plasters, etc... It can be quite expensive though depending on what you want done.

[Graham]

(sorry, more OT)

Hey latazyo,

Kind of a small world moment. I work with Steve's sister. Did you go to school with him or something?

[latazyo]

steve is a close friend, NDSU classmate, and more importantly he ws the president of our fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega before his cancer fiasco began

have you seen the website I made or something?

we've raised about 25,000 since April 05
www.gosteve.org

just wondering, Graham, how did you associate her and I???

[Graham]

Well, I didn't really associate you and her. I know that he's her brother. I can't really elaborate due to "professional" liability.

I saw the forum on your BB in your sig and had seen that you were active with the "Go Steve" project. Anytime I see a link with something like "flaming horseface", I have to click it. Nice work, though. He's lucky to have friends like you.

[otolith]

Originally Posted by Graham

Nice work, though. He's lucky to have friends like you.

Agreed.