The Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing and Installing Basement Carpet

Are you thinking of having a basement carpet installed? 


When it comes to choosing basement flooring, carpet is the go-to for many homeowners. Not only is it soft and comfortable, but it’s also incredibly flexible and sound-absorbing. 

If you’re thinking of installing carpet in the basement, you’re going to want to read this. We’re sharing our expert guide on what to consider before selecting your basement carpet. 

Vapor Barrier

Before you install a basement carpet, you’re going to want to begin by installing a vapor barrier. 


This should always be placed before the subfloor or the carpet pad. This vapor barrier is going to protect your carpeting from any dampness or moisture on the floor below. When we consider that 98% of basements will experience some form of water damage, it’s clear why taking precautions against moisture is key. 

In many cases, this vapor barrier will come in the form of dimpled polyethylene which creates an airspace between the concrete and the carpeting. This allows moisture a chance to disappear before reaching the final surface of the carpeting. 

Carpet Padding 

Let’s face it, basements tend to be more cold and damp than the remainder of the home. 

One of the most significant benefits of basement carpeting is that it’s warm and comfortable. To make your carpeting even more comfortable, be sure to install synthetic carpet padding. 


This carpet padding will act as a barrier between the floor and your carpet. As a result, your carpet will feel significantly more warm, comfortable and cozy to walk on. This is perfect for a family home

Fibers 

When it comes to choosing your carpeting fibers, there are generally two categories: synthetic fibers and natural fibers.   

synthetic fibers are man-made and are always a suitable choice for a basement. This is because they fail to absorb moisture in the same way that a natural fiber would. 

If and when moisture does present itself, a synthetic fiber has a better chance of withstanding such moisture. As a result, mold and mildew are far less likely to occur and damage your carpet. 


Manage Humidity 

Once your carpet is installed, it’s essential to monitor the humidity levels in your basement. 

A comfortable basement should maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50%. Of course, this will also be dependent on the climate in which you’re living as well as the specifics of your basement. 

To balance your humidity, try using a dehumidifier. This will help to regulate the moisture levels and overall temperature in the basement. 

What to Know Before Installing Basement Carpet 

If you’re thinking of installing a basement carpet, you’re going to want to consider more than just the appearance. 


After all, when it comes to basement flooring, it’s not all about how it looks and feels. Instead, you want to ensure that you’re selecting a carpet that can withstand the elements of moisture and mold. To help, our guide will ensure that you’re not only choosing a carpet that looks good, but also one that can resist damage. 

Are you considering hiring a professional to do the job? If so, click here to learn about the benefits of using a professional carpet installer today. 


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