Flooring over concrete

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

When we built our house a few years ago, we had hydronic radiant heat installed in the basement floor. We always intended to use the concrete as the finished surface, so we made sure it was very smooth and had a couple of coats of epoxy put on. We didn't plan on anything else, partially because of the radiant heat.

We've sort of changed our minds and have tried carpeting and didn't notice any impact on the heat. There was a hundred or so square feet of hardwood flooring left over, so I tried dry-laying it and, again, no significant effect on the heat.

So, if I wanted to put a more permanent floor over the concrete, what would you recommend? Pergo (or its equivalent)? More carpeting (not glued down)?

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Comments (3)

SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
A thin laminate. With the epoxy in place you cannot have anything other than a floating floor (or carpet). I would look at a decent laminate with 8mm thickness (no attached underlay...just bare).

Lay it over the concrete (you can get away with QuietWalk's 1.2mm underlay....it will be just fine) and enjoy.

I'm sorry you didn't love your concrete. Don't feel bad. Most people I have come across (like 75%-85%) who have had finished concrete floors do NOT like them. The average time it takes for a concrete floor to be 'covered up' = 7 years. This is normal. Do what you can with what is allowed over top.

If you ever want a permanent floor (like tiles or stone) you MUST grind off all the epoxy. Epoxy prevents things from being 'attached' the concrete. That's the biggest down side to finished concrete floors. Whatever money you had to pay to get them finished, is normally twice the amount you have to pay to get them 'unfinished'. A $7/sf epoxy finish turns into a $3/sf 'grinding' when you want to get rid of it.....that sort of thing.
mtvhike
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you, SJ. What are the relative advantages of laminate vs. carpet, in this case? The use of this basement area has evolved into two guest rooms, a workshop, and a largish office/media room. We usually walk around barefoot, so maybe carpet would be best, at least for everything except the workshop.
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SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
Carpet is always the least expensive and the fastest to install. Just make sure you work with a pad that will not melt (ie. is formulated for the hydronic heat = a little thinner).