Basement Flooring

11/14/2011 at 11:47:50 AM

Hi Donald:

I would think that the vinyl should be placed first, although this will depend on whether you use a floating vinyl, or one that has to be glued in place. The most important thing is thickness differences and that you will have to put a subfloor under the vinyl. Most hardwoods are 5/8 to 3/4 inch thick and you will want a smooth transition from one type of flooring to the next.

Go to the carpet and flooring store of your choice, pick out your desired patterns and colours, take into account the thickness of each and go from there.

I would recommend that you hire a recommended professional for the job. the tool costs and the probable wastage will help to compensate for the labour cost, and the job will be done quicker and most likely neater. Flooring is important, and the look has to last a long time.

Chuck MacMicking

Meadowood Homes

Qualicum Beach, B.C.

11/14/2011 at 4:08:12 PM

Hi ,Stewart here of Sct floorcoverings.Their are usually a few things to consider when installing,Carpet,vinyle and Hardwood flooring in the basement area.First of course being that their are no leaks in the foundation walls,as water from these leaks can destroy your new floorings.Second thing to consider would be to make sure the Hardwood flooring is an "engineered hardwood"Suitable for a below grade installation-i would recomend float in method of installation over a 2 in one pad,that being a foam with vapour barrier attached.Then designate where your transitions will be.Next consideration would be the vinyle area-because the vinyle is thiner than the carpet and Hardwood you should Install 1/2 inch exterior grade plywood over a minimum10ml poly sheet-Attach with Tapcons.Then install a 3/16ths thick smoothe on one side Mahogany plywood -staple ontop of the 1/2 plywood in order to make the subfloor smoothe enough to install the vinyle sheet on ! Make sure that you order the manufacturers recomended adhesive for the Vinle ssheet. order of installation should be 1) All subfloor work done first-be mindfull of you transitions 2) Install the Vinyle sheet 3) Install the hardwood 4) Carpet allways gets installed Very last in order to minimize the risk of it getting Glue ,Caulking,Paint,Sawdust Staining on it. if you have anymore questions please call Stewart 416-295-0906 for all your Laminate,Hardwood,Ceramic/porcelain tile Sales and installation Needs. Sct Floorcoverings,Mississauga,Hamilton,Totonto 416-295-0906

11/15/2011 at 6:15:38 PM

Hi Donald,

Rule of thumb, what makes the most dust goes first. In your case, if your hardwood and vinyl are to be the same hieght, install the hardwood first, less the transition pieces, install them after vinyl is in. Add plywwod to get the right hieght for vinyl, be carefull in the area of your transition not to put build up to far. If hardwood and vinyl are not to be the same height, I would still install the hardwood first, simply because it's easier to rack with nothing in the way. Carpet is last, and should be around the same hieght with underlay as 3/4 hardwood.

Something to take note of, your subfloor needs to be min. 5/8 on 16" c, have a vapor barrier under the sleepers, (the 2 by's) and not have any major dips in it, ie: a 6' level placed on the floor should have no more than 1/8" gap at any point.

John Miller

Superior Handyman

Sault Ste Marie

11/15/2011 at 8:13:27 PM

Thank you for all your comments. They were very helpful.