Resources and Services
Expert Advice
Workout Room
Q: We are building a new home and will have a 16’ x 16’ area over a concrete floor in the basement for a workout room to include free weights, a treadmill and work station.
What do you suggest for flooring and where can I get information on the product?
A: Hardwood comes to mind as a traditional workout flooring because it “gives,” but I would not install any kind of wood floor(or plywood subfloor) over concrete, especially in a basement, due to the unpredictability of vapor emission coming from
the ground.
Rather, I would recommend a high quality product engineered floor. A well-engineered floor has a plywood center core, which helps control the expansion and contraction and may be refinished several times.
For a high quality floor, look for one that has the same wood on the backside as it has on the top. I think you would receive the best results with a floating engineered floor such as Harris-Tarkett Longstrip. This product sits upon foam and a moisture barrier, which permits
the subfloor to “breathe.”
Another option to consider would be laminate flooring products such as Decades by Shaw, or those manufactured by Wilsonart and Formica, just to name a few. Laminate floors take vapor emission into consideration when they are manufactured. Most manufacturers offer a very dense and thin cushion that insulates and quiets down
the laminate sound of an engineered product. Some manufacturers make foam pads for laminates too.
I suggest you research several different products and have a few flooring contractors who offer several different products come to your home to make recommendations and give you competitive bids. This is usually the best way to determine the most appropriate product, a fair price, and decide which professional you prefer to hire.
To locate some reputable flooring contractors, please visit our site at: http:www.servicemagic.com. Click on “flooring”, then “laminate”. Fill out a service request to Install Laminate Floor. In the additional details box, explain you want to compare several different engineered and laminate flooring products over a concrete basement floor so we can match you with the ideal service professional in your area.
Good luck!
John Fuchs, Senior Carpet Inspector and Flooring Consultant
Carpet Warehouse
Rancho Cordova, CA
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room
Carpentry & Cabinets
Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Services
The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!
Consumer Guides
Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System
Design Ideas
Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures
Expert Advice
Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality
Flooring
Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout
Handyman Services
Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Home Construction
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter
Moving & Storage
Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Other Services
Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements
Painting & Staining
Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting
Plumbing
Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service
Quick Tips
Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning
Windows & Doors
Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades