Struggling on what type of floor to use.

Cory Schaefer
by Cory Schaefer
I have one more area in my DIY man cave...the floor! It's an uneven, cracked and stained concrete slab. I tried to pour 100 lbs. of self-leveling concrete on it but realized it was only a fraction of what I needed. It flooded years ago so I'm afraid to put in any type of permanent carpeting. It's a 13x17 room and am currently researching carpet tiles. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
P.s. I don't want to spend a lot....so the apoxy option is out.
  21 answers
  • Kim Kilmer Kim Kilmer on Jul 06, 2015
    Have you looked into the paper bag floors? I think they would look great with your wooden walls and it has that "manly" look to it.
  • Anne stickn354ey Anne stickn354ey on Jul 06, 2015
    I'd recommend the resiliant vinyl "planks" in a lighter color. These are what you see in the produce section of a lot of grocery stores- very durable, and probably the most inexpensive option at $2 a square foot. Easy to install and clean. I found these:http://www.homedepot.com/b/Flooring-Vinyl-Flooring-Resilient-Flooring-Resilient-Vinyl-Planks/N-5yc1vZbzjz
    • Cory Schaefer Cory Schaefer on Jul 06, 2015
      Will check online first to see....maybe our local home depot carries them. Thanks Anne!!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jul 06, 2015
    I would repair the cracks and then do a faux slate look using a concrete stain or paint.
  • Lou Camp Lou Camp on Jul 06, 2015
    I gave our wood stove room an update with cement stain and thin tape to make a stone and grout look.
  • Lou Camp Lou Camp on Jul 06, 2015
    I gave our wood stove room an update with cement stain and thin tape to make a stone and grout look.
  • Katrina Warren Katrina Warren on Jul 06, 2015
    @Cory Schaefer for cost effectiveness I'd probably go with the paper bag flooring, & even easier than coming up with paper bags just buy a roll of brown paper at Wal Mart in the paint section, it's used to protect counter tops, floors etc..... when painting, & is cheap. The wood on the walls looks great by the way!
  • Karen M Karen M on Jul 07, 2015
    My suggestion is to tear pieces of butcher paper and crinkle it up, then glue with wood glue to overlap, then go over it with a layer of polyurethane. It is a beautiful faux stone effect!
  • LoriKindler LoriKindler on Jul 07, 2015
    I think I would just stain the floor and then buy rugs. Or maybe carpet squares. There are carpet outlets where the squares are fairly inexpensive. OR you could look into those rubber carpet squares. They are cushy and it doesn't matter if they get wet, should that occur.
  • Pam Pam on Jul 07, 2015
    Are you concerned that the floor may flood again? Why not talk to a concrete finisher and get an estimate to get the cracks repaired, the concrete stained and then sealed. Area rugs would finish it off and can be removed if they are in any danger. And only a concrete expert can tell if the floor if too uneven to finish and what your options are. It may not cost as much as you think especially if water is an issue. And if it is, it isn't going to damage sealed concrete.
  • Gayle Gayle on Jul 07, 2015
    Yes, I agree with the paper flooring. You can crumple the paper then dip in a water bath with Rit dye of your color choice to bring out the veining even more. Apply to floor with 50/50 mix of water to white glue. When dry apply several coats of polyurethane. Google decoupage flooring for more ideas. Covers flaws very well.
  • Opal Opal on Jul 07, 2015
    I would fill the cracks and stain the floor using a pattern that would incorporate the cracks as a "style" element in a neutral tanish color combo (the cracks will still show after filling but stuff would get into them) and use a sealer. I would also use outdoor area carpeting/rugs to compliment the colors which are made to stand up to water and "man cave" activities. I would avoid painting concrete floors as mine always looked off, stained and peeled, although many people have had success with it. I hope you post your results.
  • Cory Schaefer Cory Schaefer on Jul 07, 2015
    Wow!!! These are tremendous ideas. What a great number of responses. I never thought it would be like this. I will definitely keep the updates coming. Thanks everyone!!! The only professional estimate I got was a flooring guy that would clean, level and then apply an epoxy for about $3000 which is too much for me right now.
  • Cheryl Kendrick Cheryl Kendrick on Jul 08, 2015
    cork flooring, would keep room warm, water resistant, beautiflul
  • Debbie Miller Debbie Miller on Jul 09, 2015
    If you can fix the flood problem, Acid Stained Concrete is Beautiful! There are cheap ways to do this...Look through DIY suggestions. Love the room!
  • Kristin Topping Kristin Topping on Jul 10, 2015
    I agree with Hardwood flooring, as it is a long-lasting flooring option because you can refinish it multiple times that adds value and creates a classic look that never goes out of style. Proper installation ofyour hardwood flooring is the best way to protect your investment and preservethe integrity of the flooring. Nice project.
  • Kathy Schmidt Kathy Schmidt on Jul 10, 2015
    I have all concrete floors in Florida on coast and 3 dogs. I opted for vinyl planks. They lock like laminate...not the peel and stick kind. They were $1.43 sq ft and no underlayment needed. It's not warm underfoot so I have area rugs in rooms as needed. Looks like hardwood, and non-desructable. I love it. Sales often. I use Shaw from local box store.
  • Ali2577511 Ali2577511 on May 22, 2016
    Go with real hardwood flooring, if it gets scuffed it only adds to rustic look. Just make sure to add proper padding underneath the wood. Looks good so far:)
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jun 01, 2016
    I would tile and then use area rugs to cozy things up.
  • Moxie Moxie on Jun 01, 2016
    I would paint/stain it to look like wood floorin or whatever theme/design you want. Cheap and easy to do...and lasts with a few coats of varathane poly satin sealer
  • Lara Kulpa Lara Kulpa on Aug 24, 2016
    Stone... because if you do more wood, you'll be hard pressed to find a good match to the walls and doors... but stone tiles would work wonders. Then get some nice warm shaggy area rugs to throw down. You can even add subfloor heating (radiant heating) beforehand to make sure your feet don't get cold. :)
  • Sue Ryan Sue Ryan on Aug 29, 2016
    The cheapest way to go ....I would fill in the cracks, Pain the floor and add area rugs. (or use carpet tiles to create your own )