What are options for covering nasty basement concrete?
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Hi Melissa, The first thing you'll need to do is fix the cracks. Here's a how to video for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYz2tSILkGk
Then you'll want to level the floor. They make a self leveling cement. Here's a video for that: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+level+concrete+floor+in+basement&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS781US781&oq=how+to+level+concrete+floor+in+basement&aqs=chrome..69i57.10109j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=1
If you still need the drain in the floor, make sure you cover that well before leveling.
At this point. Ask yourself what you will do in the basement, and choose your flooring according what you decide. If you just want it to look neat and tidy, you could always paint it!
Good luck!
Paint the floor! Pick a medium color concrete paint and paint the floor after cleaning it well. Once the paint dries, mix a squirt bottle with a darker color of paint that has been thinned sufficiently to squirt and spritz the over the base layer. When that dries, mix a lighter color in the second squirt bottle and spritz the floor. When it dries, and if you are happy with you masterpiece, cover with a coat of sealer. Instant marble floor that you can MOP!
We painted our concrete floors when we first moved in four years ago and recently installed vinyl planks and love them.
I would get a concrete grinder to smooth out the imperfections, after fixing all the cracks and holes, then seal and epoxy paint the floor when its dry.
grind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqixFWNlnLo&t=35s
seal
Epoxy paint... cover the floor drain with tape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOfw98AMdPc
After the experience I have had with water in a basement, I would NEVER put down carpeting. I would repair as suggested by other Hometalkers; paint the floor with non-skid concrete paint; then buy an area rug. How you use the basement should determine how much money you spend on it. I live in the Baltimore MD/Ellicott City MD metro area, and we have had tons of water later in the last month. Look us up on Google. People have lost their entire family rooms, water heaters, furnaces, etc. Never put anything in a basement that you cannot live without because waterproofing will help but there is never any guarantee.
Thanks for the info, and for taking the time to send it! I feel so bad for you and everyone affected by the water damage in your area. I wish I could go back in time after reading your advice to never put in your basement things you cannot live without because we have lost so much to water damage and mold. Great advice, I hope others see it as well, thanks again!
So glad I could help!
It sounds like your house is getting on in years. FYI I have learned numberous tricks living in a pioneer home built in rural Utah in 1907. Good luck, keep on keepin' on.