What are options for covering nasty basement concrete?

Melissa
by Melissa
We were finally able to waterproof our basement and have 2 sump pumps installed a few years ago, but years of water running through the basement damaged the concrete to where it is now cracked, uneven and discolored. Also, there is a drain in the middle of the basement; house was built in 1942. I'm looking for suggestions on what we can do to make it look better.

  9 answers
  • Loyal Adams Loyal Adams on Jul 06, 2018

    There are new vinyl tiles that are supposed to work well on damp floors. They float and are not easily damaged by water. My best suggestion.

    • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

      Thank you so much for taking the time to send me your suggestion. I'm going to look into those vinyl tiles!

  • Suzette Suzette on Jul 06, 2018

    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!

    • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

      Thank you so much for not only taking the time to respond to my question, but for all the information you provided!! I really appreciate it and I can't wait to sit down and check all of this out!

  • D conklin D conklin on Jul 06, 2018

    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!

    • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

      What a great idea! And thank you for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it so much!

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jul 06, 2018

    We painted our concrete floors when we first moved in four years ago and recently installed vinyl planks and love them.

    • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

      Mr. Adams (above) mentioned vinyl tiles, and now you are telling me about vinyl planks. I'm definitely going to look into both the tiles and planks. Thank you so much for responding!!

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 06, 2018

    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

    • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

      Thank you for responding to my question, I really appreciate you taking the time to do that. Also, thank you for the information and links you provided. I can't wait to delve into my basement repairs now!

  • Ginny Ginny on Jul 06, 2018

    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.

  • Melissa Melissa on Jul 09, 2018

    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!

  • Suzette Suzette on Jul 09, 2018

    So glad I could help!

  • Loyal Adams Loyal Adams on Jul 09, 2018

    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.