Using carpet flooring for the basement is tricky because this space is prone to humidity. It is not logical to have one for most homeowners since it can become damp and eventually start rotting.
Still, other homeowners use this type of flooring, but which are the best carpet types and colors for the basement?
Like other rooms above the ground at homes, basements can also be fitted with carpets. However, not all carpet types can be used in these rooms because of their humid environments. Specific materials and colors work well than others, and you can enjoy having a carpet in your basement without worrying about mildew or mold growth.
I have carefully studied different carpet materials used in basement flooring and come up with options with the best qualities. They include:
Synthetic Fiber
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Homeowners can use natural or synthetic fiber for flooring their houses. Natural fiber is preferable in rooms above the ground. But, it is not suitable for use in the basement as it retains moisture.
Unlike carpets made from natural fiber, those made with synthetic are more breathable and do not have water retention properties. They dry fast, minimizing the chances of mold growth. Although these carpets fade quickly, you do not have to worry about this quality because they will not be exposed to sunlight in the basement.
Synthetic materials are also desirable for their stain-resistant properties. They make cleaning easy.
Polyester
It is a synthetic material preferred for use in basements with low traffic. Carpets made from polyester are cheap and often flatten out after a few months when used in heavy traffic basements. They are resistant to water-based spills and considered eco-friendly since they are made from recycled tires and bottle caps.
Homeowners opt for this carpeting material because they are easy and cheap to replace. When using this carpet type, be careful with oil-based spills as they form stains and attract dirt around that area.
Triexta
It is a type of fiber that combines three different materials to produce an incredible flooring carpet. Materials used are nylon, wool, and polyester. It is durable and can be used in heavy-traffic areas.
Triexta has not been in the market for a long time, but its quality combination of 3 different materials makes it a to-go-for option for most homeowners. It has the softness of fiber while exhibiting stain and mold-resistant properties. The flooring material has reasonable prices within the market rates for basement flooring materials.
The disadvantage of using this material is that it attracts dirt and is difficult to vacuum.
Nylon
It is the most popular carpeting material used for the basements. It feels soft when touched, and its synthetic fibers can be revived by steam cleaning if the option is viable. Nylon is resistant to moisture, making it an excellent option for basement flooring.
This material is suitable for use in basements with moderate traffic. Otherwise, heavy traffic can wear fast when used in such basements. Nylon is a low-maintenance material, and simple cleaning is enough to keep it in good condition.
Olefin
Olefin is a synthetic fiber that is used to make other products besides making basement carpets. Unlike other synthetic materials, polypropylene does not fade upon exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods. But, the material wears easily when fitted in basements with high traffic.
Olefin carpets are available in different colors and do not create static electricity. It means they do not attract dirt and can easily be maintained.
Another desirable characteristic about this material is it does not retain moisture, a quality we all love in basement carpets. In case of water damages and spills, olefin carpets dry fast, which means you do not have to be anxious about mold and mildew growth.
Best Colors for Basement Carpets
The color choice for your garage carpet determines its dullness or liveliness. It also affects how the size of your room looks. Many people shy from choosing bright colors for their basement carpets, fearing they can be challenging to maintain.
Some complimenting colors whose maintenance are hustle-free include:
Neutral
There are many colors we consider neutral. They include beige, green, and gray. These colors create a neutral environment and do not show stains on basement carpets. Besides, they flawlessly match almost all colors used on the walls without compromising the décor.
Neutral colors feel warm and create a welcoming environment.
Bold
I do not mean using bright colors such as white when I say you go bold on your basement carpet. What I mean is you can creatively have color combinations for your carpet to make a bold statement.
Avoid bright colors even when creating a bold statement for your basement carpet. The combination has the same problem as when using plain and bright colors. It will also always look dirty since these colors are often unforgiving.
What to Consider When Buying Basement Carpets
You do not want to buy a carpet for your basement and go back to the market after a few months because you can no longer use it. To avoid such expensive mistakes, here are a few considerations to make during purchase:
Traffic
Consider how busy your garage is. If a lot of movement occurs, go for a carpeting material that can withstand heavy traffic. It helps prevent fast wear and tear of your carpet, and you can have it around for many years before doing a replacement.
Pile Height
Choose carpets with low piles for your basement. Not that you do not want your basement to feel cozy, but because such carpets are easy to clean and dry. When carpets with high piles are used in the basement, they can be challenging to dry, creating a problem we are trying to eliminate – mildew and mold growth.
Tip: Use low-piled carpets for your basements to ensure they dry out fast in case of spillages.
Waterproofing
Basements are often humid and require materials that can withstand these conditions. Choose a carpet that will not absorb and retain water if water seeps inside the basement or the humidity is high. It is an excellent remedy for not dealing with rot and mold problems.
Budget
Of course, I cannot miss mentioning this important factor. Our budgets determine the type of products we get. When purchasing a basement carpet, consider how much you are willing to part with without having to borrow extra money to afford the type you want.
Sometimes, you have to forego what you want to what you can afford. Various options are available, and you can take advantage of the variety to avoid hurting your pockets. Polyester is a cheap option for homeowners with low budgets.
Does your basement look too plain, and you plan to carpet it but are afraid you might get mold toxicity? There is nothing too shy about this flooring option.
I have covered some of the materials you can use for your basement, and they are easy to find in the market. Improve your basement by using one of these materials as you enjoy their convenience.
Why have a dull basement when you can do a terrific make-over?
