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How do I Choose the Best Basement Carpet Tiles?

Anna B. Smith
Anna B. Smith

When searching for the best basement carpet tiles, it is important to consider the type of tile backing used, the adhesion method necessary, and water resistance of the tile before making a final selection. Carpeting tiles are available for purchase for any room in the home, and any type may be used to complete this project, even though it may not be labeled specifically for use in a basement. Basement carpet tiles may be found at local home improvement stores or through retail sites on the Internet.

Carpet tiles are typically manufactured with either a hard backing or a soft cushioned backing. The soft cushioned backing is designed to recreate the sensation of a carpet laid over a traditional padding. This type of tile is generally not recommended for use in a basement because of the high chance of flooding in this portion of the home. Even the best waterproofing methods may fail occasionally. Tiles with a hard backing generally are a better choice for basements because if the basement floods, the hard-backed carpet tiles will dry more quickly and will not provide a suitable environment for mold spores to flourish.

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Woman posing

Basement carpet tiles may be adhered to the floor with or without the use of an adhesive. Certain tiles may have the adhesive already attached to the tile. The homeowner must merely remove the protective backing from the tile and stick it directly onto the sub-floor. This process can make it difficult to remove the tiles at a later date, which can be problematic if the floor experiences water damage. A better option for basement use is the type of tile made with a rubber back that provides a large amount of traction. This type of tile sticks naturally to the sub-floor without the use of any type of glue and can be removed quickly and easily.

A very few brands of carpet manufacturers make carpet tiles for use specifically in the basement. These tiles utilize hard backs with rubber traction for optimum removal and cleaning. They are also inorganic so that mold and mildew cannot physically grow in any layer of the tile should they be submerged beneath standing water for any length of time. These basement carpet tiles, while perfect for use in this particular area of the home, are available in an extremely limited range of colors. Homeowners who prefer color variety or wish to create a pattern with their basement carpeting may wish to purchase standard tiles instead.

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