Product for 650 sq ft Basement/Man Cave

[hussar1m]

Hi and thanks for the add. I need help finding a product for a 600-650 sf basement/man cave that will both look good and be passably durable. I was leaning towards polyaspartic, but after reading more here i am concerned that my smell-sensitive family will have problems. Instead, I’ve started looking for a good low VOC epoxy, if such a thing exists. I was looking at Legacy’s SD Epoxy Coating Kit – does anyone have any experience with it? Or can recommend an alternate product?

This will be DIY, but having said that, we are fairly savvy. As a basement, moisture can be an issue but in general we have done a good job with French drains, etc., so it stays pretty dry. The area won’t see any industrial or heavy tool use. I do like the look of a full broadcast it that’s an option. As always, cost is an issue, but I don’t want to cheap out and get a box store product unless someone can recommend a really good one.

Thanks for any suggestions of help in advance.

 

[Shiftless]

Have you considered luxury vinyl planks or even some kind of commercial grade carpeting?

I had commercial grade carpeting installed in my concrete floor below grade walk out basement. Looks great and very practical.

 

[bluedog225]

I love how they got away with calling it “luxury.”

 

[Shiftless]

I love how they got away with calling it “luxury.”

Me too.
plastic flooring overlayed with a picture of wood or tile or marble or ???

But nevertheless, it’s quite durable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install.

 

[hussar1m]

Thanks for the thought, but I have had instances where the floor got wet (like once when the sump pump failed) so I'd prefer a solution that bonded the floor, not sat on top.

 

[CombatNinja]

What is the intended use of this space?

 

[hussar1m]

Mostly recreational with a couple of heavy tables, book cases, etc. Some light tool use.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Legacy makes great product and has great service.

 

[P0234]

Thanks for the thought, but I have had instances where the floor got wet (like once when the sump pump failed) so I'd prefer a solution that bonded the floor, not sat on top.

LVP can get wet, no problem. You can lift it up if you have to in case of sewage.

 

[dcg9381]

I love how they got away with calling it “luxury.”

It's come a long way... Great surface for durability indoors. But I shared the same opinion in general until I used it. It'll never 100% replicate a tile or wood floor.

I buy from Legacy also. I exclusively do polyurea now, I'll never deal with epoxy again. We've had no issues with VOCs - and I've done the inside of our home in polyurea also, but I know that some people are much more sensitive. I'd trust the vendors on "low VOC" options - if there are such a thing.

 

[hussar1m]

Thanks for the advice everyone. So it sounds like Legacy, either the Epoxy SD or polyurea. bluedog225, have you used the polyurea in a basement? I've read that Epoxy is better to seal the concrete floor.

 

[bluedog225]

I’ve not. agree that getting water under any flooring will turn into a stinking mess.

 

[P0234]

It's come a long way... Great surface for durability indoors. But I shared the same opinion in general until I used it. It'll never 100% replicate a tile or wood floor.

Yep, even the low priced stuff looks great, you have to get within a foot or two to see its not real wood. Barefoot you can tell its not wood, but otherwise.... nah. IMO its better than wood unless you live in a house that has lots of real wood on other surfaces, then you have to get a real wood or tile floor.

Heck, we have wood like "linoleum" ie sheet roll vinyl at our vacation house and everyone thinks its wood. Can't tell you how many times we've gotten compliments on it, and I'm like, you're kidding right?

 

[hussar1m]

Again, thanks for all the input. I think it will be the Legacy Epoxy SD. Now I need to figure out if I need the optional urethane topcoat. Any advise?

 

[Armorpoxy]

Consider using one of our ready to install Armorclad kits with the standard topcoat, almost zero VOC and perfect for basement use.