Big day yesterday. Ben and Dan (416-880-8999) came over to install the laminate floor in the basement. We were excited to see how it would look and to see further progress towards the finish line. Ben and Dan had spent the last few days pouring cement to level the floor. Now it was time to see what the light coloured Tundra flooring from Ikea would look like down there.
We had hummed and hawed over what to do for the flooring in the basement. We decided to go with laminate over carpet since the main function of the basement will be as a play room for the kids. This means that we won’t be worried about juice, markers, crayons, paint and the plasma car that Jack loves riding around in.
We then talked about what colour laminate to go with. Ikea has three options in the Tundra line that range from light to dark. Usually we opt for dark floors but because it’s a basement we opted to go lighter since it will help brighten the basement.
Here’s how the day progressed as the floor was installed. We were really happy with what Ben and Dan were able to accomplish in a day…and their work was top notch. For anyone looking to install laminate floors it took 2 guys a full day to install about 500 square feet. We had a lot of cuts to make since we had to go around two posts and an odd shaped spare bedroom.
13 responses so far ↓
1 Ali // May 10, 2009 at 1:06 am
The basement is looking great. Just wanted to say that I love your site. We are planning our own mini-reno on a recently purchased house and your blog has been a great help. We are actually thinking of using DOK Electric to redo the electric (it’s mostly knob and tube) and were wondering if you have been happy with their work.
2 anke // May 10, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hi Ali
We’re glad you’re enjoying the site. Thanks for your kind words.
We were really happy with DOK. Really nice guys who made sure everything was done to our specs and satisfaction.
Good luck with your reno.
Cheers.
3 Mary // May 28, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Great site! I’m wondering what company Ben and Dan are with and if you’re happy with the laminants they installed.
4 anke // May 28, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Hi Mary
Ben and Dan can be reached at 416-880-8999. They are good guys and have done good work for us.
We used Ikea Tundra laminate. So far so good but it is very early.
Good luck.
5 Antiope // Jun 30, 2009 at 10:56 am
Hi Anke,
It’s been a while since I last checked in. The house is looking gorgeous.
I was wondering what paint the gray is. I’ve been looking for that exact colour.
Thanks, Antiope
6 Anke // Jul 12, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Hi Antiope- sorry for the delay! Thanks for the comments- it’s always great to hear positive comments about the work we’ve done! Choosing a grey colour is really really hard as most tend to read too blue or too purple. I have to admit that I’m not 100% with the grey in the downstairs bathroom( reads purplish in the light) and the colour is a mixture of different shades. We started with Cement Gray from Benjamin Moore which ended up being too lavender and then we went 2 shades deeper on the colour card b/c that was as dark as they could go… We have grey in our main floor on our accent wall that i really love. It’s very dark but is warm and is Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal. Farrow and Ball also has some nice greys that read more brown. Best bet is to buy small cans and keep testing until you find what you like. Good luck!
Anke
7 Elize // Jul 26, 2009 at 9:17 pm
hey, lookin’ good as always :} it must be a relief to finish the basement. we’re embarking on a similar project. about the basement leveling. i have a question: was it only local leveling — ie just to get rid of bumps? or was it to get rid of a slope?
8 Kirk // Jul 26, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Hi Elize. Thanks for your kind note.
The leveling was to take out bumps and some different slopes across different parts of the basement.
We likely could have done more but are happy with the floor in general.
9 Ron // Aug 18, 2009 at 12:22 am
Hi, We’ve watched this progress on the blog — it looks terrific! We are in the middle of doing our own basement … Can we ask: are you still happy with the Ikea laminate? Has it held up? We’re trying to decide between that and the engineered …!!
10 Kirk // Aug 19, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Hi Ron
Still happy. It’s kept clean, is virtually indestructible, and seems to be holding together well.
Good luck with your reno.
11 kamill // Dec 12, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi it does look good , but too bad we can apply hardwood in basement J done my basement half laminate and rest area we poor level floor.Then with many to choose epoxy colors .disagnes .trowing flex and staining ,2 coats clear epoxy on top finish floor is absolutely unique ,easy to clean and advantage is warm as a room temperature,anyway please be free to email me.
12 bill.williams // Dec 15, 2009 at 7:11 am
this site is assume ! i recommend this site for a simple reason that its easily navigated and self explanatory very useful tips.
overall a user friendly site.highly recommended.
bill.williams
http://www.floorstoyourhome.com “dofollow”> Laminate Wood Flooring
13 TipTop Floooring Inc. // Jun 18, 2010 at 11:45 am
Hello! Laminate flooring in the basement is a great choice, durability of laminate and the style of traditional hardwood brings comfort and new look.
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