Basement flooring is an exception to the flooring rule due to its closeness to the earth. Basement flooring may emit vapors of leftover moisture even when it is dry outside. Water can also get into your basement through a variety of different openings. The sort of ankle-deep flooding that we all fear and that keeps insurance firms in business may occur in basements during heavy rain. That’s why you need to consider the best basement flooring options to protect your house’s foundations.
Solid, flat, and long-lasting concrete floors are common in basements. Basement finishing (or remodeling) projects necessitate a flooring update to make the new living space more comfortable, more appealing, and easier to maintain.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that basement circumstances are distinct from those on the first floor. Your flooring choices and how it is installed are affected by these differences.
First Things First: Repair the Concrete
Even if you decide to go with a different type of basement flooring, you should first address any issues with the concrete floor. Does the concrete have a bumpy texture or uneven surface? Is there enough room for a coin to pass through? Is there a part of the floor that has cracked and shifted in one direction or the other? When it rains, is water leaking into the basement? You should fix this damage before installing new basement flooring.
7 Best Basement Flooring Options
- Concrete Floor Paint
For the least priced finished floor, DIY-ability is a bonus. If money is a concern and you plan to use your basement as a workshop or fitness area, painting may be the most cost-effective way to transform it.
Choosing a concrete floor paint and carefully following the can’s instructions for surface prep, application, and drying time is the most crucial part of this process.
- Tile
Adding a tile floor to your basement is a great way to express your creativity while also rapidly concealing the concrete beneath your feet.
Tile comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and pricing points. A tile floor can be surprisingly economical if you browse around and install it yourself. Choosing more expensive materials, on the other hand, alters this. Make sure your concrete floor is in good shape, no matter what type of tile you choose. Cracks and rough surfaces must be rectified prior to the installation of tile. It’s best to lay a basement subfloor before installing tile if you want a warm, comfortable floor.
- Epoxy
Like paint, you can use this two-part coating to create a thicker layer that is more durable and easier to maintain. After applying the epoxy resins, plastic flakes or fine sand can be scattered over the surface.
Both the sand and the flakes contribute to the texture and color of the finished product. This flooring treatment is a wonderful option for basements, workrooms, and home gyms. The manufacturer’s instructions should be checked for safety concerns. Be mindful that during application and cure, some epoxies may emit dangerous vapors.
- Vinyl Planks or Tiles
The interlocking joints of vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring make installation a breeze. In addition, these materials are available in a wide range of styles. Many different wood species, as well as ceramic tiles, can be mimicked with this flooring.
You can conveniently use different types of vinyl tiles over concrete or a subfloor. This type of flooring is easier to install than sheet vinyl. Any damage to the floor may be rectified by just replacing one or two tiles rather than the entire floor.
- Rubber Tile or Rubber Sheets
Health clubs and gyms frequently use this type of flooring. Additionally, it’s ideal for a playroom or laundry room because it’s waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. There are no special tools needed to install interlocking rubber tiles; they can be laid directly on concrete or a subfloor.
Even rubber sheet flooring falls within this umbrella category. Both materials are available in a limited number of colors and in a variety of textured designs. Some people report a disagreeable odor. However, this normally goes away after a few days or weeks.
- Sheet Vinyl
You may have a new floor for a fraction of the cost if you buy a huge roll of vinyl. With a vast range of styles and patterns to choose from, you’ll be able to find just what you’re looking for.
Consider the logistics of getting the roll into the basement, cutting it to size, and securing it between the walls before making this decision. The installation process can indeed be difficult.
Aside from the fact that sheet vinyl has a limited lifespan, there is an additional drawback. If the basement’s concrete floor is uneven or bumpy, it will show through the vinyl floor. It’s preferable to put it over a subfloor to get the greatest look and feel.
- Engineered Wood Flooring
The good news is that you can have the look and feel of real wood flooring in your completed basement. This type of flooring is similar to plywood in that it has a thin layer of real wood attached to additional wood plies or composite boards. With interlocking edges and a factory-applied finish, engineered wood flooring is ideal for basements.
Most varieties are less than 12″ thick. A subfloor is preferable to laying down engineered wood flooring directly on a concrete floor.
Summing Up!
Make a decision based on what is most important to YOU and what fits best within your financial constraints. You have to identify which elements are essential to you in order to make trade-offs. Also, remember to take into account both immediate and long-term expenditures while weighing your budget alternatives.
