WATER-RESISTANT FLOORING
4 Best Flooring Types For A Basement
After spending months indoors, you might be starting to notice things around your home that could use an upgrade. But home repairs and renovations can come with a lot of questions and can be a bit overwhelming. Basements, in particular, can be tricky for a few reasons. They need to be fairly dry and clean of mold or mildew, egress windows may need to be installed to have a fire escape, walls may need to be built to cover up piping and heaters, and water-protectant paint may need to be used to help with moisture. One of the biggest questions though is what type of flooring can be used in a basement. The best flooring types for a basement must be durable, water-resistant, and easy to install over the concrete subfloors.
Selecting the right flooring heavily relies on the space you have and what you want to use that space for. You may not necessarily want to put carpet under a bar or tile under the cozy entertainment stand. So, what are the best flooring types for a basement? The quick answer is anything waterproof, which is great because it means you have a lot of choices!
1. Rubber Flooring
I know it sounds weird, but this can be the best flooring type for a basement used as a kids’ area or a home gym. In fact, a gym’s floor is the best example of what rubber flooring is. It is a long, wide roll of rubber, different thicknesses depending on what you want, that is put down. This is something you can put right over your concrete floor as long as there is no water or condensation. All you’ll do is clean your floor, measure out and cut your rubber pieces, and flip the pieces over so the underside faces up. There are two ways you can stick down the pieces. You can either install it with rubber flooring tape or glue. You’ll want to follow the installation instructions depending on which you choose. This is number one because of the reliability of the rubber, the cost, and how easy it is to put down. While you want the floor to be pretty level, the rubber will flex over uneven areas and can be a quick turnaround for a basement space.
2. Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the best flooring types for a basement because it’s durable, waterproof, and fairly easy to install while also looking more stylish than rubber floors. Vinyl flooring is available in a few different types, that can quickly and easily upgrade the look of your basement. These types are sheet vinyl, vinyl composite tile (VCT), and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Sheet vinyl is similar to laminate, but it’s waterproof! It is inexpensive, easy to install, and can easily be repaired or replaced. However, it is somewhat outdated, offering fewer design options than other flooring types and it has a shorter lifespan than other forms of vinyl flooring.
VCT is very inexpensive and is one of the best options for fully waterproof flooring. While it comes across as being as easy as peel and stick, VTC can be extremely challenging for DIYers and repairing it can be difficult for even professionals.
LVP isn’t the most affordable option but it is still inexpensive compared to wood or tile floors, and it offers the same luxurious looks. With its popularity growing, LVP is becoming available in more and more styles to mimic the look and feel of ceramic tile, stone, and hardwood flooring. It’s waterproof, easy to install, and adds value to your home.
We recommend luxury vinyl plank from COREtec, which has amazing layers for the vinyl finishes to help keep everything safe from scratches and moisture. Check out COREtec and all their designs, and if you see something that you think will work well for you, order some samples.
3. Tile
Porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles can make any space gorgeous while offering you a waterproof, durable flooring option. However, tile materials are expensive and installation can be time-intensive. Unlike rubber, vinyl, or carpeted floors, tile cannot be installed over an uneven subfloor. If there is an uneven spot, the tile above will most likely crack or break away. However, if done by professionals, it can make a truly luxurious space for you in your home and can be one of the best flooring types for a basement. Just keep in mind that they’re bound to be cold on your feet, so you may want some rugs or some comfy slippers!
4. Carpet
Carpet can help warm up the basement a bit and can help the space feel like less of a basement and more of a comfortable part of your house. You’ll want to consider where your water heater is, and also your laundry room if it too is downstairs. If you put carpet down, look for marine grade to make it the best flooring type for a basement just in case your basement experiences flooding.
Before you start looking at flooring options for your basement, it’s important that you consider how you’ll be using your basement space. If you’re finishing or remodeling your basement, check out our article 5 Fresh Basement Remodel Ideas for some guidance on planning your design and Basement Flooring 101 for more tips on what to look for when selecting the best types of flooring for a basement. When you’re ready to get started, contact us at claytonhoover.com/flooring. We’d be happy to give you a free estimate and our recommendations on the best flooring for your basement!
