When deciding on basement flooring, you cannot choose any material because even if the weather is dry outside, there is always moisture in the basement. So, Materials that can resist the wet atmosphere of a basement are essential when remodeling or finishing your basement. Moreover, if you are upgrading the basement to make it a living space, then special attention needs to be put on the flooring. So, what flooring is best for a basement.
Actually, with a lot of flooring options like Sheet Vinyl, Ceramic Tile, Engineered Wood, Rubber, or laminate, it becomes difficult to choose one because all of them have their own pros and cons. But if we see our requirements & check the qualities required, we can definitely choose one.
So, let’s get to know various options for flooring & most importantly which is great for avoiding moisture.
What are the things to consider before choosing basements flooring?
When it’s time to get new basement flooring, you should examine the primary characteristics you’ll require. Several key points to consider include the following:
1) Moisture Level
Flooding and excessive moisture are common problems in basements. A water-resistant or waterproof floor is required in a moist basement.
Because the concrete floor can be a wick for water, you should think about the water resistance of both the top and bottom layers of the product flooring when you buy it.
2)Wear & Tear of the Floor
The purpose of a basement also influences how much wear the floor will receive. Is your new floor going to be used by a large number of people? Is it possible that it is being hit by tools? All of these factors have a role in the selection of basement flooring.
3) Purpose of Basement
This is another big factor while deciding on flooring for the basement. While you are using it for normal basement or you going to live in there or you are going to rent. If people will stay there, then flooring needs to be strong & good looking.
4) Your Budget
This is maybe the most obvious factor, and it is necessary to make a budget for you. There are many advantages to hardwood flooring, but they are also more expensive and time-consuming than laminates. Vinyl is cheaper, but not always durable. So, always create a thorough budget before deciding on basement flooring.
5) Warmth
The temperature of your basement is something to keep in mind. Ceramic tile or epoxy will make the floor cooler because of the cold base. So, according to the warmth required, choose which flooring is best for you.
The Main Thing To Before Basement Flooring-
Fix any faults with the existing concrete floor before installing any sort of basement flooring. Is the surface of the concrete rough or uneven in some places? Is water getting into the basement when it rains? This kind of damage should be fixed before any new flooring is put down in the basement.
7 Different types of Basement Flooring
Before choosing the best flooring for the basement, it is essential to know about every flooring option & even its pros and cons. Moreover, to know about, whether they fulfill our requirements or not. So let’s have a look at popular flooring options with their costs, pros, and cons:
1) Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is a good choice for basement flooring because it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It’s also very cheap, especially if you already have an even subfloor that’s in good shape.
Ceramic or porcelain tile can be put right on top of your concrete slab. It can be cold when you put tile on concrete. Radiant heating can be sandwiched in between the concrete and the tile to keep it warm on the tile surface
Price: It can range from $2.50- $25 per foot, including installment.
Suitable For– Ceramic tile can provide a waterproof basement floor when properly sealed. It’s also good to have ceramic tiles in your basement if it’s one of your living rooms. However, if you work with heavy things in the room, don’t choose tiles.
Pros:
- The tile is impermeable and extremely long-lasting.
- Tile made of ceramic can survive a long time.
- Ceramic tile dries quickly and won’t decay, making it an excellent choice for a basement floor.
- It is possible to lay tile in tiny areas on your own.
Cons:
- A cold and hard option is tile.
- Ceramic tile can only be installed on a flat surface.
- Extremely difficult to remove and replace.
- Inadequate sound absorption properties
2) Sheet Vinyl
This flooring option for the basement is a good value for the money. Vinyl tiles and vinyl planks are easy to put down because they have joints that fit together. What’s more, these materials come in a wide range of styles.
Sheet vinyl flooring makes your basement floor almost seamless and water-proof, which is always a good thing when there’s a lot of moisture around.
Price: Sheet Vinyl – $1-$2 per foot
Luxury Vinyl – $5-$10
Suitable For– If your basement is wet or has been flooded, vinyl is a good choice. Most products come with an underlayment, so you can put them on a concrete floor. The protection layer on some types is 40 mils thick, so they can be used even in basements that do a lot of work.
Pros–
- Defends against water intrusion.
- Compared to ceramic tile or concrete, it is more pliable.
- Low Cost per foot for Sheet Vinyl
Cons–
- Adhesion is only good on a clean, dry surface.
- In most cases, professional installation of sheet vinyl is required.
- Can be hard to remove if glue was used to attach the vinyl floor.
3) Engineered Wood
Unlike laminate, engineered hardwood contains a wood core. 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. Engineered wood flooring for basements is made of boards with interlocking edges and has a durable finish applied in the factory.
Price: $4-$7
Suitable For– As long as any joints are sealed, this sort of flooring can be used in damp areas without risk. It’s not ideal for basements that flood frequently because it doesn’t manage water effectively.
It’s a good idea to install this flooring in your basement if you plan to live there.
Pros–
- One of the more eye-catching basement flooring choices.
- An excellent ability to absorb noise.
- Resists small levels of dampness nicely.
Cons–
- Must be built on a subfloor of some sort
- Due to the fact that it is nailed or stapled to the flooring, it is more difficult to remove in the event of water damage.
- It is very expensive if you choose the best wood type.
4) Waterproof Laminate Flooring
With a wood-fiber core and clear finish for protection, laminate is a very durable floor covering that mimics the look and feel of real hardwood, ceramic tile, or any other type of flooring.
Though traditional laminate should be avoided in the basement, newer laminate products that claim to be waterproof may be worth considering. For a tenth of the price of engineered wood, laminate can provide a wood-like appearance.
Price: $1-$7
Suitable For– Laminate flooring is excellent for the majority of basement purposes. If your basement is damp and you seal the laminate, the waterproof varieties will work perfectly.
Pros–
- Laminate flooring is available in a variety of stone and hardwood patterns.
- A robust option that is both easy to clean and durable.
- Newer laminate products are waterproof.
Cons–
- Even waterproof solutions aren’t able to handle well with standing water, it’s not the best option for basements that flood.
- It doesn’t have a long life.
5) Epoxy Flooring
Applying this two-part coating is quite similar to painting, however, the end result is usually more durable and easier to clean. After applying most epoxy processes, plastic flakes or fine sand can be scattered over the surface.
Epoxy is impervious to moisture, but its lifespan of two to three years makes it a less long-term investment than other flooring options.
Price: $3-$7
Suitable For– Epoxy paints are great for basement bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms because they don’t chip or peel. Because epoxy is completely waterproof, you can use it in damp basements or places that get flooded often.
Pros–
- Water-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Durable
Cons–
- During application and cure, some epoxies may emit dangerous fumes.
- Cold to the touch and difficult on your feet
6) Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is durable and easy to clean, but it may not look very good. Because if your basement is meant to be a play area, you might be in luck.
In commercial gyms, you’ll find rolls of rubber that have the fewest possible seams. Since they fit together like a puzzle, installing interlocking rubber tiles is simple for homeowners and costs roughly the same as installing traditional tiles.
Price: $3-$8
Suitable For– Rubber floating floors are great if you plan to use your basement as a gym, yoga studio, or playroom. It is waterproof, easy to clean, and able to withstand big objects being dropped on it.
Pros–
- Maximum insulation to keep the temperature of the basement floor down.
- A comfortable walking surface
- Resistant to moisture
Cons–
- Aesthetically, it is unsuitable for living spaces because it is primarily used for exercise or storage.
- Not totally waterproof due to the possibility of water leaking between seams.
What flooring is best for a basement?
Vinyl is the greatest flooring choice for basements. Because of its waterproof nature, vinyl flooring may mimic the look of natural stone and hardwood while still being more cost-effective.
In addition to being waterproof, vinyl flooring is also extremely durable because it is manufactured out of PVC. Due to its inorganic composition, vinyl basement flooring is more resistant to wear and tear than wood, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
What type of flooring is best for a basement that floods?
Basements with moisture problems necessitate waterproof and durable flooring. Ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl plank are the best options.
Paints, epoxies, and stains are also 100% waterproof, though some may need to be sealed.
Any of these alternatives would be an excellent choice for a basement bathroom, laundry area, or kitchen. Additionally, they will withstand flooding in the basement.
What is the best flooring for a basement cement floor?
The type of flooring you install in your basement is mostly determined by the subfloor. So if you have a cement floor, a pre-installed underlayment, such as luxury vinyl, laminate, or engineered hardwood, can be used as flooring.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re building a playroom for your children or a custom bar in your basement, you’ll want to make the most of your money by using materials that will last for generations. Investigate the materials used to see if they can withstand dampness, are long-lasting, and are comfortable to wear.
Then choose the suitable flooring material. According to us, Vinyl is the material that can provide all features, including durability, waterproofness, and a great vibe.
We hope this article was helpful and informative. Leave your valuable thoughts & suggestions in the comments.
Thank you for reading!
