With a tendency to be damp, cold and dark, finding the right flooring solution for your basement can be a challenge. You have to account for the risk that your basement could suffer water damage or even flooding. The best types of flooring for your basement is always going to be a matter of negotiating trade-offs.
Due to the fact that they’re below ground level, many basements are simply built onto a concrete slab, which often leaves them uneven. For this reason and more, it limits the choice of floors that will work. Some options are definitely more appropriate than others when it comes to the basement.
Below are the seven best types of flooring for the basement:
1. Engineered vinyl planks
Engineered vinyl planks are the best flooring for the basement. These look like hardwood flooring and they’re waterproof. This is a huge advantage if you want to be a basement that looks stylish but is safeguarded against potential water damage.
A relatively new type of flooring, they also have a cork underlayment that offers a bit of cushioning and also helps with insulation and sound absorption. Another added bonus is that engineered vinyl plank flooring is actually very easy to install, so much so that you can actually do it yourself. This makes a more affordable option than some of the other choices that would require hiring a professional to install.
2. Engineered hardwood flooring
Although it is not possible to have solid hardwood floors in the basement, you can install engineered hardwood floors. As they can be glued or floated on concrete, engineered hardwood looks high-end and will definitely improve the value of your home. The hardwood flooring has many positive attributes for your basement. They can be warmer on your feet than tile and contribute a lot to creating a pleasant atmosphere.
On the other hand, they are expensive, don’t tolerate moisture well, and require addition floor prep. Also, if you end up changing your mind down the road, it is important to know that engineered hardwood floor typically can’t be sanded and refinished.
3. Tile plank flooring
If you’re simply concerned with water protection and not as worried about looks, tile plank floors is the best flooring for the basement. Although they tend to be less homey, as they are cold and hard, they are relatively easy to clean and will last a long time.
They come in a variety of styles but are a little pricier due to the labor and prep that is involved. They also tend to reflect sound and are therefore not suitable if you’re hoping to use your basement as an entertainment room or home theatre.
4. Rubber flooring
Exercise flooring, or rubber interlocking gym tiles, are becoming more and more popular as a basement flooring option. This is the best flooring for your basement that is used as a gym or for recreation, since rubber absorbs both sound and shock. With the ease of interlocking pieces, you can also install them yourself and even move them around.
Be warned of a few drawbacks though, the traditional rubber tiles are dark, so they can make your basement look darker. They are also heavier than many of the other options, so be careful to check out the shipping costs before you order.
5. Carpet flooring
An easy and inexpensive option, carpet can be good if you’re on a budget or need to cover a sub-floor surface that isn’t level or smooth. Softer and warmer, they can also help contribute to cozier and more welcoming feel. Of course, carpet is not waterproof and doesn’t do well with high moisture.
For these types of flooring, they’re harder to clean and can therefore be breeding grounds for mildew, mold or dust mites. For this reason, they also need to be replaced more often, which can end up to higher cost in the long run.
6. Stained concrete flooring
Stained concrete is a unique and luxurious flooring for basements. They are becoming an increasingly popular choice due their stylish showcasing in commercial settings. Unlike paint which creates an opaque look, the stain permeates the concrete to create translucent tones that vary across the entire expanse.
This can be a fun and fairly moisture resilient floor, but keep in mind that they are cold and because they require more floor prep and labor, the price is higher than many other options.
7. Sheet vinyl flooring
Less expensive than most other hard surface options, sheet vinyl offers the benefit of being waterproof and its seamless surface is helpful for areas that tend to get damp. With that being said, sheet vinyl flooring does tend to look a bit cheap and dated, so this isn’t the top choice for many homeowners looking to increase the value of their home.
On top of that, it does require some floor prep and is not recommended as a DIY project. It is fairly complicated to install, so you’ll need to hire professional help.
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