So, you’re finally going to do something about that basement floor. Whether it’s a bare concrete slab or a previous installation that needs a refresh, you want the job done right.
It seems the rules are different when it comes to the basement. Water hazards are all around, and even when nothing is leaking there is that lingering dampness that so many basements are faced with.
There are many flooring materials you can go with. We’ll show you the key aspects to consider, help you make sense of the options, and give you a sense of which flooring material might be right for your basement.
Table of Contents
- 6 Aspects To Think About While Researching the Best Flooring for a Basement
- What Type of Flooring Is Best for Basements?
- 7 Popular Choices for Basement Flooring
- Flooring You Should Avoid in Basements
- Trust the Experienced Team at Interior Motives Flooring To Help You Choose and Install the Best Flooring for Your Basement
6 Aspects To Think About While Researching the Best Flooring for a Basement
#1: Purpose and Durability
Consider what your basement will be used for, as this may impact the list of practical options. Carpet is often a good choice to add comfort in a family room, however, if the basement is a high-traffic area a more durable and easy-to-clean material may be better.
Luxury vinyl flooring is quite durable, as is ceramic tile. Luxury vinyl is a great choice for a playroom, where easy cleanups are a priority. Ceramic tile is often a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens — helpful if the basement is an in-law suite or apartment.
Another incredibly durable option is to apply an epoxy finish directly to the concrete floor. This may be a good option if maximum durability and resilience to temperature changes and moisture are important to you.
#2: Subflooring/Underlayment
There are different subflooring and underlayment requirements, depending on the flooring material you choose and the conditions of your basement.
Laminate and vinyl flooring require a moisture barrier — even if the product is waterproof. Without a barrier, water could migrate between the flooring and the concrete. Carpeting or hardwood also requires a moisture barrier underneath.
An underlayment is necessary for some flooring materials to help smooth out imperfections in the concrete. The layer of padding below the flooring also adds comfort underfoot, increasing cushioning and thermal insulation.
Some laminate and luxury vinyl products have padding adhered to each piece, but can still benefit from rolling out an additional underlayment (if the manufacturer allows it).
Trust the experts at Interior Motives Flooring to give your flooring the right support and protection to keep you loving your floor for years to come. Contact us for a free estimate today.
#3: Comfort
In terms of comfort, consider how the flooring will feel underfoot and how well you are shielded from the cold concrete below.
If comfort is a priority, a soft carpet with a thick underlayment is a great choice. Choosing a low-pile carpet instead can be a way to have softness and warmth while increasing durability.
If more durability or cleanability is required then choosing a wood, laminate, or luxury vinyl option can still provide some comfort when combined with the right underlayment.
#4: Temperature
The temperature “feel” underfoot can make a difference in your comfort in the basement. For example, if your basement is typically cooler than the rest of your house you may want flooring that feels warm underfoot. In a warmer climate, you may find a cool floor more soothing.
Tile, stone, and concrete tend to feel cold to the touch, as it absorbs heat from your feet quicker than many other flooring materials. Luxury vinyl provides a warmer sensation than those materials — one reason it is such a popular choice.
Carpet could be the right way to go if you are looking for warmth. High-pile carpets provide great thermal insulation, but even a low-pile carpet will feel significantly warmer than a hard flooring surface.
If you desire the durability or esthetic of a hard surface but still want warmth, you could add radiant heat.
Radiant heating is a very efficient way to heat a room — warming it from the ground up — the long-term energy savings may make it easier to justify the upfront cost.
#5: Moisture
Moisture is a chief concern when choosing your basement flooring — basements are notorious for increased dampness and humidity. The concrete in basement flooring and walls will allow moisture to slowly migrate in from the surrounding soil, so we must protect against it.
If moisture is a serious problem in your basement, you should factor this into your choice of flooring material.
Carpet may not be a good choice for you, as it can become damp and musty in a high-moisture environment. Trapped moisture increases the risk of mold growth.
If you have your heart set on a wood floor, choose engineered hardwood over solid hardwood — warping and expansion are serious concerns with solid hardwood when moisture levels are high.
#6: Flooding Potential
Flooding from groundwater drainage issues, leaking pipes, or a sewer backup can damage flooring and lead to expensive repairs. If you are concerned about flooding, consider one of the waterproof flooring options.
Some materials are water resistant, which is not the same as waterproof.
- Engineered hardwood and laminate are resistant to occasional spills, but long-term exposure to water will cause issues.
- Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, but in the case of a flood if the water hangs around too long it can impact the adhesive bonds within the material.
If you want something truly flood-proof, ceramic tile or epoxy coating could be good options for you.
What Type of Flooring Is Best for Basements?
Many people enjoy the “hardwood look” of luxury vinyl plank, and that it’s easy to clean and long-lasting. Carpet is another popular choice, adding warmth and coziness to the living space. Among the many flooring options available, what’s right for your basement depends on what it’s like, how it will be used, and your needs.
7 Popular Choices for Basement Flooring
#1: Luxury Vinyl Planks/Tiles
Luxury vinyl flooring is often a great choice for basement flooring. In plank form it looks just like hardwood — but without the high cost and durability concerns. With luxury vinyl tile, you get the esthetic of ceramic or stone tile but a softer feel underfoot.
This type of flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and spills. It’s not floodproof, but waterproof enough to not warp or swell. Overall, it’s very durable and works very well in high-traffic areas.
#2: Carpet
Carpet is one of the most common choices for the basement floor as it works very well in a family room scenario. It provides a soft, cushioned surface which adds comfort and warmth. Carpeting can make a room feel very inviting and cozy.
Hard surfaces reflect sound, but carpeting actually absorbs it. Noise reduction can be especially useful in a play area, or a movie room where you often want to pump up the volume.
If choosing carpet, consider carpeting the basement stairs as well. Carpeted stairs have great grip, which can add a little extra safety.
#3: Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have excellent water resistance, require little maintenance, and make cleanups a breeze. For basements with a laundry room or bathroom, tiles can be very appealing.
Tile flooring installation can be complex and must be done on a smooth, level, and dry surface. Installing a plywood subfloor or an uncoupling membrane can help if the concrete slab has some unevenness, and can reduce the risk of cracking due to movement.
#4: Laminate
Laminate flooring has many of the same properties as luxury vinyl plank, including its durability and cost-effectiveness for material and installation costs.
It is not as waterproof as luxury vinyl, but it is water-resistant. A vapor barrier needs to be installed underneath, and any spills should be promptly cleaned up.
As temperature and humidity levels change, laminate will undergo some shifting. Before installation, the product should be left in the basement to acclimate to its environment. During installation, be sure to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
#5: Engineered Hardwood
With the real wood veneer of engineered hardwood, you get the beautiful look of hardwood but with a more durable package. If you really want a wood floor in your basement, this is a better choice than solid wood.
The multiple layers of plywood beneath the veneer make engineered hardwood more dimensionally stable than solid wood. This makes it less likely to warp, cup, or expand in your basement environment.
Engineered hardwood can be a great look for your basement, with the right professional installation. Contact Interior Motives Flooring for a free estimate on a high-quality flooring installation.
#6: Concrete/Epoxy
Concrete is durable and waterproof, but raw concrete’s appearance leaves much to be desired. Adding a finish can really improve it, especially if you like a modern look. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- The color of your concrete floor can be changed by adding concrete stain. A variety of colors can be applied, allowing you to get the exact look you want.
- Concrete stain penetrates the concrete and does not wear off in high-traffic areas.
- When it comes to the final polishing, the level of shine can be customized — you can have anything from a matte surface to a high gloss.
Adding an epoxy coating to your concrete instead of going the staining/polishing route can also give some great results:
- Epoxy is completely waterproof, protecting your basement from moisture migrating through the concrete.
- There are endless color options for epoxy, you can even swirl multiple colors to create something truly unique.
- For added customization, you can add decorative flakes or metallic powders.
#7: Sheet Vinyl
For a cost-effective and durable option, you could go with sheet vinyl. Advances in designs and technology have elevated the overall quality and visual appeal of today’s sheet vinyl products.
Modern sheet vinyl products can make use of 3D printing techniques to create highly realistic patterns and textures. You can choose from looks that mimic hardwood, stone, ceramic tiles, or even marble.
It should also be noted that sheet vinyl is 100% waterproof, and won’t warp or bubble in a high-moisture setting.
Flooring You Should Avoid in Basements
Some materials don’t work well in the basement due to their susceptibility to moisture. Choosing one of these materials may bring issues with maintenance, durability, or repair/replacement costs:
- Solid hardwood can warp out of shape when faced with high moisture or high humidity, Temperature fluctuations can also cause expansion and contraction, which leads to cracks or gaps between planks.
- Bamboo flooring also does not play well with water. It behaves similarly to hardwood in terms of warping or swelling if it gets too wet.
- Cork is one of the least durable flooring materials, and it is also highly porous. Cork flooring can be sealed to help with water resistance, but needs resealing every few years. Even when sealed, cork remains very vulnerable to scratches and dents
Trust the Experienced Team at Interior Motives Flooring To Help You Choose and Install the Best Flooring for Your Basement
There are so many factors to keep in mind when choosing your basement flooring. As with any investment into the appearance and functionality of your home, you want quality results that will last.
Interior Motives Flooring has expertise in installing a wide variety of flooring materials and can help you make the right choice for your basement.
We are family owned and operated, providing a high level of care and attention to every project. Let’s breathe some new life into your basement with a new floor: Contact us today for a free estimate.
