Choosing the ideal type of flooring for basement can prove to be a daunting task, especially if you’ve had issues with the plumbing system before.
However, the decision itself is not as complicated as you might think. There are several types of flooring for basements that you need to look at, and other few types that you’ll want to avoid at all cost.
In this article, you’ll discover the best 5 types of flooring for basements, but also the basement flooring options and basement flooring materials that are best to avoid in this damp space.
Let’s begin.
Before Installing The New Basement Floor
Your basement will most likely have a concrete flooring, the standard for most homes. The most important things you’ll need to do before installing the actual floor is to make sure the concrete is in a good state.
You’ll want to make sure the concrete is even, that there are no visible cracks, and that there’s no water coming into the basement when it rains.
Needless to say, if the concrete floors are compromised, you’ll have a hard time being fully satisfied with your basement remodel.
Subfloor Options
If you’ll refinish your basement into a workshop or a gym, maybe you won’t need a subfloor. But if you’re planning to transform your basement into an office, a kids playroom, home theater, or a guest room, we recommend a subfloor.
Our experts from Mortise & Miters will advise you on what’s the best subfloor option for your particular needs. For basements especially, you’ll need a type of subfloor that’s resistant to mold and moisture.
Let’s now see what are the best types of flooring for basements.
5. Engineered Wood Flooring
If your home has hardwood floors or other hardwood features, you might want to keep the same vibe in your basement as well.
While natural hardwood might not be the best option in a damp environment like a basement, engineered wood flooring that’s properly treated will work fine. Engineered hardwood has a core of plywood and its surface is made of real hardwood.
Hardwood flooring for basements is better installed over a subfloor, and it costs between $5 to $8 per square foot.
4. Sheet vinyl
A large roll of vinyl sheet offers you a relatively good basement floor at an affordable price. Vinyl sheets can cost anywhere between $0.75 to $4 per square foot. Besides a good price, vinyl is also durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of styles and patterns.
It’s important to note that the installation of vinyl sheets can be challenging. You’ll have to move a heavy roll in the basement, cut it to the right size, and then fit it precisely between walls to cover every inch of the subfloor.
Another downside of vinyl sheets is that roughness or irregularities in the concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Or Tiles
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are great flooring options that are growing in popularity. They offer great value at an affordable price, they’re easy to install, easy to maintain, and they can resemble different kinds of materials, like stone or hardwood.
LVP and Luxury vinyl tile are different from vinyl flooring or laminate flooring in different ways. These floors also need a subfloor over the concrete basement floor.
Luxury vinyl planks or tiles are also easy to replace, and they cost between $2 to $7 per square foot.
2. Tile
From a functional standpoint, tile basement flooring is definitely a great option for a bathroom and a kitchen. For basements, it really depends on what you are transforming this space into. If you’re planning to build a home theater or a guest room, tile might not be suited. Tiles will keep the floors cold and it’ll make the room difficult to warm up.
If, on the other hand, you’re transforming your basement into a laundry room, tile floors will be more than recommended.
Aesthetically speaking, you can create a mesmerizing design with ceramic tile in a bathroom, laundry room, or an in-house gym, but if you’re looking to get an extra bedroom, tile might not be the best choice.
1. Epoxy
Epoxy is a great option for your basement remodel, no matter what you’re planning to transform it in. This is a two-part coating that creates a smooth and durable surface, much easier to keep clean than any other flooring option.
Combined with a carpet, epoxy is great for a bedroom, a gym, an office, or any other addition that you’ll want to get for your home. Different epoxy treatments will give it different aesthetics.
For example, you can add sand for some texture, or flakes to add some color and a nice pattern.
DIY epoxy kits cost around $120 on Amazon, but the application is troublesome and it requires professional installation if you want it to be even and really good-looking. Besides, some epoxy kits may produce fumes during both application and curing, which is why it’s better to let a well-equipped professional do it for you.
Conclusion
The best types of flooring for basements are the ones that’ll match your needs and preferences.
If you’re building an office in your basement, you’ll want it to be cozy, comfortable, and warm, so you’ll probably want to look into engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl planks.
If, on the other hand, you’re building a workshop, epoxy or tile flooring for basements are great options to keep things clean and strong at all times. For gyms, a rubber flooring is also a great option, so don’t hesitate looking into it.
Here at Mortise & Miter, we offer professional basement remodel for all homeowners around Johnson County, Kansas. We operate in Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, and surrounding areas, and we can offer you the best solution for your basement floor.
Call us today at (913) 214-6211 to get expert’s advice on your basement floors, or request a free quote and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!