The best choices for basement flooring are the following:
- Engineered Vinyl Planks or Vinyl Tiles
- Tiles (tile planks, porcelain tiles, stone tiles, or ceramic tiles)
- Rubber
- Polished or Stained Concrete
- Sheet Vinyl
- Glued Down Vinyl Planks or Vinyl Tiles
- Modular Raised Interlocking Vinyl Tiles or Carpet Tiles
- Carpet
What are the cheapest flooring options for a basement?
Top 5 Budget Basement Floors: Foam, Rubber & Carpet Tiles & Rolls
- Play Mats Foam Puzzle Tile 4 Pack. Soften and liven up any hard basement floor with Play Mats Foam Puzzle Tile 4 Pack. ...
- Rolled Rubber 1/8 Inch Black Pacific. 1/8 Inch Black Pacific Rubber Rolls are yet another economical option for a basement floor. ...
- Style Smart 18 x 18 Inch Carpet Tile. ...
- Foam Tiles Wood Grain. ...
What is the Best Flooring for a finished basement?
Vinyl Plank Flooring/Vinyl Tile Flooring
- First, VPF and VTF are impervious to liquid and vapor moisture. This matters because even seemingly dry basements can have enough moisture vapor migration to trigger mold growth.
- Second, VPF and VTF are extremely durable. ...
- Third, vinyl flooring of this kind is flexible enough that it doesn’t need a super-flat surface like laminates do. ...
What is the best floor covering for a basement?
What Flooring Is Best For A Basement?
- Vinyl Flooring. ...
- Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
- Tile Flooring (Ceramic or Porcelain) Ceramic or Porcelain tiles make an unquestionably durable basement flooring. ...
- Concrete Flooring. ...
- Epoxy Flooring. ...
- Rubber Flooring. ...
- Laminate Flooring. ...
What are the different types of basement flooring?
Different Types of Basement Flooring Options for the House
- Vinyl Sheet. The vinyl flooring is quite resilient, sharing similar quality and benefits like the ceramic and concrete tiles.
- Porcelain or Ceramic. It’s one of the basement flooring options that can hold up moisture and water quite well. ...
- Engineered Wood. ...
- Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank. ...
- Concrete. ...
- Plank Tile. ...
- Carpets. ...
- Laminate. ...
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?
Concrete flooring can be the least expensive choice in a basement because it's already there. You might be able to give it a good cleaning, maybe grind down some rough spots, and call it good. You can always use throw rugs or carpet tiles (see below) to add warmth and softness to specific areas.
What is the best waterproof flooring for basement?
Two of the best options for waterproof flooring for basements are epoxy paint and sealed concrete. Not only are both affordable, but they are durable and allow for adequate waterproofing. Epoxy paint dries thick and hard, providing the necessary durability that goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a basement floor.
What is better in basement carpet or laminate?
Waterproof laminate flooring is the best option for covering a basement floor. This will not only prevent water from harming the floors, but it will allow for easy cleanup in the event of a leak or spill.
Is laminate flooring good for basement?
If your basement is well ventilated and treated properly, you can use flooring materials like laminate and engineered wood. Many homeowners opt for laminate because it is more cost effective and looks beautiful. If you prepare the basement subfloor properly, laminate flooring is a viable option.
What is best for basement flooring over concrete?
Aside from luxury vinyl, some of the best basement flooring options are sheet vinyl, laminate, carpeting, and prefinished hardwood.
What flooring is best over concrete?
To sum it up – carpet, engineered hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring are all great options to install over a concrete substrate that can last for years when properly maintained.
What is the warmest flooring for a basement?
A cork floating floor is an excellent insulating product for cold basements. It is the best flooring for basement. Add in a cost effective 6mm cork underlayment and you will have built an “insulated” floor.
Is carpet in a basement a good idea?
Carpeting is one of the best flooring materials to use in basements. Besides making cold basements feel warmer and more welcoming, carpeting actually can dry out quickly, even when flooded. Like any other basement flooring, vigilance is crucial to maintaining the product over the long-term.
Can you lay laminate on concrete basement floor?
Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.
What do I put under my basement floor?
Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring. The materials also are easily accessible since nearly every home center carries rigid foam insulation in large, 4-foot by 8-foot sizes and up to 1-1/2 inches thick.
Does basement floor need vapor barrier?
Keeping a basement floor dry For a dry, mold-free finished basement floor, always install a vapor barrier before laying a wood subfloor or carpet pad. See what goes into waterproofing a basement, too. Any kind of persistent moisture will allow mold to get a foothold and soon ruin carpet or wood flooring.
Do you need moisture barrier under laminate flooring on concrete?
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
What is the warmest flooring for a basement?
A cork floating floor is an excellent insulating product for cold basements. It is the best flooring for basement. Add in a cost effective 6mm cork underlayment and you will have built an “insulated” floor.
How much does it cost to epoxy a basement floor?
Epoxy basement floor cost averages $7.15 per square foot when professionally installed. That's about $7,000 for a 1,000 sq/ft basement. In a Hurry? A wide range of cost factors, detailed below, including DIY vs pro application produces a potential epoxy floor cost of $3.35 to $12.50 per square foot.
Can you lay laminate on concrete basement floor?
Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.
Is it good to epoxy basement floor?
The bottom line is that epoxy is a great flooring solution for basements. Installing it with a vapor barrier can help with water and mold issues. It's also extremely durable which makes it a great option for basements that can suffer water and activity damage.
What is the most important part of choosing a basement floor?
Not to keep harping about the same thing over and over, but the most crucial part of choosing a basement floor is knowing what you want and what your home will need. Once you get these questions answered, you will be on your way. The best type of flooring shouldn’t be 100 miles away now that you’ve read up on the options.
What is the most common use for a basement?
It seems like the most common uses for basements are for storage or a place to send the kids when a parent lacks the energy or will to enforce a civilized rule. Send them to the basement! Upon arrival, the kids quickly assume the behavior of a frat party at an Airbnb. It is at this point that the question of what is the best floor to install in your basement becomes more easily answered. Finally, we get to talk about the king of basement flooring.
How thick is a carpet in a basement?
Carpet is the type of flooring than can range from 1/8 inch thick to 1-inch thick made of different materials.
What questions to ask when selecting a basement floor?
There are 2 big questions to ask when we are helping a customer select a basement floor. First, are there any moisture issues, or is there potential for moisture issues? Secondly, is your basement an extension of your main living space, or a dungeon that is perfect for sugared-up kids, or somewhere in between?
What is the best floor plank?
Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP, is easily the best choice if your floor needs to withstand years of hard usage. The lifetime of a floor is determined by its change in appearance to most people. A high-quality luxury vinyl plank with a variegated color and a distressed or hand scraped surface is the way to go. A variegated color means it will hardly ever look unkempt, while the hand scraped surface means any damage it takes will hide among the other surface variations.
Can engineered hardwood be floated?
Don’t forget, most engineered floors can be floated. While floating floors in a basement will not be attached to your concrete, they are still susceptible to expansion. Extra expansion space around the perimeter of your room will help, but we like to recommend a high-ply floor to limit or prevent this as much as possible. Will more plys cost you more? Yes. Will they last longer than their lower ply counterparts in every situation? You can bank on the answer being yes 99% of the time. If you are looking at engineered hardwood for basements, the cheapest option isn’t always the right one.
Can you put hardwood floors in a basement?
Usually, basements require the use of an engineered hardwood floor, if you are looking to put down hardwood. As I have covered in other blogs regarding the construction of engineered floors, they are made of plys of wood. Each layer in a multi-ply floor would have the grain running perpendicular to the grain of another layer. These opposing grains in each ply will fight each other when expansion begins to affect the floor. This fight will effectively prevent expansion, warping, or cupping.
What is the best floor for a basement?
Hardwood floors are the best choice for basements because they’re the best at resisting moisture damage, which is something basements experience most often.
What is the cheapest way to cover a basement floor?
Tile flooring is probably the simplest and cheapest way to cover your basement floor, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option.
What is the best waterproofing for a basement?
Epoxy paint and sealed concrete are two of the greatest basement waterproof flooring solutions.
What is bamboo flooring?
Bamboo flooring is premium-grade wood flooring that’s made from only the finest bamboo. It can withstand high humidity levels and spills, so it’s perfect for basement use.
What is luxury vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a more contemporary form of resilient flooring than the traditional variety that is fastened to the subfloor with glue. Instead, luxurious vinyl is joined piece by piece in the style of a floating floor.
Which is better, hardwood or tile?
If you’re looking for a space that’s cozier, than hardwood floors would be the best choice because they’re less expensive than tiles and they can withstand high humidity levels.
How thick is luxury vinyl?
Wood-look luxury vinyl is available in 6 inch by 48 inch planks. Because it is relatively thick, it can be thoroughly embossed for a more authentic wood grain texture.
What type of flooring is best for a concrete slab?
6. Laminate Flooring. Some types of laminate flooring are constructed to be installed below-grade and directly on top of a concrete slab, but most will require a moisture-resistant underlayment. The Defiant Collection is highly water-resistant and durable enough for kids and pets.
What is luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring, like that from the Vigorous Collection , can elevate any space with its elegant range of natural wood visuals. The stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl planks are made using a waterproof core to combat moisture attacking from below. Rated for residential and light commercial use, this robust collection comes with a 20-mil wearlayer that is scratch-resistant and protects against daily wear. Outfitted with a pre-attached foam underpad, the Vesdura planks offer comfort underfoot.
What is the SKU for Lamton laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring can make basement cleanups a breeze while protecting your home from mold and mildew. Featuring Lamton Laminate American Ingenuity Collection in Iron Oak SKU: 15270328
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy. Epoxy is a liquid coating that is a sealer and flooring design all in one. It is ideal for work spaces like garages or woodworking shops, or perhaps you want to create a bright, yet durable, play space for kids.
What color is slate tile?
It is highly resistant to damage, but it must be installed over a solid and level subfloor; otherwise, it is subject to cracking. Slate is primarily found in a grey color that can fluctuate from light to dark, but it can also contain other colors like red and green. During the installation process, slate can be easily damaged. Consider hiring a pro to install your slate flooring. Update your basement with slate tile to create a clean, sleek look that is easily maintained and will last decades.
What is carpet tile?
Carpet tiles are versatile when it comes to designing a space since they come in a wide variety of styles, colors, patterns, and textures. Carpet tiles can give your feet relief and can be cut to fit any space.
Is underlayment good for basement flooring?
No matter which type of flooring you decide to install in a basement, it’s important to lay down underlayment that acts as a moisture barrier. Even if the flooring product you choose is waterproof or water resistant, the underlayment provides more peace of mind and protection.
What is the best material for a basement?
Inorganic materials work better in basements than organic materials. Tile, concrete, and vinyl are all inorganic materials. Solid hardwood, even though it is a hard material, does not work well in basements because it is a 100-percent organic material. Inorganic materials may grow mold, but they will not deteriorate.
What materials outperform carpet in basements?
Hard materials like tile and concrete tend to outperform soft materials like carpet in basements.
Why do concrete slabs need leveling?
A concrete slab may need significant leveling and repair because there will be no intervening subfloor to compensate for slab problems
Why does my basement floor leak water?
Even when the weather is dry, basement flooring might leach residual moisture in the form of vapor due to its close proximity to the ground. And there are other ways that water can enter your basement.
Is wall to wall carpet bad for bathrooms?
Wall-to-wall carpeting is often vilified as a poor flooring material in bathrooms. Rightly so. Carpeting dries slowly and can develop mold and mildew. When wet, it feels mushy and uncomfortable. But does this mean that carpet is also a bad basement flooring option?
Can rubber flooring be used in a basement?
Rubber flooring is commonly associated with gyms, garages, dance or martial arts studios, and pools. Can rubber flooring work in basements, too? If your basement is intended to be a play space, not a formal living space, you just might be in luck. Otherwise, rubber flooring will not work for most homes.
Is engineered wood flooring good for basements?
Since wood is derived from trees and is organic, it does not stand up well to prolonged moisture. Thus, solid hardwood is one of the worst basement flooring options. But engineered wood flooring is a different story. Engineered wood flooring is considered to be dimensionally-stable, as its cross-hatched plywood base below the real wood veneer maintains its shape when subjected to limited amounts of moisture.
Basement Flooring Basics
When it comes to basement flooring, there are a few things you should keep in mind no matter where you live.
Important Things to Think About When Exploring Basement Flooring Ideas
In addition to the factors above, there are a few more things to consider when you’re parsing through basement flooring ideas—and they tend to vary by environment and home type.
The Best Basement Flooring: 11 Great Options
As it turns out, there are a lot of contenders for the best flooring for basements crown!
Best Flooring for Basements: The FAQs
Now that we’ve covered a few different types of the best flooring for basements, let’s cover some frequently asked questions about basement flooring ideas in general.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Flooring for Basements?
Whew! We made it! So after all that, can we definitively say which product is the best flooring for basements? Well…
What is better for a basement: vinyl or laminate?
Pros: Once you have identified how you will be using your basement, you can begin to consider flooring. A popular flooring choice for many homeowners is vinyl. Vinyl flooring is affordable and looks lovely in your home. It is also quite durable and water-resistant, perfect for cleaning up spills and long-term use.
Is tile or carpet better in a basement?
Pros: Other solutions homeowners look to for basement flooring are tile and carpet. Tile is a great solution for homeowners seeking a water-resistant surface with a luxurious look and feel. Patterned tile is also quite popular and looks stunning in the basement.
What is the best flooring for a basement?
Engineered Vinyl Planks or Vinyl Tiles. Engineered vinyl planks/tiles (also known as luxury vinyl plank, EVP, or LVP) are an excellent option for many basements, particularly due to the fact that this type of flooring is waterproof. It also looks quite decent.
What is the best way to make a basement feel warm?
Carpet is soft, warm, and the best and safest option for the basement steps. Carpet can make your basement feel much warmer, more insulated, and homier. It absorbs sound (instead of reflecting it) and is thus a good option for home theaters.
Why is carpet not good for basement?
Because basements are usually cold and damp, flooring options like carpet and hardwood may not be such a good idea due to health considerations, as they may rot and/or promote the growth of mold and mildew.
What to do if your basement is flooded?
If your basement gets flooded, you can simply pick up the pieces, allow them (and the sub-floor) to dry, and piece the tiles back together. Rubber tiles are thicker and more forgiving to sub-floors that may not be even or level. Soft EVA foam tiles (the ones used for babies’ play areas) are another cheaper option.
Why are tiles so expensive?
Other options include ceramic and porcelain. Tiles are usually a more expensive option, not just because of the flooring itself but because of the extensive floor preparation and labor costs which are involved. For instance, you will need to ensure that the sub-floor is completely even and level. If not, the tiles may crack ...
What is the best way to clean concrete floors?
Here is how you clean concrete floors. Sheet Vinyl . Sheet vinyl is among the cheapest of the flooring options (second only to carpeting). It is resilient and waterproof, and it creates an impervious surface that is practically seamless, which can help in regions which are more damp.
Can you install vinyl plank flooring on uneven floor?
But because vinyl plank is floating floor material, if you try to install it on an uneven or bump y sub-floor, the flooring may bounce or wobble a bit.
