How much time do you spend in your basement? Would you utilize your basement space more if the flooring better suited your needs? Flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make when renovating a basement.
With so many flooring options available, you can create a space that’s visually appealing and functional. Let’s take a look at some great basement flooring options to find what’s right for you!
Where To Start?
Your flooring selection has a lot to do with how your space will be used. If you want to spend time with family and friends relaxing in your basement, think about carpeting the area.
If you use your basement as a home gym, you’ll need to select flooring suitable for heavy equipment and your fitness routine.
Maybe you use your basement for storage. New flooring will help update your space and correct areas that may be uneven.
Listing anytime soon? Sprucing up that basement floor makes a big difference in how your house shows! Since you won’t be there too long, you may want to spring for an attractive, yet economical option.
1. The King of Comfort
Carpeting your basement is a great option to make your space more livable. Who doesn’t love wiggling their toes into soft, new carpet? If you have kids. Plus, adding carpet to those stairs provides more traction for kids and adults traipsing up and down.
Carpet is a cost-effective option to be sure. You can spend under $1.00/square foot or up to $4.00/square foot! If you’re on a tight budget or have some wiggle room for luxury, you can find a carpet option that works for you.
Another popular reason people place carpet in their basement is the variety. There are thousands of options available for carpeting. You can select a high pile or shag style for a cushier feeling on your toes. If you’re looking for a single color scheme throughout or lots of movement and patterns, you can find a carpet to match!
Carpet keeps your space warmer aesthetically and functionally. Your carpet pad offers a small amount of natural insulation to your floor, keeping your space cozy all year round. From Stain Master to Pottery Barn, you can find something for every style and budget with carpet!
If you are consistently experiencing moisture or flooding in your basement, steer clear of carpet. Carpet absorbs water and moisture and can harbor mold or other harmful contaminants. If you’re worried about water, best to go with other basement flooring options.
2. Versatility in Vinyl
Over the last 10 years, vinyl flooring has evolved to become a fitting flooring for any room in your house. If you want a resilient floor and a comfortable living space, luxury vinyl is a great option for you.
Vinyl planks are a DIYers dream. If you can install them yourself, you can save on expensive installation costs. You’ll still need to prep your floor accordingly to smooth over any big bumps.
Vinyl also offers a plethora of color and style options. You can select wood looking flooring or something with a little more unique pattern.
The reason so many people are selecting vinyl for basements is its ability to withstand water exposures. If you’re worried about moisture or water in your basement, something like Floorte Waterproof Vinyl Flooring is a great option for your space!
While most vinyl floors are floating, it’s still important to have a relatively even surface before installing. If there are big inconsistencies in your flooring’s surface, they’ll need to be corrected before you lay down your vinyl plank floor.
3. Ceramic: A Solid Choice
Ceramic flooring is a great high traffic, water-resistant, and versatile flooring choice for your basement!
Ceramic tile is also very economical. For as little as 75 cents/square foot, you can get a big bang for your buck.
Not digging the block square shape? No problem! Ceramic tile now comes in many different styles. Shaw flooring offers a great plank option that looks like hardwood.
If actual ceramic tile is too cold, consider DuraCeramic by Congoleum. It looks, feels, and holds up like ceramic but feels slightly softer and warmer on those bare feet.
While many DIYers have not problems with tile install, it can be a tedious process. By using a proper step-by-step process and the right leveling material, tile can be a great fix for uneven basement floors.
4. Hardly A Place for Hardwood?
The beauty of hardwood flooring adds elegance and warmth to any room. However, hardwood flooring is a little fussier and not always the best flooring for a basement.
Since temperature affects how hardwood sits and looks in your space, your expensive flooring can easily be damaged in a basement. Hardwood can also harbor mold in consistently humid environments.
If you’d like the look of hardwood, consider other types of basement flooring that offer the look of wood without the touchy temperament. Engineered hardwood, ceramic, and even vinyl all make great wood-looking options.
Have your heart set on hardwood? Make sure you have a proper moisture barrier installed underneath it. Keep your basement air as dry as possible by using a dehumidifier or two.
Engineered Hardwood
You can have your hardwood floor and love it, too! Engineered hardwood is designed to look and feel a lot like true hardwood. This flooring gets all the style points of hardwood while holding up to moisture and traffic much better.
Shaw, Lumber Liquidators, and Kahrs all have engineered hardwood worth a look.
5. Rubber Gym Flooring
Perfect for your home gym, rubber gym flooring will protect your joints from a hard concrete surface. Rubber gym floor snaps together in sections so it’s easy to move around should you change your mind and want to swap part of it out. No need to make sure you have a smooth installation surface with this flooring, either.
The downsides? Rubber gym flooring is expensive and heavier to maneuver.
So Many Basement Flooring Options
With all the basement flooring options available, you may have a difficult time selecting the right one. How will you be using your basement space? What works best for your space, function, budget, and style?
Don’t be afraid to do some research and take your time in selecting that perfect basement floor. Check out our blog for ideas and inspiration. After all, you’ll be living with your floor for a long time!
