Basements have been on the decline in new homes, but that doesn't mean they've gone away! Millions of homes still have basements, and that means millions of homeowners need to plan their basement flooring.
So what's the best flooring for basements? What options do you have for your basement? Read on for everything you need to know!
Types of Basement Flooring
There are quite a few different styles of flooring you can put in a basement. These all come with their own benefits and drawbacks, and some floors will work better in particular situations than others.To get you started, here are some of the most common basement flooring choices to help you decide what kind of flooring you want!
Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring is a very popular material for basements, and its popularity has increased over the last several years. The technology and materials behind vinyl have improved tremendously, and there are now many more options for style and design than there once were!This type of flooring is a favorite because it's inexpensive to purchase and install, and is also very water-resistant. Water is a big concern in basements, and vinyl floors won't rot or mold like other materials will.
Carpet
It can be tricky to put carpet in some basements, but many people prefer the comfort that carpet provides. That's why this is such a popular basement floor choice in many homes!The biggest benefits of carpet are that it's warm, soft, and dampens sound. This makes your basement a more inviting place for yourself, your family, and your guests. Carpeted living rooms and bedrooms can make your basement feel just as welcoming as the rest of your house.
Unfortunately, many basements suffer from moisture problems, and carpet doesn't handle moisture well. Carpet can suffer mold issues if your flooring gets too wet, which can be expensive to fix. That's why you should get a dehumidifier for your basement if you're considering putting carpet in.
Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are another great option for basements. Tile will dry out if it gets wet, so you don't have to worry about rot or mold. Even in a flood, tile usually won't suffer any damage.It also looks nice and can be fairly easy to install on your own, especially in small batches. You can add radiant heat underneath your tile if the temperature in your home is an issue, helping keep your basement much warmer than plain concrete.
The big downside is that tile can be labor-intensive to install, especially if you're doing it on your own. It's also tougher to remove and replace in case of large amounts of damage to your flooring.
Rubber
This is an interesting choice, and while it's not as popular as other options, it does serve a niche audience.Rubber can be a great choice if you want your basement to serve as a playroom, a gym, or even a dance room! Basically, if you intend to use your gym for exercise more than as a way to entertain guests, rubber might be a good option for some or all of your basement.
This flooring is cheap and easy to install, as you don't need to secure it to the concrete subsurface. You can even roll up and remove your rubber flooring if necessary for easy cleaning! Unfortunately, although warm and soft, this flooring doesn't work great if you want nicer, more formal flooring.
Other Flooring Options
Some people also consider getting laminate or hardwood floors for their basement. However, these are often not the best option, as water can quickly cause rot and mold in your flooring. Unless your floor is very dry and unlikely to have any leaks, it's usually best to stay away from wood flooring.Some people stick with the concrete subsurface of their basement, but this doesn't have to make your basement look unfinished! Concrete is great at resisting moisture and doesn't require a lot of extra work. This saves you quite a bit of time and money, even if your basement floods!
And concrete doesn't have to look bad either! It's recommended to put down a waterproof sealant to help with moisture problems. You can paint this surface to make it look nice, or leave it the way it is if you don't care much about giving your basement a finished look.
Factors You Should Consider
When you're putting flooring in your basement, there are several factors you need to keep in mind. These will affect what kind of flooring you should get, how easy it will be to install, and how much maintenance you'll need to do.The most important factor is the moisture level in your basement and the moisture resistance of your flooring choices. If flooding or seepage are major concerns, your choices will be much more restricted. However, if you live in a very dry climate with a low water table, you have many more options for basement flooring!
You also need to pay attention to your warmth and comfort levels. If you live in a colder climate, your basement can get quite frigid. You'll want to get a warmer floor if at all possible, both for your comfort and your guests'!
Get the Best Flooring for Basements Today!
Whatever style you go with, the best flooring for basements is the flooring that keeps you happy and comfortable without fear of mold or rot. The great news is, you have plenty of options to choose from!So if you'd like to learn more about flooring options for your basement, or you'd like to get flooring installed, contact us! We're eager to help you get the perfect flooring for your basement that turns your house into a home you love.
