The basement is one of the most versatile areas in the home. It can function as work space, storage space, or even as an extension of your living space. But basements present some unique renovation challenges, particularly when it comes to selecting flooring. Because basements are subject to high moisture and low temperatures, it’s important to choose a flooring material that can stand up to these conditions. For instance, it’s best to avoid an organic material like hardwood that can accumulate mold and ultimately affect air quality. Fortunately, there are many less problematic materials to choose from. Read on to find out what type of basement flooring might best suit your needs.
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Carpet Tiles
Photo: flor.com
Carpet tiles have long been a popular option in commercial spaces, but they’re a great choice for residential basements too. Look for tiles that are dense and flat, and buy extra squares so you have spares to swap in as sections wear down over time.
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Epoxy
Photo: flickr.com via jahkula
Coating a concrete basement subfloor in epoxy will make it waterproof and durable. Available in water-based, solvent-based, and 100 percent solid solutions and in a variety of colors, epoxies can be easily applied to a basement floor in the course of a weekend.
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Concrete Stain
Stain can dress up concrete floors with little cost or effort, and unlike some other types of concrete coating, stain is not prone to chipping or flaking. Stains come in water- or acid-based varieties and in a range of colors that offer the opportunity to play with different combinations and designs.
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Vinyl Tile or Planks
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Vinyl tiles are a waterproof option that can hold up to all manner of spills as well as foot traffic. Some higher-end options emulate the appearance of wood or stone, which can give your basement floor a luxury look at a relatively low cost.
Engineered Wood
Because basements are prone to moisture and flooding, it is wise to avoid hardwood flooring, which will become warped or damaged if exposed to water. You can still get the look of hardwood floors, though, if you opt for engineered wood boards. Made of layers of composite wood sealed with adhesives, engineered wood is less prone to swelling and can be glued in place or installed as a floating floor.
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Painted Concrete
If you are comfortable painting your walls, you’ll have no problem with this easy solution for basement flooring. First, do a little homework and find a latex floor paint that performs well in high humidity and cool temperatures, then use a roller to apply at least two coats to a clean concrete floor.
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Rubber Floor Tiles
Photo: YouTube.com via CostcoTV
Tough and flexible, rubber tiles lock together like puzzle pieces and provide comfort underfoot in high-traffic areas. Unlike rigid tiles, they are flexible enough to conform to uneven subfloors and can be easily swapped out as they sustain damage over time.
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Roll-Out Mats
Photo: rubberflooringinc.com
Large roll-out plastic or rubber floor mats are great temporary solutions for covering large sections of a basement floor, or even an entire floor. They do not require adhesive and feature nonslip textures to aid traction.
The basement is a convenient spare space for making it what you need (or want!) for your house: a family hangout, an extra bedroom, even a bar. Whether you’re looking to fully finish it or you’re making do with its bare bones, there’s a range of materials to choose from to help you finish the look.
Ready to remodel/add flooring to your basement? Contact us!
Custom Contracting, Inc.
1267A Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA 02476
Phone: 781-648-2835
Fax: 781-648-0907
Email: cci@custom-contracting.com