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Basements can sometimes be underused spaces in our homes. We use them for storage or junk, and forget that they offer usable square footage.
Remodeling your basement should see you get a 75 percent return on investment. You may not be thinking about resale, though. In that case, remodeling becomes worth the money through the extra space you get back.
Yet remodeling the basement isn’t quite the same as the rest of the house. You need to choose the right flooring for basements to avoid issues later on.
Read on to learn about the best flooring options for your basement.
What Do You Need to Know About Flooring for Basements?
Most flooring types are fine to use in a basement except for two options. Avoid laminate flooring that’s not treated to be moisture resistant and solid hardwood. These flooring types will buckle after absorbing moisture.
Remember, the concrete basement slab is not as solid as you think. Moisture makes its way up through the concrete. Your choice of flooring might be fine, but mold might grow between the flooring and the concrete.
So you can put down sheet plastic under your flooring to stop this. You could also use an epoxy floor coating for concrete floors to seal the slab for extra protection.
Once you’ve tackled this, which flooring options can you consider?
Epoxy Coatings
These offer the most simple basement flooring. Epoxy comes in a huge range of colors so it’s easy to find a finish to suit you. It’s also easy to apply, making it a straightforward DIY task.
It also leaves you with a waterproof surface that seals the concrete slab. The downside is this also gives you a hard surface, which may not offer much comfort underfoot.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring balances the benefits of wood with the moisture resistance of laminate wood. It even offers great sound absorption. That might be ideal if your kids want a practice space for a band.
The wood planks often slot or click together, making them easy and quick to install. Just make sure you choose planks designed for basements so they stand up to extra moisture.
Ceramic Tiles
If you have money to spare, ceramic tiles are a great choice. They’re resistant to moisture from below and waterproof in the basement.
You can apply them straight onto concrete, and they come in many styles and colors. Ceramic tile flooring offers a stylish and durable finish.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber floors offer plenty of insulation and a cushioned surface. This makes them ideal for basement playrooms.
The rubber comes in either sheets or tiles, making it easy to install. It’s also easy to change when you redecorate. You’ll have lots of choices of colors too.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl offers a more cushioned surface underfoot. It’s inexpensive and you can install it straight onto prepared concrete.
This type of flooring can even tolerate minor flooding. Higher quality vinyl will mimic wood, stone, or ceramic tile.
Luxury vinyl planks are perhaps the best flooring for basements. They’re waterproof, easy to install onto a concrete floor, and they’re resilient.
Which Flooring Will You Choose?
Choosing the right flooring for basements isn’t difficult. You need to decide what you’ll use the space for, and which flooring will suit that function.
Remember to choose something that withstands water and is designed for below-grade floors. You won’t go wrong! Looking to do remodeling work? Check out our Home Improvement articles for more tips and advice.
