Whether you want a utility space for your furnace or a recreation area to let loose on the weekends, a well-built basement will be the perfect place for all your needs.

While basements are certainly an extension of the house, when it comes to their flooring, they do not necessarily follow the same rules as the upper floors.

In this article, we’re going to explore some of these problems and present 5 of the best floorings for basements to solve them.

Some Things to Consider Before Buying a Basement Flooring

• Humidity and Moisture

Probably one of the biggest problems basements face is the presence of moisture. Unlike upper floors, where you can cross ventilate through windows, basements are almost always enclosed and damp.

How this moisture is created in the basement is based on where you live and what your lifestyle is. If you’re living in a dry area, most of the moisture would be created by your indoor appliances.

Whereas, if you’re living in a wet area that is prone to rainfall, the rainwater will enter the soil and externally transfer humidity through the basement walls and subfloor.

• Risk of Flooding

Continuing on the problems excessive moisture can create, if you live near any of the coasts that are prone to flooding, it is imperative to get a flooring that is waterproof, not just water-resistant.

Some of the flooring options in this article are going to be the latter, and while they’re great at handling most of the usual spills, flooding and standing water require a completely different type of moisture resistance.

• Cold Underfoot

It is easy to underestimate how cold basements can become. Again, depending on where you live, this can be lovely in summers or it can be hell in the winter months of December and January.

One of the main reasons basements get cold is not due to the lack of sunlight but the presence of moisture beneath the subfloor. A good basement flooring for colder areas will reduce the transfer of underground moisture and provide a warmer underfoot.

• Purpose

In some way, we’ve been indirectly hinting at this point all along because it really is the most important and decisive factor when it comes to choosing flooring for your basement.

What are you going to use the basement for? If you’re going to use it as a recreational area for parties and get-togethers, a water-resistant flooring would be great to handle the occasional spills.

On the other hand, if you’re going to use it as your workshop, durability will be the most important factor for you.

5 of the Best Flooring Options for Basements

1. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

We’re going to say it. Hardwood flooring may be the worst flooring you can get for your basement. Yes, it looks great and increases your house’s resale value but it is highly susceptible to water and moisture damage.

Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, uses a plywood core that helps add more stability, water resistance, and most importantly, good sound absorption qualities to the floor.

It is honestly a great option; however, it can only be refinished twice, so it lasts a little less than solid hardwood floors.

2. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are one of the most beautiful flooring options for basements. Since basements don’t receive any natural light, it can be worth investing in a reflective flooring that helps brighten the room.

Besides its vast design options, this flooring is extremely durable and surprisingly affordable as well. Its main strength, however, is its resistance to rot and mold. Unfortunately, ceramic tiles may not be the best for colder regions.

3. Carpeting

There’s nothing as elegant as high-quality wall-to-wall carpet flooring. It is the warmest and the most comfortable basement flooring option on this list; worthy of being everyone’s best friend in the winters.

Remember how we spoke about purpose? This is where it matters the most because if you’re expecting a flooring that will withstand a lot of wear and tear, carpet flooring is not the flooring for you.

Unfortunately, carpets stain easily and can develop mold and bacteria, all of which can make it a difficult flooring to maintain.

4. Epoxy over Concrete

Concrete flooring may be one of the most unusual flooring options on this list as it is traditionally associated with outdoor settings. However, this flooring deserves a place not just on basketball courts but also in every home.

One of the reasons for this is its excellent durability against dents, scratches, and general wear and tear. We recommend applying an epoxy sealant over concrete to make the flooring even more strong.

Another benefit of epoxy is that it makes the concrete fully waterproof. Yes, not water-resistant, but waterproof. If you are located in a flood-prone location, this may be the best option for you.

5. Rubber Flooring

The COVID-19 pandemic had a really interesting effect on people’s fitness habits. Since almost all gyms were closed for a few months, a lot of people began building their home gyms. Most of these were built in the basement as it is a distraction-free area.

And without a doubt, the flooring of choice to build home gyms has been rubber flooring. But why rubber? Because it is extremely comfortable and provides a soft underfoot that absorbs shocks, making it great for your joints.

It is also fairly resistant against moisture and hence will be ideal if you’re going to be sweating a lot. It must be said, however, that this flooring option is not the best if you want a more visually pleasing area.

Conclusion

Ever since the full-scale architectural advancements in the 1950s, basements have become an essential part of every home. Despite all their problems, we’re glad to say that most houses constructed these days are well-equipped to handle all such problems.

The flooring you choose will merely add more protection against whatever challenges your area and lifestyle may present. So go ahead and pick the one that feels right to you.

Here’s a quick summary of the 5 best flooring options for the basement:

1. Engineered Wood - Excellent at sound absorption

2. Ceramic Tile - Best to prevent rot

3. Carpeting - Provides the most warmth

4. Rubber - Great for home gyms

5. Epoxy over Concrete - The most waterproof flooring

Need help selecting the best basement flooring for you? Floors2Day is here to help!

Reach out to us at Floors2Day by giving us a call at 877-356-6759 or booking an appointment online using this link. (If you book online, you say $150!) We offer our flooring services in Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Here at Floors2Day, we provide the best quality flooring products, coupled with excellent customer service, and quick and easy installation.

With over 20 years of experience in flooring, we have seen it all. Every client is unique, and our services are always custom to your needs! We also proudly offer 12-month 0% interest and 90-days deferred financing, learn more here! So, sit back and relax as our team provides you with an amazing, worry-free renovation experience.

To learn more about the flooring options we offer, click here.

5 Best Flooring Options for Basements