The basement is among the most multipurpose area in a house. You can utilize it as a working area, storage place, or living area. When selecting flooring for the basement, it is important to pick materials that can bear the humid environment of a basement. Keep reading this article to know inspiring basement flooring ideas.
Nowadays, homeowners use high-quality finishes on their basement floors that protect them from moisture, stains, and cracks. Various basement flooring options are available to consider.
It is important to know that the basement environment is different from the upper floors. You should select flooring that is suitable for the basement.
Top 13 Inspiring Basement Flooring Ideas
Engineered Wood
Hardwood flooring should be avoided in the basement because basements are affected by humidity and water. The hardwood floor will be damaged and expanded by exposure to water.
If you want to get the look of wood on your basement floor, you can install engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is made of wood or other material layers and sealed with a bonding agent.
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood flooring is less likely to be swelling. You can glue them together or use the floating floor method to install them.
Epoxy
Epoxy coating is the best basement flooring because it is waterproof. It makes the subfloor long-lasting and moisture resistant. It is available in various colors and 100 percent solid solutions.
Select water-based or solvent-based epoxy according to your requirements. You can easily complete the epoxy coating project on your basement floor in a week.
Cork
Cork is a natural material that is soft and breathable. Due to its natural properties, it is getting popularity. Its resistance to moisture and microbes makes it the best option for humid basements.
Scratches can occur on the surface of the cork flooring due to heavy wear and tear. Do not drag furniture or other heavy equipment, install mats on high-traffic areas, and wear off shoes before entering.
You can replace it because it is not costly. Its price is $2 – $12 per square foot, an additional $3 – $5 per square foot is required for installation.
Laminate
It consists of a plywood core and layers of plastic resin. The top layer of the laminate floor visible on the surface has wood-like graphics. A clear coating is given to the top layer for its protection.
Laminate is a durable product that can be cleaned easily and resist minor wear and tear. Its refinishing is not possible. The latest version of laminate flooring is waterproof and worth pleasurable.
Laminate flooring is the best option for those who want the look of wood at reasonable prices. The prices are $3 – $5 per square foot, and the installation cost is $4 – $5 per square foot.
Basement Carpet
In commercial and residential basements, carpet tiles are a great choice. Always select thick and flat tiles for your basement floor.
It would be good to buy extra tiles because sometimes squares wear down over time, so you will substitute them.
Concrete Stain
Staining the basement with concrete floors is cost-effective and requires little effort. It is resistant to wearing or cracking, unlike other concrete coatings.
Concrete stains are available in different water-based and acid-based wide-ranging colors. You can combine different colors to make unique and elegant designs.
Ceramic Tiles
You can install ceramic tile over the concrete subfloor directly. However, you have to level the subfloor first. Ceramic tiles are inexpensive and timeless.
Ceramic tiles are a good option for basement floors because tile is resistant to moisture and water.
Vinyl Tile or Planks
Vinyl planks are another great option that we have included in the list of unique basement flooring ideas. They are water-resistant and withstand all types of spills and foot traffic.
You can get the look of wood or stone with some higher-end options, transforming your basement floor into a luxurious floor cost-effectively.
Sheet Vinyl
You can buy a roll of vinyl at reasonable prices. Vinyl sheets have many advantages like durability, various designs and patterns, and ease of cleaning. You can select any vinyl sheet from plenty of options.
Large sheets are difficult to move in the basement. You have to cut it according to the size of the area and accurately fit it between the basement walls.
If the concrete floor below the sheets is rough and irregular, it will be visible through vinyl sheets. Install another subfloor below sheet vinyl for the best results. It will also make a warm and cozy look.
Painted Concrete
You will find painted concrete an easy solution for basement flooring if you are comfortable painting your walls. In high moisture and cool temperatures, latex floor paint performs well.
So, look for it and apply it twice with a roller. Before giving coats to the flooring, clean the concrete floor.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber tiles are strong and flexible and lock together like pieces of a puzzle. In high-traffic areas, they deliver ease underfoot. Rubber tiles are flexible enough to imitate rough subfloors.
In case of damage, the tiles can be exchanged easily.
Roll-Out Mats
Large rubber or spread-out plastic floor mats are the best temporary solutions to cover small basement areas or full-basement.
No adhesive is required to stick these mats, and the anti-slip design helps foot traction.
Finishing Touches
A basement is a suitable extra space in your house for making it what you need. You can use it as a guest room, a car parking place, or a bedroom.
Many materials are available for its finishing. You can select any material to finish the appearance of the basement floor.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Flooring Is Best for A Basement?
Vinyl is the best type of flooring. It comes in vinyl tile or vinyl plank and looks like stone and hardwood. Vinyl flooring is PVC-made, so it is very long-lasting and waterproof.
What Is the Inexpensive Way to Cover a Basement Floor?
The cost-effective choice In a basement is concrete flooring because it is already available. You only have to clean it well and grind the uneven areas.
Use mats and rugs to create a warm and elegant look on the basement floor.
What Kind of Flooring Is Best Over Concrete?
Engineered wood flooring is the best over concrete. It gives a beautiful look to wood and provides durability. Vinyl flooring is best for the bathroom and kitchen because it is waterproof.
What Is the Easiest Flooring to Install in A Basement?
Due to its interlocking joints, the easiest flooring to install in a basement is vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring.
This flooring comes in different variety of styles. You can get the look of different wood species and ceramic tiles.
How Can I Cover My Concrete Floor Cheaply?
You can cover your concrete floor in cheap ways like concrete paint, concrete stain, carpets or rugs, tiles, etc.
Is Laminate Flooring Good for The Basement?
Water-resistant laminate flooring is good for the basement. This will protect the floors from damage, and spills and leaks will be easy to clean.
Conclusion
We have explained inspiring basement flooring ideas by considering their durability, looks, and affordability. Selecting the right basement flooring has some rules compared to other floors of the house.
Installing the wrong flooring will be unsuccessful if it is not suitable for your basement. The top thing to consider in choosing the basement flooring is its ability to handle humidity.
Hence, pick a durable, easy to clean, waterproof, scratch-resistant, cost-effective basement flooring
Leave a Reply