Choosing Best Flooring for Basement

Basement is the only place in the house which sees a very wide variety of usage. Some people may use it for storage, while others may convert it into a home gym or theater. Kid's playroom, guest bedroom, den are some other ways in which this place can be used. Some enterprising individuals may convert it into a home office complete with a phone, computer and Internet. No matter how you decide to spend time in your basement, you invariably have to make some structural and aesthetic changes to make it worth living because essentially, basement is a moist, cold hole in the ground. Flooring and walls are two aspects which make a basement worthy of use.

How to Choose the Best Flooring for Basement

Regardless of the area you live, you are bound to have some moisture problem. The deeper your basement is in the ground, the greater problem of moisture you will have to face. Some of the popular flooring options such as hardwood are totally unpractical for basements. Even engineered hardwood may not be such a good idea, though it can stand low moisture to some extent. Hence, the type of flooring you choose for basement must be able to withstand the degree of moisture present in your basement. The second factor that you need to consider is the purpose for which you intend to use the basement. These two factors greatly affect the choice of a basement flooring.

Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is best flooring for basement that floods. Concrete is hard, durable, versatile and resists water damage better than any other flooring option. In case you have a basement that gets water logged once a while or you have heavy mold growth owing to high moisture, then a concrete flooring is your best bet. However, you need not settle for cold, gray concrete as you can stain it in any color using concrete stains. They create a very smooth and finished appearance. The only problem of installing concrete flooring is that it is very cold. This problem can be mitigated by using area rugs or carpets. Concrete flooring is ideal if you intend to use your basement for home gym, spare bedroom etc.

Sheet Vinyl
If you have low to medium moisture problem, then sheet vinyl can be a great option for you. Sheet vinyl is very versatile and can withstand rough usage. Besides, it is light on maintenance and looks as good as any other flooring. Sheet vinyl is also an ideal all purpose basement flooring option. So, in case, you are unsure regarding what to do with your finished basement, then you can play it safe with sheet vinyl.

Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring in basement is only a good option if you have low moisture problem. This is a great alternative to hardwood flooring. You get the same visual effect as a hardwood flooring sans the hassles of it. Laminate flooring is ideal for basement offices, bedrooms etc. They are a great option for basement theaters as they can absorb sound from the system.

Tile
Ceramic tiles are an inexpensive and very useful option of basement flooring. They are easier to clean and resist water damage as well as concrete flooring, if not more. They are also easier to install. The problem of cold can be alleviated by using area rugs and carpets.

Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring can resist low moisture, but any more than that, and you have a problem. The reason why it has earned a place in this list is that it is the best flooring choice for basement gyms. Rubber rolls can also be used for kid's play area. They come in attractive interlocking pieces that are easier to install.

Besides, painting basement floor is also an option if you want a cheaper flooring solution. But then, you may have to repaint it time and again. Considering all pros and cons, you can choose any of the above mentioned flooring options for your basement.