What Type of Flooring is Best for Basements

Deciding what can be 'best' for a basement flooring can be a little tricky, because 'best' is based on a lot of factors, and is the result of personal opinion, which can vary from one person to another. However, there are definitely some options for basement flooring that are better than others. The factors that you should consider when choosing basement flooring mainly consist of moisture/humidity, and insulation from the cold and sound. After we discuss these in detail, we will take a look at what type of flooring can be considered as the best for basements.

Considerations When Choosing Basement Flooring

The first thing to keep in mind, when considering any basement flooring ideas, is the moisture levels. Irrespective of the kind of climate you live in, it is likely that your basement will be prone to developing some kind of moisture problems. This may be due to drainage, or the rising of ground water levels. So, before you choose a flooring that is suitable for it, you will need to provide adequate protection from the moisture by providing a sub-floor. While ready-made tiles for sub-flooring are available, you may also provide some kind of rigid foam insulation for protection from moisture as well as thermal insulation. Ideally, consulting a professional in basement flooring is the best way to get the job done. A professional touch will keep your basement protected and make the flooring last longer.

Options for Basement Flooring

Assuming that you have laid a protective sub-floor, there are some great options for basement flooring that will have it looking simply charming.

• Tile: Tile has been propounded as one of the best flooring options for basements that get wet. One of them is that it can directly be installed without a sub-floor (though not having a sub-floor is not greatly recommended), that it can withstand the high levels of moisture a basement usually has, and that it is extremely easy to install without any professional help. However, it does require radiant heating coil below as it can get very cold. When installing tile you have to ensure that the floor is leveled as any unevenness can cause a tile to come loose and break easily.
• Laminate: Specific waterproof laminate is now available for basements, that offers 100% resistance to moisture. With laminate, a sub-floor is absolutely essential. It comes in a lot of finishes that gives you the appearance of hardwood flooring with the resilience to moisture. It is also a great choice if you are looking to make your basement warmer in the cold.
• Concrete: The beauty about a concrete floor for a basement is that to get it working for you, all you need to do is fix all the cracks and seal the floor properly. If you think it is too hard and ugly, you can choose to stain or paint the floor to create numerous designs. These designs will never have you believe that there is a mere concrete floor underneath. The good thing about a concrete floor is that any damage can be easily repaired because you don't have to remove the decorative flooring and then the sub-flooring to treat the problem. It can also be easily cleaned and maintained. The only drawback is that a concrete floor in a basement can be very cold.
• Vinyl Flooring: Another material that is very resilient towards moisture is sheet vinyl flooring. Giving the basement a whole look without any crevices or seams, this flooring is a great choice for protection from moisture. Again, it may not be perfect for thermal insulation and it definitely requires a sub-floor underneath. It is the cheapest to install and you can do so on your own.
• Engineered Hardwood: This flooring options can be considered one of the best-looking flooring options for a basement. Engineered hardwood flooring has a base of plywood and high density fiberboard, with the top layer being original hardwood. This means you can experience the beauty of hardwood in your basement without having to deal with the trouble real hardwood can provide down there. However, engineered hardwood flooring definitely requires a sub-floor and can become one of the most expensive options for basement flooring.

If you still can't seem to make a choice, because so many places tell you so many things, consult a professional. Though the cost of hiring one may be higher than the budget you had prepared for your basement flooring, only a professional will provide you adequate guidance, after examining your basement, about what type of flooring is best for it. Again, though slightly expensive, it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.