When it comes to choosing basement flooring, there’s good news. There are many kinds of flooring okay to install in a below-grade basement. Most professionally installed types of flooring should stand up to damp conditions and high humidity.
Exceptions are solid hardwood flooring and laminate flooring made with a fiberboard core that hasn’t been treated for moisture resistance. Both types of flooring absorb moisture and will warp and buckle.
That still leaves you a lot of basement flooring options, such as ceramic tile, engineered wood, rubber and laminate flooring made with a moisture-resistant plywood core.
But basements can still be troublesome. A concrete basement slab is porous and prone to moisture and water vapor migrating up through the slab. While the flooring itself may be unaffected, you’ll need to make sure that you’re not creating a haven for mold and mildew to grow underneath your basement flooring.
Here are a few good options to consider for your below-grade basement.
Ceramic tile is the designer’s choice, with tons of colors and styles. It’s unaffected by moisture and goes directly onto concrete that’s smooth and free of cracks.
Engineered vinyl flooring gives you the warmth and beauty of real wood with the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction. Check to make sure the type you choose is rated for below-grade basements.
Carpet is generally the least expensive option so if budget is your top priority this may be a good option for you. Carpets are flexible, so they can work over all types of sub-floors. Carpets are also softer and warmer than hard surfaces and work well on steps.
Rubber flooringor interlocking gym tiles are a great option is you want to create a gym in your basement, which has become more and more popular. Rubber floors are nicely cushioned and also a good choice for basement playrooms.
Be sure to stop by our showroom and talk with one of our design specialists about your next basement flooring project.