Choosing the flooring for your finished basement isn’t quite the same as selecting the floors for any other room in your home. There are a few different factors to consider that wouldn’t be as important in a bedroom, family room or bathroom.
This doesn’t mean that aesthetics aren’t a priority. It simply means that you have more to consider when making your final choice. Here are the 4 most important attributes to look for in basement flooring.
Resistance to Humidity
Source: The Tile Shop
The ability to withstand humidity is perhaps the most important feature to look for in basement flooring. Any room that’s below grade (underground) is generally moist. The concrete slab at the foundation of your home is porous by nature. As the warm air rises to the rooms above grade in your home, the negative pressure draws moist air up through pours and cracks in the concrete. This moisture evaporates and increases humidity in the space.
Best Choices for Humidity Resistant Flooring: Laminate, Vinyl, Ceramic
Moisture Resistance
Source: Armstrong Flooring
Like in bathrooms and kitchens, basement flooring has a higher likelihood of coming into contact with water. In fact, potential flooding is something always at the back of homeowners’ minds when they begin thinking about finishing their basement.
While no one expects water damage to occur, it remains a good idea to consider it. This means choosing flooring that can either withstand some water or flooring that isn’t incredibly expensive to replace.
Best Basement Flooring to Withstand Moisture: Ceramic, Vinyl, Laminate
Warmth
Source: A & H Flooring
In addition to having a reputation for being damp, basements are also known to be the cold. Once again, this is primarily due to the porous nature of the concrete foundation and the fact that heat rises. To address this, your solution doesn’t just lie with the type of flooring you choose. Rather, it’s more about what you place beneath your flooring.
Regardless of whether you choose carpeting, tile, or hardwood, the best way to warm up your basement floors is by insulating them with a good quality subfloor product.
Best Choices for Warmer Basement Floors: Carpet, Engineered Hardwood, Laminate
Durability
Source: Home Depot
While your basement might not see as much traffic as your kitchen or entryway, the type of traffic might be a bit more aggressive. If your basement houses a bar, there’s a greater chance of spills occurring or scratches from broken glass. Home gyms can experience the jarring impact of cardio equipment or dropped weights, while playrooms must endure the daily wear and tear of rambunctious kids.
What this means is that your flooring must be strong and easy to maintain.
Most Durable Basement Flooring: Vinyl, Laminate, Carpet
For more information and inspiration about renovating your basement or any other rooms in your home, explore the thousands of articles here on eieihome.com.
