If your home has a basement, then it is probable that you will experience issues with higher degrees of humidity or flooding at least once, which reflect negatively on the state of the floors in that area. The residual moisture is generated by the underground water streams, which are close to the floor of the basement. Therefore, you cannot utilize the same type of flooring materials as for the rest of your home. Let’s explore some of the possible flooring materials for the basement in order to give you an idea regarding the pros and cons associated with each one.
Concrete basement floors
Most homes already have a concrete flooring in the basement and nowadays the public opinion regarding this material is quite favorable. Concrete floors are viewed as the most durable surfaces in terms of moisture, so they are one of the top choices. At the same time, if you keep the concrete floor, you will not have to invest time and money in the purchase and installation. However, because there is no sub-floor, you will need to repair the fissures and apply a coat of sealant. Concrete can be painted or stained very easily , but the drawbacks include the extreme coldness and the fact that you will have to clean it thoroughly before the refurbishment.
Tile basement floors
Tiles can be regarded as a hybrid between concrete and PVC flooring, because they are both resistant and quick to dry, but not nearly as rugged as concrete. The tiles are installed directly on top of the concrete slab in the basement. However, the concrete will need to be cleaned and leveled before you can proceed. At the same time, applying tiles to the original concrete floor opens up the possibility of using thermal coils in order to eliminate the cold-related problems.
Vinyl basement floors
Vinyl is regarded as an inexpensive but equally proficient alternative of concrete or tiles. In addition, vinyl has the advantage of being substantially warmer than concrete without the aid of thermal coils. The only thing that you need to remember is that vinyl sheets are always a superior alternative to the tiles, which may permit moisture to penetrate. At the same time, it is mandatory to clean the original concrete floor thoroughly and to use a quality adhesive.
Laminate basement floors
Laminate flooring was not regarded as an effective solution for the basement until recently, when manufacturers designed the first laminate with waterproof capabilities. In terms of warmth, laminate basement flooring is superior to all other alternatives. The drawback is that you will need to add a subfloor between the laminate floor and the concrete slab. However, the installation of the laminate is extremely easy. On a side note, it will take some time to get used to the sensation of hollowness when you step on it.
Carpets/Engineered wood basement flooring
The carpets and the engineered wood flooring are not frequently used solutions due to their limitations in moisture resistance. However, if the basement is properly sealed and you have never experienced water infiltrations, you can give either of these flooring options a try.
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