One of the reasons why it is important to choose the best flooring for your basement remodeling project has to do with moisture-retention. Basement flooring tends to leach residual moisture even when the weather is dry because of its continuous close contact with the ground. Moisture is a real danger concerning basement flooring.
If you are planning to create a basement bar with a kitchen or spare bedroom or even a personal den – this guide will help you pick the best basement flooring option that meets your requirements.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
It is one of the choicest basement flooring options available in the market. Sheet vinyl flooring has a smooth and waterproof surface. It is good to use places that you expose to water. It is also quite cheap too, and feels warm to touch. All in all, excellent for basements.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Flooring
You can install ceramic tiles or porcelain directly over a concrete slab. Tile on concrete can feel cold, so you can try to install radiant heating between the two. The advantage of doing this is that the tile flooring will not be affected by rot or ruined by floods. The challenge, however, can be to install it in bigger areas.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Normal wood cannot withstand moisture. However, engineered wood is very sturdy due to its underlying cross-hatched plywood base. Thus, it retains its shape even after exposure to limited amounts of moisture. It has excellent sound absorption properties and a royal look, as well. Unfortunately, it is pretty costly.
Luxury Vinyl Plank or Tile
Unlike other basement flooring options, every piece of luxury vinyl flooring is installed separately in a floating floor manner. It closely mimics whatever material it is supposed to look like. These tiles are beautifully textured, very sturdy, and feel warm. Their only downside is that they can be expensive.
Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is gradually gaining wider acceptance. You can paint or stain it to enhance its look. Out of all basement flooring options, it is by far the most moisture-resistant material out there. But it cannot be heated from underneath, thus feels cold in winters. It can also be difficult to install and maintain.
Plank Tile Flooring
Plank tiles are unaffected by moisture. They can be designed in such a manner that they are indistinguishable from wood. They are durable and are often considered to be a status symbol. They are, however, rather pricey.
Laminate Flooring
Despite being vulnerable to moisture, laminate flooring is a decent choice among basement flooring options. It does not get distended or swollen as it does not contain wood. Waterproof laminate possesses no wood as part of its contents. It is simple enough for a DIY installation, too. However, it is yet to become the most popular choice for basement remodeling projects.
*This article is posted by and in partnership with NV Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, which has locations in Falls Church, VA; Dulles, VA; and Jessup, MD.