I have been tasked with coming up with viable basement flooring ideas, categorizing them as bad, better, best.
Not an easy job, because basement flooring is a thing all unto itself. With kitchen flooring, it's pretty much anything goes. But basements have certain distinguishing qualities, chief of which is the possibility of moisture.
It's hard to find a basement that doesn't have some kind of moisture problem. Even if you don't have active leaks, or anything as terrible as a Noah's-type flood, keep in mind that the basement floor and part of the walls are in contact with earth. Anything in contact with earth might develop condensation.
Basement Flooring Ideas For Below-Grade Installation
I listed carpeting in both the Bad and Better categories to reflect differing opinions about how well carpet performs below grade.
Bad
- Solid Hardwood
- Carpeting
Better
- Laminate Flooring
- Engineered Flooring
- Tile Vinyl
- Carpeting
Best
- Concrete Slab
- Sheet Vinyl
- Ceramic Tile
Image: Concrete Flooring by Pacific Decorative Concrete, Sacramento, CA, as Featured on Concrete Network
Comments
staining concrete floors has been popular for people….great look and that don’t have to worry about moisture problems.
I think concrete is the best when treated with an acid stain, then sealed with an epoxy. It repels dust, dirt, water and stains unlike carpeting. Plus, the designs can be personalized and made to match any decor.
Most people think of concrete flooring as drab and utilitarian, but the staining jobs we do these days look amazing. Long gone are the days where your basement will look like a bomb shelter!
I’ve been looking at concrete contractors dallas for a few weeks now. I have a project that I’m looking to surprise my wife with when she is out of town. Thanks for the article!