What flooring is best for basements?

Understanding basement flooring and subflooring.

Basement flooring, also known as below-grade flooring, is moisture-resistant flooring designed for the ground level of your home. Because most basements are at least partially underground, they're commonly at risk of water or moisture damage from seepage, foundational cracks, grading issues and more. 

Before you start exploring basement flooring ideas, consider what's below your current basement flooring. Most basement flooring is built on top of concrete. Engineered wood, laminate, cork, vinyl and carpeting often require a subfloor to avoid water damage, while tile and epoxy don't require a basement subfloor. Plywood, rigid foam insulation and premade subfloor tiles or panels are potential subfloor options you can consider while exploring different basement floor ideas. 

Considerations when choosing basement floors.

While moisture is a major consideration for basement flooring options, it's not the only thing you need to think about before making a decision. Before you commit, think about the current state of your basement floor, cost, maintenance, the installation process and how durable your flooring choice is.

But perhaps the most important factor to consider: How do you plan to use your basement after the new floors have been installed? If you plan to turn your basement into a living area, bedroom media room or in-home theater, you may want to consider carpet that’s soft and warm to the touch (but only consider it if you have a dry basement) Or, maybe you want to turn your basement into a gym or playroom? If so, you may want to consider rubber tiles or sheets for softness and insulation.

Before you install basement floors, make sure you have a solid foundation. If the concrete beneath your current flooring is cracked or damaged, you may need to patch or resurface the concrete before installing new flooring on top. It's important to determine the cause of your concrete issues before installing your new flooring, or you might experience larger issues later on. 

Basement flooring options.

Here’s a look at some of the best basement flooring ideas, along with the pros and cons of each one.

Epoxy concrete flooring.

Applying an epoxy finish is one of the easiest ways to color, customize and protect your concrete flooring. There are tons of unique designs you can create with epoxy, allowing you to obtain an original look that will wow your guests. This solution is great for workshops or functional spaces because it's durable and designed to withstand years of use.

Pros: Epoxy comes in many colors, so you can get a gorgeous, customized look that brings your basement flooring to life. These floors are easy to clean, moisture-resistant and great for high-traffic areas. And because epoxy goes directly over concrete, installation is fast and often takes a few days. This affordable and durable option will look great for years to come — as long as it's installed correctly.

Cons: Before you install the epoxy, be prepared to spend some time cleaning and preparing your floors. Your concrete floor may need to be repaired before the epoxy is applied, which can end up costing more than you expect. While installation is fast, the floor does take a few days to cure before your basement is usable. 

Related: How much do epoxy floors cost?

Ceramic tile.

Tile is one of the best basement flooring options available. If your concrete floor is in good condition and properly prepared for installation, adding tile over your concrete can be an affordable, low-maintenance option with design options fit any homeowner's taste. 

Ceramic tiles are often glued over concrete, which can keep water from seeping up into tiles and prevent water from accessing the concrete below. And in many cases, durable and water-resistant ceramic tiles are a better fit for basements than porcelain tiles, which can be more delicate and expensive than ceramic. 

Pros: Tile installation is quick and affordable in most circumstances. Ceramic tiles are a great option for humid spaces and will withstand the test of time, even if your basement occasionally gets water. Easy-to-clean ceramic tiles come in tons of designs for a luxurious look you'll love. For example, you can find tiles that mimic the look of wood flooring, creating consistency throughout your home. 

Cons: Tile costs can vary widely depending on the homeowner's preferences, which can easily increase the overall cost of replacing your basement flooring. Plus, tile can be cold and uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. And although tiles are easy to clean, you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning and maintaining the grout.

Related: How much does it cost to install tile floors?

Rubber flooring.

Soft, non-slip rubber flooring can be a great fit for basement playrooms, exercise rooms and entertainment spaces. Typically, rubber basement flooring comes in interlocking tiles or sheets that are directly installed over your concrete floor. 

Pros: Rubber does a decent job of standing up against water and mold. Padded rubber can help with insulation issues and be ideal for workspaces, play areas or exercise rooms, where a harder floor would cause foot pain. Plus, rubber flooring tiles don't need to be glued or attached to the underlying concrete, so they're easy to install and replace over time.

Cons: Depending on your basement’s size, rubber tiles can get a little pricey. While rubber can come in various colors or patterns, this style isn't the most luxurious or attractive option for its price point. Plus, it’s not 100% waterproof — water can seep through where the tiles connect and damage the concrete below.

Vinyl flooring (planks, tile, sheet, LVT or LVP).

Vinyl is a great way to make your basement flooring look expensive without breaking the bank. Water-resistant vinyl is more comfortable to walk on than tile or concrete, so your basement is both cozy and protected from damage. Vinyl comes in a variety of styles and luxury designs to fit your taste and budget.

Pros: Vinyl flooring is a common selection for basements due to its water resistance, affordability and easy installation process. It’s also warmer than ceramic tile and concrete. Sheet vinyl is more effective at resisting water than tile vinyl, but vinyl tiles (and planks) are often a little bit easier to install than sheet vinyl. Meanwhile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plans (LVP) do a good job of capturing the attractive look of stone or wood. 

Cons: Vinyl flooring can easily dent or scratch under heavy furniture. Plus, while some vinyl flooring planks and tiles link together over your concrete, others are glued to the concrete floor, making them harder to remove later. Vinyl can also expose damage or irregularities in your concrete floor underneath, so some experts recommend installing over a subfloor for a smoother finish. 

Related: How much does it cost to install vinyl flooring?

Engineered wood.

If you really want the hardwood look in your basement, engineered wood is the way to go. These composite wood planks can create a consistent look throughout your home. If you’re converting your basement into an entertainment area, engineered wood can help you create a beautiful, warm space.

Pros: There's no denying the elegance of hardwoods, and engineered hardwood flooring is a good compromise to get the look you want. Engineered wood is also better at resisting water than solid wood. And when installed over subflooring, your engineered wood will be warmer underfoot than cold tile or concrete.

Cons: While engineered wood can be installed as a floating floor over concrete, most experts recommend installing a subfloor first. You may also want to add extra moisture protection by adding a seal to your engineered wood. Otherwise, water and humidity can cause damage, warping and discoloration. Plus, engineered hardwood materials and installation can be more expensive than other types of basement flooring. 

Related: How much does wood flooring cost?

Laminate flooring.

Laminate has been a popular option for basement flooring for many years. However, it might not be the best option if your basement is prone to moisture or humidity. While laminate flooring can be an attractive and affordable option, only some types of laminate are appropriate for use in your basement. 

Pros: Laminate is an affordable alternative to engineered hardwoods, giving you the look of real wood at a fraction of the cost. It can come in many other attractive designs, too. Plus, installation may be less expensive and time-consuming than other flooring types. If possible, opt for waterproof laminate flooring. According to the Spruce, “a few manufacturers offer laminate flooring products made entirely of PVC plastic, and these products are completely suitable for basements, family bathrooms and other wet locations.” The problem? It may be hard to find these products.

Cons: Many types of laminate will crack or rot if they aren't designed for use in moist or humid areas. Whether water seeps up from beneath the laminate or sits on top of it, it can cause significant damage to your flooring if the right laminate isn't purchased. These floors are also susceptible to mold and mildew if they regularly come in contact with moisture. Before installing laminate, be sure to test your basement moisture levels and install a subfloor.

Related: How much does laminate flooring cost?

Cork flooring.

Cork planks and tiles can be a comfortable, quiet and more eco-friendly flooring option for your basement. However, most cork flooring is not designed to withstand the moisture and humidity in many basements. Before you install cork flooring, make sure to check the factory information and test your moisture levels to see if cork is a good fit for your space. 

Pros: Cork is a comfortable alternative to other flooring types and can keep your basement floor warmer, especially when installed over a subfloor. Many people like cork flooring because it's warm, insulated, soft, attractive and eco-friendly. If your basement isn't moist or humid, cork may be a good option.

Cons: Most cork flooring isn't water-resistant, and installing cork flooring in your basement may cancel out your warranty. Cork flooring should be placed over a moisture barrier and subfloor to ensure it isn't damaged by water. You'll also want to coat cork with a sealant for extra protection. 

Carpet.

People love the softness and comfort of carpet, but it may not be the best choice for your basement. While carpet can warm up a cold basement, it can be easily damaged when exposed to water or humidity. Plus, basement carpeting can lead to mold and mildew. However, when installed correctly and taken care of, carpet can be a viable option for your basement.

Pros: Carpet should be installed over a subfloor with padding underneath, and some carpets are designed to be waterproof. Installing carpet squares can make it easy to replace areas in instances of flooding or moisture if the carpet doesn't dry out. Plus, there's no denying that carpet is a warmer and softer alternative to any other basement flooring option.

Cons: Should your carpet be damaged in a flood, you may need to hire a professional to dry your carpet and padding underneath to avoid mold and mildew. Plus, different types of carpeting are less appropriate for basements, like high-pile options or carpets made from organic materials. Carpet material cost plus installation of the subfloor and carpet can be more expensive than other basement flooring types.

Related: How much does it cost to install carpet?

Find pros to install new basement floors.

Choosing the right flooring for your basement can be tricky. But finding the right person to install your new flooring is easy. Thumbtack has experienced pros who can help you create the basement of your dreams. Whether you need help choosing the best flooring for a basement or you're ready to start installing, contact a flooring professional near you today.