How to choose the right flooring for a basement

The flooring options in your basement are not much different from the flooring options in other parts of your home. From ceramic tile to hardwood, there are every possible option for your basement floor.

What role does your basement play in your home?

This is the first question to answer before deciding on the best basement.

A place for your things

If your basement is primarily used as storage space rather than additional living space, you can get a nice, easy-to-clean floor with some good paints. If you want to let your imagination run wild, use tape or masks and create patterns on the floor. Either way, painting is probably the cheapest flooring option and if you don't like the result, just repaint it!

Living space

Many homeowners are finishing their basements to create more living space. Again, the use of your basement can determine the type of flooring you need.

Playgrounds for your children need a strong floor, but preferably a softer one. Carpets are often not recommended for basements due to the high risk of moisture or flooding. However, if your basement is properly waterproofed, the carpet and underlayment provide great cushioning and keep the basement warmer.

The floor of the family entertainment room may vary depending on the décor. In a well-sealed basement, wood floors will make the room warmer and more like other rooms in your home. When ceramic tiles are installed, they are durable and easy to clean, but they can be quite cool to the touch, so a rug can be helpful.

An underlayment is often built to reduce concrete floor cold and moisture damage. Keep in mind that even a vapor barrier will not protect your basement from flood damage. Lingering moisture under your basement floor can cause wood to rot and create a hotbed of mold.

Waterproofing

Whichever basement flooring method you choose, you will better protect your floor, home, and property if you waterproof your basement before laying the flooring. If you are satisfied with several reprises of humidity problems, or have seen a foundation crack or leak, it is preferable to consult a professional contractor depending on your situation.

Our St. Louis foundation repair specialists will not only recommend and install the best basement waterproofing system for your home, they can also recommend and install your best basement flooring option.