Concrete Basements Are So Last Century

Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a basement, you have a bonus space that’s equal to a whole other floor of your house. That means enough room for laundry facilities, a home office, an activity space for the kids or all of the above. Once of the first places you want to start your transformation is with the floor. There are some very good basement flooring options over concrete that help avoid problems with traditional basement flooring surfaces.

Look for Flooring That Addresses the Unique Problems in Your Basement

The whole idea of upgrading your basement is to get more use out of the space. That means eliminating the problems of mold and mildew buildup, dampness and rot. These things thrive in materials like concrete, and they’ll infiltrate any flooring you place over it that doesn’t act as a preventative. Omit natural materials like wood, carpet or stone.

Options That Work Better in Basements

If you like the look of stone or carpeting, consider tiles with a vapor lock barrier. They provide a space between the concrete sub-floor and new surface that allows the concrete to breathe. Finishes include carpet and molded plastic that mimics natural stone tiles.

Ceramic tiles are a good option for basements. They’re highly water resistant and available in a range of styles and colors. You can also find ceramic tiles that have a faux wood finish if you like the look of wood without its vulnerabilities.

Epoxy resin is an economical choice that’s easy to care for and install. It coats concrete to seal cracks and resist moisture, and it’s available in a range of colors. Once you install epoxy, it’s easy to upgrade it with another flooring later without having to rip it out first.

Choosing an alternate flooring option for your basement offers benefits above aesthetics. It will increase your home’s value and function, add to your family’s comfort and prevent health problems due to mold from dampness and rot. Talk to a flooring contractor in your area to learn more.

Speak Your Mind

*