Today we’re discussing basement flooring options. Finishing your basement is one way to dramatically increase the value of your home. However because basements commonly have both moisture and climate challenges it can be difficult to choose your basement flooring. Here are some options recommended from the experts at Textures Flooring.
Basement Flooring Products
Wall to wall carpeting is a great option for basement flooring because it is soft, warm underfoot and absorbs sound. Before choosing your carpets be sure to check the permeability rating. The permeability rating tells you the rate of water vapor passage through the material. The higher the perm rating, the more it allows moisture to transfer through it, potentially avoiding mold and mildew buildup. We love Mohawk Smart strand carpets for their durability, stain resistance and overall quality. Smart Cushion carpet pads are treated with anti-microbial additives to inhibit the growth of mildew, mold and fungus.
Mohawk Smart Strand Carpet
Luxury vinyl tile is another affordable basement flooring option. It comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors to suit any taste. It wears well and cleans up easily. It can be glued directly to a concrete floor which makes it an ideal choice for basements. Luxury Vinyl Tile combines durability and performance as well as creating a soft and warm feel underfoot. Vinyl tile planks look like wood and have a softer feel than laminate. Karndean Design flooring replicates the beauty of natural wood without any of the practical drawbacks of real wood flooring.
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Brazilian Cherry by Centiva is another beautiful option in planked vinyl tile flooring.
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Ceramic and porcelain tiles while not the cheapest are the best option for basement flooring as their density makes them the most water proof. If you want tile or stone but don’t like “cold feet” consider installing a radiant heat system under the floor before installation. Then you have the look you want without sacrificing comfort. Ceramic porcelain tiles are available in many styles and colors. Their resistance to moisture makes them suitable for installation as basement flooring. We love the ceramic tile “planks” of the Heritage tile collection by Emser Tile.
Heritage Collection Glazed Ceramic Plank by Emser Tile
Another offering that combines the look of the wood with the performance of tile is the Yacht Club collection by Daltile. It is perfect for high moisture areas that wood can’t handle.
If your basement is finished and you love the look of concrete, consider painting or staining it. Before staining make sure that your floor is level and that there are no cracks or imperfections in the concrete as stain will only draw more attention to them. Concrete is highly porous and will absorb any liquid spilled on it. Make sure to apply a high quality sealant after painting or staining.
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Use large area rugs to add warmth and softness underfoot. Adding a rubber pad underneath will not only add more cushion but will prolong the life of your area rug. Take a look at our custom area rug gallery here.
Solid hardwood flooring is not a good option for basement floors due to the humidity and moisture levels and the risk of flooding. They are subject to buckling and mold can even grow in the smallest space that separates the wood from the concrete. Unlike hardwoods engineered wood flooring products are better equipped to handle moisture issues unique to basements. While they do not hold up under major floods (most flooring products don’t) low levels of moisture are addressed by installing a vapor barrier. We use a glue-down application for our engineered hardwood using a moisture cure polyurethane adhesive manufactured by Bostik.
As you can see there are basement flooring options for every budget and taste. If you are finishing your basement, we’d love to help with your flooring needs. Comment and tell us what you think.
~Beautiful Home Ideas
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