The Ultimate Guide to Basement Flooring Options
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning basement remodeling in Massachusetts isn’t how you intend to use the finished basement. It’s what flooring material you are going to install.
Basements are notorious for being damp spaces because the original flooring is usually soil or concrete. Both materials are porous and can wick moisture from the earth into the basement, creating the risk of floods, mold mildew growth, and musty odors.
You could stick with a concrete surface, but quality basement finishing usually includes a new flooring material to bring the new design together and prevent unnecessary moisture inside the room. Here, you can learn about the best flooring materials to consider for your basement remodeling project.
Seven Best Flooring Materials for Basements
1. Tile
When you upgrade your basement with new flooring, you expect the finished product to last. Tile can help achieve that goal.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are incredibly durable and waterproof, which is perfect for damp basements. Since the material is non-porous, you can easily keep your new basement floors clean and dry. With its waterproof nature and mold and mildew resistance, there’s no need to worry about minor water intrusion ruining your floors.
A possible downside of tile flooring is how it feels underfoot. Its strength, durability, and sleek surface make tile flooring cold and hard. However, area rugs and slippers can keep your feet warm and cozy.
2. Laminated Wood
If you love the look of hardwood floors but don’t want to worry about moisture inside your basement causing wood rot or warp to wood flooring, ask your remodeling company about laminated wood. Laminated wood offers great durability and protection against moisture, scratches, and dents.
You can give your finished basement a lovely, elegant appearance with laminated wood flooring. Installing a moisture barrier under the material will increase its moisture resistance and possibly extend its lifespan.
3. Luxury Vinyl
One of the top materials to include in basement remodeling in Massachusetts is luxury vinyl. It’s affordable, mold-resistant, waterproof, and sturdy.
It doesn’t matter if your finished basement will include a wet bar or a home office since vinyl’s versatility works well in almost any interior design. Luxury vinyl panels and planks come in many colors and patterns. You can even install luxury vinyl to replicate the look of natural stone, hardwood, and ceramic tile without the hefty price tag you expect for luxury flooring.
4. Epoxy
If you want to use your finished basement as a storage space or showcase its original concrete slab flooring, consider covering the floors with epoxy. Epoxy is a non-porous coating with resins and hardening agents.
With epoxy, you can have the color flooring you desire for your basement; the options are endless. The finished product will be a long-lasting, sleek surface that’s easy to clean and won’t hold stains.
5. Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a great flooring material for finished basements with a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic. The material consists of natural stone chips like granite or marble inside concrete. It has a smooth, polished surface that adds to this flooring material’s luxurious appeal.
You can get terrazzo flooring as tiles, or an experienced remodeling company can make it on-site. Because of its composition, you can customize your terrazzo basement floors by mixing the raw materials with a colored additive like glass.
6. Cork
Cork flooring is a great option for basements that feature home theaters, game rooms, extra living rooms, and other spaces that exude coziness. The material is sturdy, yet it’s also one of the softest flooring options to walk on, so wearing slippers isn’t necessary.
Cork is also great for basements due to its water resistance and properties that prevent it from harboring bacteria. People often assume cork floors come in one shade of tan, but it’s a versatile and affordable material that comes in many colors.
7. Carpet
You might not expect carpet to be an ideal flooring choice for basements. Still, it works well if you waterproof your basement correctly, and the risk of water intrusion is minimal. With extra protection like moisture-resistant underlayment and carpet tiles, you can take advantage of the many colors, textures, and thicknesses that carpeting has to offer.
Contact A.W. Puma Restoration & Remodeling for Basement Remodeling in Massachusetts
When you’re ready to get new flooring during basement remodeling in Massachusetts, contact our team at A.W. PUMA. Our skilled and well-trained home improvement crew can help you choose the best flooring materials to suit your home and lifestyle. Call (508) 300-9747 today to schedule a consultation with A.W. PUMA’s remodeling professionals.
