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Basements can be a tricky ordeal to design and plan, especially when it comes time to decide which flooring you want to install. There’s the feel and stability of tile, the lovely, grained look of hardwood, and the lush, comfortable sensation of carpet. Now, you’re free to choose any option I’ve just mentioned, of course, but I urge you to proceed with caution. There are some options that just work better than others given the setting. Here, allow me to explain.
The Best Basement Flooring Options
Tile: Given my professional experience in working with my father, tile is always a great option. I remember when my parents purchased the house they currently live in, he told me that all of the carpet would have to go. He never liked the feel or the look of it, I think. Now, I may have adopted that perspective, but I still stand firm by tile being the best basement flooring option. Why? It’s durable. The stability of a tile floor is the primary characteristic that I always preach about it when giving advice on choices. Whether it’s porcelain or ceramic, once it’s mortared to the concrete surface, it’s there for good.
Also, some basement floors aren’t all level. Settling issues can cause eruptions in hardwood flooring and ridges in carpet, and not to say that tile won’t crack if the problem is bad enough, but for the most part, you’re solid. But the main reason why tile is the best option for your basement is the risk of water damage. Where other options will be completely destroyed, tile will allow the water to puddle. So, if your basement does have a leak, you’ll at least have relief in knowing that your flooring is still intact. Also, the price is very affordable, depending on what you get. For example, we have beautiful pieces starting at $0.69 a sq. ft. Not bad for the best option, in my opinion.
CoreTEC Flooring: Now, remember I said that other material will be completely destroyed if flooding were to occur. Well, I take that back (kinda) because CoreTEC flooring isn’t just any type of hardwood floor. It is 100% waterproof. Not water-resistant. Water. Proof. Meaning, you could pour a whole gallon of water on a section of this product, enjoy a three-day weekend, and when you come back, it would look just the same.
And it’s a gorgeous flooring to put down as well, all at a pretty decent price for what you pay for. Right now, in store, we have this innovative, gorgeous flooring for $2.99/sq. ft.
The Worst Basement Flooring Options
Carpet: Okay, here’s the deal. It’s not like I completely despise carpet. I actually think it’s pretty comfortable, despite what my father thinks. As far as a basement flooring option, it’s a no-go, though. In light of flooding, you’re in bad shape for two reasons. One, your floor will be demolished. I mean, done for, and there’s no going back from waterlogged carpet. Two, if you’ve ever witnessed a place where water has seeped through carpet, then you know the smell is potent. When this occurs, mold develops. The water rests underneath the carpet and underlayment, and it doesn’t take long for mold to develop at all. Once it starts, all it will do is spread unless you deal with it. So, to me, carpet plus basement equals high risk.
Regular Hardwood: Buckles on buckles on buckles. This type of flooring is simply not meant for places anywhere near water. Now, I know I keep stressing water damage and the risk of flooding, but it’s for a reason. In life, you just simply never know, and when it comes to your harm, it’s better safe than sorry, right? Regular hardwood isn’t built to withstand water.
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written by: Chris Chamberlain
