5 Best Basement Flooring Options for Your Custom Home
February 7, 2023When it comes to basement flooring options, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Basements have different needs when it comes to flooring. They have different factors that can affect temperature and humidity compared to the upper levels of a home. When thinking about building a home and choosing flooring for the basement, there are some options that tend to be better than others. Here are some of the best basement flooring options for your custom home:
1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Flooring
Ceramic or porcelain tile is extremely durable, making it an excellent choice for a basement floor. These tiles can withstand plenty of activity and wear and tear, which also makes them a great flooring option for pet owners. They are also resistant to water damage and rot. If your basement floods, ceramic and porcelain tile will easily dry out and won’t need replacing.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be installed directly on top of a concrete slab. But if you want a warm floor, consider adding radiant heating to the floor. This will keep your floor from being ice cold, making it comfortable for a living space.
2. Sheet Vinyl Flooring
One of the most affordable choices, sheet vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for a basement as it creates a nearly seamless, water-resistant floor. While tile vinyl flooring is available, the tiles allow for water to penetrate, making sheet vinyl flooring a much better option.
These differences in flooring are important to know when choosing the right flooring for your home. Sheet vinyl flooring is also a warmer flooring option compared to concrete or porcelain. It is also fairly easy to install; however, it is best to let a professional handle it.
3. Concrete Flooring
If you’re looking for a very durable option for a basement, concrete flooring is your best bet. This utilitarian material is beginning to make its way into more homes, and using it in the basement is a great way to incorporate concrete into your home. A concrete floor will not require a subfloor but it is fairly labor-intensive due to pouring the concrete and making sure everything is level.
Keep in mind that concrete flooring is one of the coldest flooring options, and unlike ceramic and porcelain tile, there is no way to heat from underneath. It also tends to have poor sound quality, which could make it not the best choice if you plan to have a home theater in your basement. You will also need to apply a sealant to your concrete floor to make it truly water-resistant.
4. Plank Tile Flooring
Plank tile flooring is ceramic or porcelain flooring that is in the shape of a plank or tile. With graphic renderings, it can look very similar to real wood without the potential drawbacks of hardwood flooring in a basement.
Unlike conventional tile, the edges of plank tiles are rectified, meaning the planks fit edge to edge, without any grouted lines. This seamless fit helps keep water out from underneath your flooring.
5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
While some may think carpeting is a foolish decision in a basement, it is a perfectly acceptable flooring option. As long as they are properly built and sealed, basements actually have less moisture than most bathrooms. Plus, with the addition of a subfloor to keep water out, wall-to-wall carpeting can be a warm and cozy option.
These are just a few of the best basement flooring options for your custom home. If you’re ready to get started on designing your dream home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!