When expanding a home the first place a homeowner might begin is by remodeling the basement. Making the decision to update your cold, dark basement into a suitable living area can pose many questions. What kind of flooring should I consider, and for what purpose do I intend to use my remodeled basement? There are many options currently available today and homeowners have a comfortable level of breathing room to adjust the type of flooring to accommodate their particular needs. Exploring your options is very important because, well… you want to spend your money wisely and ultimately be happy with your finished basement. Here are some basement flooring ideas to help kick-start your renovation project.
Carpet Tiles
If you’re looking to turn your basement into a rec room or hang-out spot you might consider the addition of basement carpet tiles. These tiles typically come in 18-by-18 inch squares and provide an endless amount of choices as far as style, texture and color are concerned. They are also easier to install as compared with regular carpeting–which is especially useful if you’re installing your floor in an oddly-shaped room. The addition of basement carpeting helps add warmth and comfort to your newly finished space and is ideal if you are creating a rec room or a place for the kids to play.
There is a downside to installing carpeting in a basement and that is that carpets are prone to mold and mildew and can intensify a musty basement smell if you don’t keep it dry. If you have issues with moisture and occasional flooding in your basement then carpeting is probably not the way to go. If, however, you’re working with a basement that stays relatively dry year-round then carpet tiles can be an attractive option.
Ceramic Floor Tiles
Another popular choice for basement flooring is the use of ceramic floor tiles. Much like with carpeting, ceramic tiles give you nearly unlimited options for the look of your remodeled basement. These tiles are typically laid right on top of your concrete slab and can add an especially clean look to a finished basement. The big decision when considering basement floor tiles is whether you want to use standard ceramic or porcelain tiles. Porcelain is generally recommended for damp basements that are prone to flooding as the material is denser and absorbs less water. They are also less liable to crack over time. Regular ceramic is fine to use in dry, low-trafficked basements. Just be sure to seal the tiles after installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stained Concrete Floors
If your existing concrete floor is in good condition you may not even want to cover it up. Sometimes a few coats of an acid-based stain is all you need to turn a boring, grey basement floor into an asset that friends and neighbors will envy. A decorative concrete contractor will be able to re-create the look of natural stone, marble and granite using earthy-toned stains and a special technique. These floors will not fade over time as long as they are re-sealed every two years. They are also easy to cover in the future in the event that you or a prospective home buyer wants to make some changes to the look of the basement. Stained concrete basement floors are perfect for home gyms, basement bars and lounges.
Sustainable Basement Flooring
Another available option for your basement is sustainable flooring. Sustainable flooring is made up of materials taken from organic compounds such as bamboo, cork, rubber, and flax seed. The emphasis on sustainable flooring is that the products do not deplete natural resources when they are manufactured. This option provides the homeowner with both an attractive basement floor as well as an eco-friendly peace of mind. One of the issues associated with sustainable flooring, however, is that some of these materials (i.e. bamboo) can stain easier than ceramic or concrete. However, with proper care sustainable flooring is a very long-lasting material and usually a worthwhile investment.
Whether you seek an attractive floor to modernize your basement project or just a comfortable surface for the kids to play on, many basement flooring options are available to meet the needs of any homeowner. A quick assessment of your needs and budget should guide you to the style that is right for your home.
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