Choosing the right basement flooring can transform a dark, dank space into a beautiful and functional living area. With so many options to choose from, selecting the best flooring for your basement remodel can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the 10 best basement flooring options to help you make the right choice for your goals, budget and lifestyle.
Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles are a popular and affordable basement flooring option. Here are some of the benefits of choosing carpet tiles for your basement:
Easy Installation
Carpet tiles feature a peel-and-stick backing, making installation a breeze. No special skills or tools are required – simply peel off the backing and press the tiles into place. This makes carpet tiles a great DIY flooring option.
Customization
One of the best things about carpet tiles is that you can mix and match colors and patterns to create a custom look. Buy a few boxes in different styles and arrange them in a design that suits your basement space.
Durability
Quality carpet tiles stand up well to foot traffic, spills, pet accidents and everyday wear and tear. The durable synthetic fibers and dense cushion backing prevent flattening, crushing and matting.
Easy Replacement
If a carpet tile does become damaged or stained, you don’t have to replace the whole floor! Just swap out the damaged tile for a fresh one for an easy fix.
Noise Reduction
The soft, padded backing helps absorb sound in basements. Carpet tiles reduce noise transfer throughout the space.
Best Uses: Finished basements, home gyms, man caves, playrooms
Cost: $1 – $4 per square foot
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of real hardwood while offering more durability and lower cost. Here’s an overview of the benefits of vinyl plank floors:
Waterproof
100% waterproof construction makes vinyl plank ideal for basements. Liquids won’t seep into the seams or damage the flooring. This water resistance also prevents warping and swelling.
Durability
Vinyl plank can withstand heavy impacts and abrasions better than real wood. The tough protective top layer resists scratches, dents and damage from pets or furniture.
Affordability
Vinyl plank costs a fraction of real hardwood. You can get the beautiful wood look you want on a basement budget.
Easy Installation
Many vinyl plank floors feature click-lock edges that snap together for a DIY-friendly floating floor. No nails, glue or underlayment required.
Wide Variety of Looks
From light oak to weathered barnwood, vinyl plank is available in tons of wood species, colors, plank sizes and textures. Match any decor.
Best Uses: Basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms
Cost: $2 – $6 per square foot
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Tough as nails, ceramic and porcelain tiles stand up to heavy use in basements. Here are the main pros of tile floors:
Waterproof
Impervious to water, ceramic and porcelain tiles are ideal for basements prone to flooding or moisture. They won’t swell, warp or be damaged by wet conditions.
Durable and Scratch-Resistant
These hard, fired tiles resist scratches, chips, dents and cracking under heavy impacts. They hold up to pets, kids and high traffic.
Stain-Resistant
The non-porous tile surface prevents stains from setting into the floor. Any spills can be easily wiped up.
Easy to Clean
Tile floors just need a simple sweep and mop to keep them clean. The smooth surface doesn’t trap dirt, pollen or dust.
Design Options
From mosaics to large format styles, tiles come in every color, shape, pattern and texture imaginable. Accent with creative grout colors.
Best Uses: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, wet bars
Cost: $3 – $15 per square foot
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank provides the beauty of real hardwood with maximum durability and waterproofing. Benefits include:
Durability
The top plastic vinyl layer is resistant to scratches, dents and heavy impacts. It retains its look despite kids, pets or furniture dragging.
Waterproof
100% waterproof construction prevents moisture damage in basements. Luxury vinyl plank can be installed directly over concrete.
Superior Designs
Advanced printing technology recreates the visual texture and depth of real wood grains, stones and tiles. Provides a very realistic look.
Insulating Properties
Extra padding layers make luxury vinyl plank softer and warmer underfoot than tiles or natural stone. Helps insulate cold basement floors.
Underfoot Comfort
The extra cushioning also creates a more comfortable walking surface. Easier on the back and legs than hard surfaces.
Best Uses: Finished basements, kitchens, bathrooms, basements
Cost: $3 – $7 per square foot
Epoxy Floor Coating
Applying an epoxy coating creates a glossy, seamless floor that’s perfect for basements. Benefits include:
Customizable Looks
Choose from clear coatings or add color flakes, quartz or paint chips to create unique patterns and designs. Match any decor.
High Gloss Finish
The glass-like coating has a mirror-like shine when cured, giving basements extra brightness. Great for reflecting light.
Durable & Protective
Topcoats cure to an extremely hard finish that protects concrete from moisture, stains, cracks and abrasions.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy coatings are seamless and non-porous, so spills can be washed away easily. No grout lines or crevices to trap dirt.
Enhances Concrete
Disguises imperfections like cracks and stains in concrete. Provides an attractive, durable new surface.
Best Uses: Garages, basements, game rooms, workshops
Cost: $3 – $7 per square foot
Rubber Flooring Rolls
Rubber flooring rolls provide cushioning and sound dampening in basement spaces. Other benefits include:
Cushioning and Comfort
Extra thick rolled rubber flooring creates a supportive, ergonomic surface that’s easy on joints. Great for playrooms.
Noise Reduction
Effective at blocking noise transfer and dampening echoes in large open basements. Provides acoustic insulation.
Slip Resistance
Textured top surfaces prevent slips and falls on wet or damp basement floors. Safe for kids’ play areas.
Easy Installation
Large rolls can quickly cover large basement floors with no seams. Many feature adhesive backing for a simple peel-and-stick application.
Durability and Water Resistance
Thick rubber construction stands up to heavy impacts, abrasions and moisture. Makes a great gym or laundry room surface.
Best Uses: Kids’ playrooms, home gyms, laundries, workshops
Cost: $2 – $4 per square foot
Cork Tiles
Naturally insulating, sound-absorbing cork tiles add comfort underfoot. Consider cork floors for:
Cushioning
The spongy tiles add resiliency and softness for more comfortable standing and walking. Easier on back and leg joints.
Noise Reduction
Cork naturally dampens noise from walking, voices, or appliances. Helps absorb echoes in large basements.
Visual Warmth
Available in natural tan/brown hues, cork has a rich, organic look that feels cozy and inviting in basements. Visually warms up cool spaces.
Insulating Properties
Cork’s cellular structure gives it natural insulating properties against cold basement floors. Keeps spaces warmer.
Eco-Friendly Material
Cork is a renewable resource harvested from tree bark. Buying cork supports sustainable forestry practices.
Best Uses: Finished basements, playrooms, home offices, media rooms
Cost: $2 – $5 per square foot
Polished Concrete
For an industrial, seamless look, consider polishing your basement’s raw concrete floor. Benefits include:
Cost-Effective
Polishing is less expensive than other floor finishes. No need to purchase additional materials.
Attractive Look
Grinding and polishing exposes the aggregate and creates a smooth, shiny surface with visual depth.
Durability
Concrete is stronger than any applied finish. Polishing makes it more stain, scratch and impact-resistant.
Easy Maintenance
Polished concrete is seamless for easy cleaning. No grout lines or crevices to trap dust and debris.
Moisture-Resistant
Unlike other finishes, polished concrete won’t trap moisture or harbor mold and mildew. Ideal for basements.
Best Uses: Basements, warehouses, garages, laundry rooms
Cost: $2 – $5 per square foot
Rubber Roll Flooring
For industrial style and noise reduction, rubber roll floors are a good basement option. Considerations include:
Durability
Thick commercial-grade rubber stands up to heavy impacts from weightlifting or rowing machines. Withstands abuse.
Easy to Sanitize
Rubber resists mold and mildew growth. Rolls are portable for easy removal and cleaning.
Sound Absorption
Density absorbs echo and reduces noisy transfers to other rooms. Makes a great home gym surface.
Versatile Styles
Basic black rolls suit masculine spaces, while coin, diamond and wood grain patterns fit other decors.
Easy Installation
Large rolls can quickly cover large spaces seamlessly. Many feature adhesive backing for peel-and-stick application.
Best Uses: Home gyms, game rooms, man caves, laundries
Cost: $1 – $5 per square foot
Stained Concrete
For a unique, artistic look, consider staining your basement’s concrete floor. Benefits include:
One-of-a-Kind Look
Concrete stains create mottled, translucent effects that make each basement floor unique.
Cost-Effective
Staining is typically less expensive than overlaying concrete with new finishes. Utilizes existing slab.
Durability
When sealed properly, stained concrete is very durable and scratch-resistant like polished concrete.
Design Versatility
Water-based and acid-based stains allow you to create colorful designs, borders or accent areas.
Enhances Concrete
Stain soaks into pores to disguise cracks, markings and imperfections for a refreshed finish.
Best Uses: Basements, man caves, game rooms, workshops
Cost: $2 – $4 per square foot
Seamless Vinyl Sheet
For durable, waterproof flooring, consider seamless vinyl sheets in basements. Benefits include:
Waterproof
100% waterproof vinyl prevents moisture damage on basement floors. Great for laundries and baths.
Durable Surface
Tough top-layer of vinyl resists rips, tears, gouges and scratches from furniture or pets.
Seamless Installation
Vinyl sheets provide a seamless floor surface that won’t collect dirt and debris like tile grout.
Easy Maintenance
Vinyl sheet is non-porous for quick cleaning. Just needs occasional mopping.
Sound Insulation
Vinyl sheet helps absorb noise between basement floors and upper levels. Reduces echo and transfer.
Best Uses: Laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements
Cost: $2 – $5 per square foot
Best Basement Flooring Options Comparison Table
| Flooring | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Durability | Waterproof? | DIY Install? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Tiles | $1 – $4 | Moderate | No | Yes |
| Vinyl Plank | $2 – $6 | High | 100% | Yes |
| Ceramic Tile | $3 – $15 | High | Yes | Moderate |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | $3 – $7 | High | 100% | Yes |
| Epoxy Coating | $3 – $7 | High | Yes | No |
| Rubber Rolls | $2 – $4 | High | Yes | Yes |
| Cork Tiles | $2 – $5 | Low | No | Yes |
| Polished Concrete | $2 – $5 | High | Yes | No |
| Rubber Rolls | $1 – $5 | High | Yes | Yes |
| Stained Concrete | $2 – $4 | High | Yes | No |
| Vinyl Sheet | $2 – $5 | High | 100% | Moderate |
What to Consider When Choosing Basement Flooring
With so many flooring options to pick from, keep these key factors in mind when selecting materials for your basement renovation:
Durability – Look for floors rated for heavy residential or commercial use. Basements experience more wear than other areas. Tile, vinyl and rubber are durable options.
Moisture resistance – Floors need to stand up to dampness and humidity in basements. Choose waterproof vinyl, tile or epoxy coatings.
Noise – Do you need sound dampening? Cork, rubber rolls, and vinyl help absorb noise and echoes.
Foot comfort – Cushioned surfaces like cork, vinyl and rubber are easier to stand on for long periods.
Radiant heat – Flooring like tile, vinyl and polished concrete work well with radiant heating systems.
Traffic – Expecting heavy foot traffic? Durable ceramic tile or rubber can handle wear. Carpet shows use quicker.
Managing concrete – Stains, coatings and polishing finish raw concrete attractively. Level or seal cracks first.
DIY skills – Look for floors like vinyl plank and rubber rolls with easy “peel-and-stick” installation. Avoid intensive labor like tile.
Cost – Set a flooring budget and compare material and installation estimates. Know added costs like subfloors or adhesives.
Basement use – Tailor the flooring to the room. Use durable rubber for a gym, acoustical cork for a media room or polished concrete for storage.
No matter which material you choose, always have the installer follow manufacturer’s recommendations for proper subfloor prep, moisture testing, acclimation and installation. With the right flooring, you can transform any dreary basement into warm, comfortable living space for your family to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basement Flooring
What is the best flooring for a basement?
There is no single best option for every situation. However, the most popular basement flooring choices are vinyl plank, ceramic tile, epoxy coatings and luxury vinyl plank. These provide durability, waterproof protection and attractive looks.
What are the best basement floor tiles?
Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles are excellent choices. Opt for tiles with textured surfaces for slip resistance. Large format tiles are best for small spaces since they minimize grout lines.
How do you prepare a concrete basement floor for laminate?
Concrete should be fully cured, smooth, flat and dry before installing laminate. Clean and etch the surface before applying a waterproofing sealer. Then install foam underlayment before laying the laminate flooring.
How do you insulate a cold concrete basement floor?
For added insulation under flooring, use rigid foam boards or a layer of cork underlayment. Area rugs also help insulate cold floors. You can also install electric or hydronic radiant floor heating systems under materials like tile.
Can you put engineered hardwood in a basement?
We don’t recommend solid or engineered wood in basements. Even engineered wood can warp or be damaged by any dampness or humidity in the space. Waterproof vinyl plank is a better wood-look option.
Is carpet a good choice for basements?
Carpet works well for finished living spaces like rec rooms or bedrooms if the basement is dry. Use synthetic fibers rather than wool. Install carpet tiles instead of rolls for easier replacement if damaged. Make sure carpet padding has antimicrobial treatment.
Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Basement
The right flooring can make or break your basement remodel. Be sure to consider your budget, style preferences, and how you plan to use the basement when weighing the many options. Prep the concrete slab properly and install with care. With the information above, you can confidently tackle a basement flooring project. Soon you’ll be enjoying a warm, inviting space for family fun and entertaining!