3 Durable Options for Replacing Damp Basement Floor

A damp basement floor in combination with organic flooring like wood breeds mold that causes a musty smell and can release irritating and sometimes harmful airborne contaminants. Here are 4 durable options to beat a damp basement floor:  

1 - Inorganic Carpet Tile

Organic material is mold food, so choose carpet tiles composed of inorganic materials. Options exist that can be individually removed for cleaning and also provide a vapor barrier and insulation. 

2- Vinyl

All vinyl is not created equal. What works upstairs will not perform well in a damp basement. Choose one specifically designed for basement flooring. Like the carpet tiles discussed above, the ideal choice provides insulation as well as a vapor barrier. 

3- False Flooring

Headroom permitting, lay 1 1/2" to 2" extruded polystyrene foam directly onto the basement floor. Polystyrene will not rot and insulates against the cold, while keeping organic materials away from moisture. Apply 5/8" plywood atop the polystyrene, then screw through the plywood and polystyrene directly into the concrete using fasteners, like Tapcon®, specifically designed for that purpose. Finish the job with your choice of floor covering.