5 Different Basement Flooring Ideas

The first and most important step when researching basement flooring ideas is to determine the level of moisture that currently exists in your current basement. Without this first important step, it won't matter what type of flooring you install if there is too much moisture in that space it could cause curling, adhesive failure or discoloration.

To determine moisture levels, purchase a Calcium Chloride Kit and an Alkaline Test Kit. These kits will determine 2 separate, but important moisture combinations in your basement. For more information, speak with the sales representative at the store where you find the products.

The second step to determining the best flooring for your basement is to determine the room's primary use. Will it be a rumpus room, personal exercise gym or limited to utilitarian functions only? Will it be used for entertaining and guest room accommodations or is it just extended storage space? 

Flooring Ideas

Idea 1 - Painted Concrete 

This is a simple process of sealing the slab and then applying a paint specifically designed for concrete applications. It can be a solid color or you can be creative and do a faux finished floor to make it look like marble or granite. Two color squares could be taped off to create a checkerboard floor or some other geometric pattern. The only limit to painting this type of floor is your imagination.

You will need to apply a finishing sealer for scratch prevention and color longevity.

Idea 2 - Rubber Flooring

This type of floor covering is perfect for a rumpus or exercise room basement. It's cost effective and is an easily installable sheet of recycled product rubber that needs no glue or extra installation materials. It's an excellent alternative to the cold, hard surface because of its insulating properties as well as the overall cushioning comfort.

This type of flooring can be purchased in interlocking blocks or in a premeasured, made to order sheet that can be easily rolled and trimmed to fit.

Idea 3 - Hard Wood or Laminate Floating Flooring

These floors are specially-designed to be locked into each other without needing glue or nails. Floating floors rest on a cushioned underlayment and are designed to lock in simply through accurate tongue and grooves that join securely together (click floors). These floors are comfortable for extended standing times and warm due to the underlayment installation. They work well when your basement floor is less than perfect. Some hardwoods expand, though concrete doesn't, so not all hard woods can be an option for this type of flooring. This type of flooring is quick and easy to install.

Idea 4 - Carpet

Carpet is always a good option if your basement does not have moisture issues. Since you have determined the room's function, the form of carpet should be an easy choice. Choose a Berber for high traffic and rough use, consider a Frieze-type carpet for an exercise room. You will need to do some research for the best carpet cushion or padding to use under your carpet. These come in 3 types of materials: fiber, sponge and foam rubber.

idea 5 - Tiles

Tile options include:

• Porcelain
• Terracotta
• Quarry
• Glass
• Laminates
• Linoleum

This type of flooring can be complex or simple to install, based on the size and type. The main disadvantage to this application, is that you will need to prepare the existing floor extensively before application. Also, note that these floors, without some sort of additional heat underlayment, are cold.