Wondering what type of flooring you should be putting in your basement? In this article, we discuss the best basement flooring options and how to choose between them based on your lifestyle. We also look at different types of flooring insulation and whether you should have it installed with your new floor.

Fix Any Imperfections in the Concrete Floor First

Before you lay any type of new flooring down in your basement, make sure the concrete floor is flawless. This is because any imperfections in the concrete will affect how the new floor lays. Deborah Armstrong, Senior Interior Designer with North American Builder Brookfield Residential, says the most important thing is to make sure the floor is completely level or else you’ll be able to see or hear the uneven areas as you walk over them.

The 4 Most Common Basement Flooring Options

There are plenty of basement flooring options available for you to choose from. Here are some of the most common types of flooring according to Deborah:

1. Carpet: It’s warm, comfortable and perfect for refinished basements.
2. Tile: Tile is going to be fairly cold unless you have in-floor heating in your basement but you could always use it in conjunction with carpet.
3. Rubber: If you plan to use your basement as an activity area or a gym, you can’t go wrong with covering your basement floor in the same rubber tiles or sheets that are used in your local fitness center.
4. Hardwood/vinyl flooring: Similar to tile, hardwood flooring works best if you have in-floor heating or a layer of insulation between it and the concrete.

Can you put something on top of the concrete for insulation?

Yes! There are a few different options for flooring insulation. However, Deborah suggests using an insulation that is also waterproof to form a barrier between the flooring and the concrete. She says “sometimes maybe a six-millimeter [layer of] cork, which is a really good natural insulator.”

How do you choose the best flooring for your basement?

The main thing you want to consider when choosing between basement flooring options is your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. Like we said earlier, if you plan to use the space as an activity or workout space, you’ll want to use a more durable material like rubber than something that isn’t suitable like hardwood or tile. But, if you plan to finish your basement, cozy carpet may be the best option.

Takeaway

Adding flooring to your basement can be a great way to spruce up the space and turn it into a place you’ll want to spend time in. From classy tile and hardwood to comfortable carpet and durable rubber flooring, there are plenty of basement flooring options to choose from depending on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. To learn more, check out our blog for more helpful interior design content, like tips for how to organize your garage, or contact us directly to speak with one of our home buying experts.