Proper Floor Type for Your New Basement

Whether you want to use your basement as an extra bedroom, a laundry room, or a man cave to hang out with family and friends, you absolutely need to install proper flooring.

Why?

Because the basement area attracts moisture and you need to choose a proper floor type that will effectively protect against mold, mildew, and other hazardous bacteria.

Here are the best flooring options you should consider for your new basement.

Floating Floor
A floating floor is a flooring type that doesn’t need to be glued or nailed to your subfloor. Keep in mind though that you should install a moisture barrier between the two if you choose this type of flooring. More importantly, you need to make sure that your floating floor is waterproof or water-resistant.

The best materials to go for are engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and cork. However, all these materials must be properly sealed, so that they don’t retain moisture. Another great option is using carpet tiles, but make sure they’re made of water-resistant nylon or polyester.

Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles are another great option, not only because they are water-resistant and very durable, but also because there are lots of types and colors to choose from.

However, the grout you use for filling the gaps between tiles can be susceptible to mold. That’s why you should install a water barrier underlayer between your ceramic tiles and your subfloor. If you don’t, you can still protect your floor by annually treating it with a water barrier sealant.

Tile Flooring with Built-In Vapor Barrier
Floor tiles with a built-in vapor barrier are absolutely perfect for basements, as they effectively prevent the growth of mold and mildew and allow your subfloor to breathe, as they’re slightly raised. Since they’re interlocking, they’re incredibly easy to both install and remove, plus you can easily pull the tiles out to clean them.

Epoxy Concrete Floor Coating
Epoxy coating over a concrete floor is also perfect for basements, as it doesn’t retain moisture and is extremely resistant to bacteria. It’s also highly resistant to stains and cracks and is very easy to clean. Moreover, if you ever want to change from this flooring, you don’t have to remove your epoxy sealed concrete flooring, as you can easily install any other type of floor over it.

All these flooring options are great for a variety of needs. Ultimately, your choice definitely depends on your personal preferences, but keep in mind that the last two flooring types we mentioned are the most affordable.

If you want professionals to handle your basement flooring, CMH Builders is here for you. We have a team of experts in basement finishing who treat every home like it’s their own, so you can be sure that they will provide you with top-quality services at very affordable prices. Speaking of which, you’ll know what you’re paying for right from the get-go, and there will be no hidden costs or any other surprises along the way.

If you want to discuss your project with us, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.