Flooring Options for Your Basement

A great way to breathe some life into your basement is by adding new flooring. Many basements, finished or unfinished, have a concrete floor. Though concrete is strong and durable, it tends to be cold and difficult to maintain. Homeowners are often confused when it comes to adding flooring to their basement. Carpet, tile, laminate… there are SO many choices! By learning about the advantages and disadvantage of various types of flooring, you will be able to make the best choice for your basement.

Carpet

Advantages: This low cost flooring is soft, sound muffling, provides warmth (which is important during the winter months), and comes in a variety of styles and colors. Carpeting is also quite easy to install and could make a good weekend DIY project.

Disadvantages: It has a tendency to trap dust and allergens, which can be difficult for those with respiratory issues. Carpeting must also be vacuumed regularly, is susceptible to stains, and has a lifespan of a few years.

Tile

Advantages: Whether the tile is natural (i.e. porcelain or ceramic) or man-made (i.e. granite, marble, or slate) it comes in a large variety, is durable, affordable, and easy for many DIY enthusiasts to install over a few days.

Disadvantages: Tiles tend to be fragile, which means they can easily break, particularly when treated roughly. Though they are waterproof, many types of tiles do become slippery when wet, which can cause a potential hazard.

They also reflect a lot of noise, canceling out your idea to send the kids to the basement to play while you finish up dinner for your family.

Laminate

Advantages: This low cost option is durable, water resistant, easily installed, and comes in a variety of styles and designs. Laminate flooring can be made to look like tile, hardwood, and multiple other kinds of flooring, as well.

Disadvantages: While it is water resistant, it is not waterproof. Therefore, if flooding does occur, your entire floor would need to be replaced. Also, unlike hardwood, the surface of laminate flooring cannot be taken off for periodic refinishing. This means that if you are someone who likes to change up the design of your room, you will need to replace the entire basement floor.

Hardwood

Advantages: It is easily cleaned and maintained, while adding warmth and comfort to nearly any space. By choosing hardwood as a flooring option, you are telling everyone that you are not cutting corners when it comes to your home.

Disadvantages: Hardwood is definitely one of the most expensive choices in flooring and should be installed by a professional, adding an extra expense. Hardwood is also very susceptible to moisture, which can lead to warping and buckling. When investing in hardwood flooring, be sure to know the risks you are taking in the rooms where you want it.

By installing the correct flooring for your basement, you can transform it from a mere storage area or laundry room into added living area for you and your entire family. But be sure to properly investigate the pros and cons of the different flooring products available before making the investment.

Ameri-Dry Waterproofing

With over 30 years of basement waterproofing experience, Ameri-Dry offers patented, permanently dry systems that are backed by a full lifetime warranty. For more information about Ameri-Dry and Ameri-Dry Guy, visit (www.ameri-dry.com).