A finished basement can add tons of living space to your home and boost resale value. But finding the right flooring can be a challenge. We know that in the basement, water and dampness are the enemy. So we want material that can stand up to moisture while looking terrific. We also need flooring that comfortably covers hard, cold concrete, so not every material we use on our main floors is an option.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Flooring for My Basement?
Looking at flooring for your basement? Here are some questions to help you decide.
- How are you using your basement? Are you planning a home theater, cozy living space, guest bedroom, home gym, or game room?
- What’s your budget? Are you willing to spend a little more for high quality, or do you want something inexpensive to replace?
- What are the temperature and moisture levels in your basement?
- Is your basement prone to flooding?
What Flooring Materials Work Best In My Basement?
Some homeowners opt for poured concrete or sheet vinyl for an inexpensive fix. But those materials don’t offer the sense of comfort and livability most of us seek. Two of the best choices are luxury vinyl planks and carpet.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a hot flooring material for every room in the house and is extremely popular for basements.
LVF in the Basement: The Pros
- Water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean
- Resistant to mold and mildew
- Attractive with a range of hardwood, stone, and tile looks
- Relatively inexpensive compared with hardwood.
LVF in the Basement: The Cons
- Doesn’t always provide the cozy factor for a home theater, guest bedroom, or living space
- Requires leveling if your subfloor is uneven
Carpet in the Basement: The Pros
- Softens the hard concrete for a cozy living space or guest bedroom
- Offers warmth and absorbs sound
- Less expensive than many hard flooring options
- Easy to install if the subfloor is uneven
- Relatively easy to replace in case of flooding.
Carpet in the Basement: The Cons
- Can be damaged or destroyed if flooding occurs
- May not handle moisture as well as hard flooring.
- Mold and mildew can become an issue
- Harder to clean than LVP
Can I Put Hardwood In My Basement?
We often get inquiries about hardwood in basements. The answer is not an automatic no. However, hardwood is often not the best choice because of moisture levels and the possibility of flooding. Hardwood is pricey, and one severe flood can wipe out a significant investment. However, it can be done if you know the risks and are ready to take the following steps:
- Regularly inspect pipes and plumbing.
- Install a sump pump to move water out of your basement.
Invest in a dehumidifier. - Put groundwater mitigation strategies outside your home, including grading and drainage systems.
If basement hardwood is too big of an investment given the risk, we can recommend attractive wood-look luxury vinyl options. Whatever option you choose, you’ll need a moisture barrier on top of the subfloor.
Which Basement Flooring Choices Add Resale Value
Finishing your basement can be a significant selling point for resale. Cool features like a gym or home theater can be the perfect touch for buyers. Experts recommend high-quality carpet or luxury vinyl if resale is a priority. At Loudoun Valley Floors, our team of experts can recommend and install the best flooring for every room in your home. Basements have come a long way from the concrete or old-school vinyl basements many of us grew up with. With 21st Century flooring materials, today’s basements are a gorgeous asset to your home while standing up to the tests of underground living space. Visit our showroom today and check out your options. We also have a room visualizer on our website, which allows you to “try on” flooring in your home.