Basement Floor Design Ideas - Choose The Best Flooring Solutions For Your Basement

Basements are often one of the first areas in which most homeowners consider using as an additional space, especially if the ceilings are high. Before you start remodeling your basement, consider the functions it will perform. For example, if you want it to serve as an office you will need matching cabling and furniture. If you want it as a playroom for children, it will have to be a cozy, comfortable and warm place. The role you want your basements to play will determine which type of basement floors you should choose. In today’s post, let us involve in the Basements flooring solutions. 

Humidity Is The Main Problem To Consider In Choosing Basement Floor

Basement rooms can be used in different ways: Some people house their hobby room here, others set up a home office there or dream of a cozy party cellar with their own bar. Before it happens, homeowners should put a few thoughts on the best possible flooring for basement. 

When it comes to the basement floor, you have to consider potential problems with excess moisture. It doesn't matter if you live in a house with a low probability that the basement is damp, it is preferable to be cautious. Normally it is better not to use a lot of wood for decoration. Moisture can cause it to expand and deform. 

Basement Flooring Solutions

Low-Profile Raised Floor

If there is headroom, low-profile Raised Floors are ideal for your basement. The height between the raised floor and real floor is generally 2.5 to 5 inches, which make the raised floor is insulated against the colder concrete slab, raising above the potential humidity and providing some "elasticity" that make it easier to walk around the room. What's more, raised floor offers enough room for cables and pipes. It is also a feasible option for retrofitting old buildings. Usually at least a few inches but 4 inches or more is better are required to install the raised floor. To add more benefits, you can choose different surface finishes such as vinyl flooring, ceramic tiles, chipboard to cover the raised floor. In our accessfloorstore.com you will find raised floor products to treat it. We have top quality low profile access floor products capable of withstanding the harshest conditions.

Note: Flat ground is required to install the access floor. To prevent the corrosion of moisture, home raised wood floors are not recommended unless you have taken good moisture protection measures on the floor. Of course, if you choose HUIYA's all-steel raised floor system (corrosion-resistant from the pedestal to the panel), there is no need to worry about the floor structure being eroded by moisture.

Concrete Slab In The Basement

Concrete is used in most residential buildings as a kind of basic floor covering. Especially in modern houses, a concrete slab forms the foundation. Ideally, this is already made of waterproof concrete and thus automatically acts as a barrier against the moisture from the underlying ground. Unfortunately, a concrete floor in the basement is anything but pretty or even aesthetic. So if you don't want to use the basement just as a laundry room or storage space, you can lay a more attractive floor covering over the concrete. 

Note: If the foundation of the house is not made of waterproof concrete, it is advisable to include a vapor barrier. This prevents moisture from rising above the mineral concrete and attacking the newly laid floor from below. It is best to install thermal insulation via the vapor barrier - this can prevent energy losses in heated basements.

Best Basement Floor Coverings

Depending on the planned use, different variants for floor covering can be recommended. Using the same type Vinyl, Tile, Laminate. continuity will make the basement appear larger. What these are and what the respective advantages and disadvantages look like is presented below.

PVC Flooring In Basement

Thanks to new materials and applied treatments, vinyl floors have acquired greater durability, rub resistance, and insulation. These floors can currently be used in shops, hotels, restaurants and in your home. Today using this material does not necessarily mean detriment to the aesthetics of the environment. It is an ideal floor covering to change the appearance quickly and without works in wet areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, since they resist water. In these cases it is appropriate to use non-slip floors, a type of vinyl flooring specially made with safety in mind. Since it is a waterproof coating it can be moistened to clean efficiently and quickly. It is resistant to non-abrasive, solvent-free cleaning products. It comes in rolls, sheets or tiles that are easy to install, which means that with basic knowledge or a little patience, you can place it without hiring specialized personnel. All this directly affects the general price of the work, making the renovation of the floors in your house cheaper than in other cases. What’s more, many vinyl sheet flooring collections have greater color clarity and enhanced embossing that create corresponding visual texture. 

Note: Since this covering is very thin and flexible, it adapts to the shapes of the previous floor. For this reason, it is very important to check its condition, that it has a good leveling and that it does not have any imperfections or cracks that can be seen once the new floor is installed. Vinyl or PVC is damaged by sharp, rough, or hot objects.

Laminate In Basement

Laminate in the basement - an absolute no-go for many. However, this only applies if the moisture in the basement is too high for the floor covering, which is largely made of wood. If the ambient conditions allow, basement rooms with laminate can create a homely atmosphere. In addition, laying is very quick and uncomplicated and laminate is known as an inexpensive floor covering.

Important: Before you lay a laminate floor in your basement, you should document the moisture level in the corresponding room. If the relative humidity is over 60%, it will be difficult with the laminate flooring in the basement. The same applies to rooms in which the washing machine and dryer are housed or where laundry dries regularly. At least as important: Place a vapor barrier under the laminate flooring to prevent the new floor covering from starting to mold due to a damp surface.

Ceramic Tiles In Basement

Especially in laundry rooms and pantries, ceramic tiles are often used as flooring in the basement. This works much faster and cheaper today than a few years ago, because every hardware store now offers inexpensive tiles in attractive designs. It is important to note that tile structures can also be damaged by moisture penetration. In addition, tiles are only suitable as flooring if they have a certain slip resistance. Otherwise accidents can quickly occur and the risk of injury increases.

Note: If you do not want a completely new floor covering in the basement, but only want to protect the existing cement floor, it is worth re-sealing or painting it. This provides improved protection and also looks appealing.

Carpet In Basement

Carpet is still one of the most popular floor coverings in Germany - because it is so cheap and cozy. Carpets can also provide extra comfort in basements. However, only if the ambient conditions are correct. Cold temperatures or a high level of moisture in the air make the carpet start to mold. This can quickly hit your health. Therefore, a moisture brake should also be installed here.

Note: Moisture in basements often not only rises from the floor, but can also be attributed to leaky windows or insufficient air exchange. It is worth having the entire situation examined by a specialist. This quickly recognizes where weaknesses are and helps to eliminate them.