Water damage is a huge concern when it comes to selecting basement flooring. Basements are below ground level, where water from leaking pipes, poor drainage, and surface runoff ends up. Also, most basements have concrete slabs, which are usually uneven for obvious reasons. Uneven, or more specifically, imperfections in the surface, is a real issue to be aware of for installation of flooring in basements.
How will you use your Basement?
First and foremost, you must consider how you intend to use your basement. Will your basement be used as storage space, a gym, playroom for your kids, guest bedroom, or laundry room? There are different waterproof basement floors that are ideal for different basement applications.
Waterproof your basement before finishing and Protect Your Home Investment
Before you finish your basement and choose the best basement flooring, protect your investment by eliminating moisture from hydrostatic pressure, seepage, or a flawed foundation. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines Waterproofing has years of experience installing basement waterproofing systems and protecting basements from moisture and foundation problems.
Our services include:
Sump pump back-up systems
Basement wall crack repair
Call BAM for your free estimate, we will get your basement waterproofed and ready to finish and pick the best flooring options for your home.
Fix the Concrete before installing flooring
No matter what type of basement flooring you choose, make sure to first fix any problems in the original concrete floor. Is the concrete surface rough or uneven in areas? Are there cracks wide enough to admit a dime? Is there displacement, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up or down? Is water coming into the basement during wet weather? This kind of damage should be repaired before any new basement flooring is installed.
7 Best Waterproof Basement Flooring Options
1. Paint
This is the least expensive finished floor option and is also the most DIY-friendly. If low cost is a big priority and if you just plan to use your basement space as a workshop or workout room, the paint may be your best choice.
The important thing here is to choose a paint formulated for concrete floors, and carefully follow the instructions on the can pertaining to surface prep, application, and drying time.
2. Epoxy
This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer that’s usually smoother, more durable, and easier to keep clean. With most epoxy treatments, it’s possible to broadcast plastic flakes or fine sand over the surface right after application.
The sand adds texture, while the flakes add both texture and color. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for workrooms and home gyms. Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for safety issues. Some epoxies may produce hazardous fumes during application and curing.
3. Tile
Installing a tile floor in all or part of your basement lets you have some fun with design, while still quickly covering up existing concrete floors.
Tiles are available in many different sizes and styles, and the price range is equally broad. If you shop around and do the installation yourself, a tile floor can be surprisingly affordable. But this changes when you opt for pricier material. No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before the tile can be installed. If you want a tile floor that isn’t cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile.
4. Rubber tile or rubber sheets
You’ve probably seen this resilient flooring in health clubs and gyms. It’s also an excellent choice for a playroom or laundry room–mainly because it’s durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. Interlocking rubber tiles are easy for homeowners to install, they can go down directly over concrete or over a subfloor.
The same goes for rubber sheet flooring. Both materials are available with different textured patterns, and in a limited range of colors. One drawback that some people notice is an unpleasant odor, but this usually dissipates over time.
5. Vinyl planks or tiles
This basement flooring option offers great value for the money. Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install, thanks to interlocking joints. What’s more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles.
This flooring can be made to look like different wood species, or to resemble ceramic tile. Most types can be installed over concrete or over a subfloor. Installing a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor is easier than installing sheet vinyl, and any damage to the floor can be repaired easily, simply by replacing a tile or two.
6. Sheet vinyl
Buying a large roll of vinyl gets you a new floor for a very affordable price. Sheet vinyl has other advantages, too: It’s durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of styles and patterns, giving you plenty of choices.
But before you go for this option, think about how you’ll maneuver that big roll into the basement, cut it to size, and fit it accurately between walls. That’s right–installation can be challenging.
Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basement’s concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. For the best appearance (and a warmer finished floor), this flooring should be installed over a subfloor.
7. Engineered wood flooring
If you’re aiming for a high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring, there’s good news. While solid wood flooring isn’t suitable for use in basements, some types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine.
Similar to plywood in its composition, this type of flooring has a thin layer of genuine wood (many different species are available) bonded to other wood plies or composite boards. Manufactured in planks with interlocking edges, basement-suitable engineered wood flooring comes with a durable, factory-applied finish.
Most types have a thickness of ½” or less. Although some manufacturers sell engineered wood flooring that can go down over a concrete floor, it’s better to install this type of flooring over a subfloor.
Call the experts in Basement waterproofing
Here at BAM basements and Masons of Des Moines we pride ourselves on delivering every consideration to total customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship, limited lifetime warranties, having over 100 years combined of expertise on waterproofing, we are locally founded, owned, and operated. Call us for all your waterproofing needs and we will find a customized solution to fit your home’s needs. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier basement egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.