The basement is one of the most critical parts of the house. It is exposed to extreme humidity, and the materials in there must be resistant to moisture. The good news is that you can install any type of floor. However, you need to be careful with your choice since not all materials can handle the high level of humidity in the basement. If you live in an area that floods a lot, then choosing the basement floor must be done with a lot of consideration.
When choosing the best basement floor, keep off materials like untreated solid wood and concrete. These materials are porous and will be affected by moisture and water vapor in the basement. Even though the basement floor will mostly be affected by the conditions there, it is important to ensure you will not create room for mildew and mold growth. If you have installed plank oak flooring, it could be a good idea to use sheet plastic to cover the surface. This prevents the material from getting damp from the excess moisture. Another way of keeping the floor dry is by raising it with a water-resistant subfloor. This helps the floor to avoid direct contact with concrete, and this keeps it a bit warmer.
When choosing basement flooring, here are the best ideas you can pick.
- Ceramic Tile
This material is tailor-made to fit your needs. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes to help you choose what fits you best. The best thing about ceramic tile is that it is not affected by moisture. Ceramic tile is easy to install since you can simply place it on the concrete as long as it is flat and smooth.
- Engineered Wood
If you want the appearance and the feel of real wood, engineered wood is the best option for your basement. This material is stable and moisture resistant. You can combine tiles and planks for a more stylish look. However, make sure you choose the right type of material for your low-grade basement.
- Rubber Flooring
You can either choose rubber tiles or sheets, depending on your needs. This material comes in numerous colors, and this makes it easy for you to create different designs. Due to their highly cushioned element, they are a great option for a basement. They are also resistant to moisture, and that means they remain intact for a long time.
- Vinyl Flooring
This material also can be placed directly on concrete without further treatment. The great thing about it is that it withstands moisture and floods without any effects. If you want a more comfortable style, you can choose robust vinyl styles. They are cheap, and you can pick them if you want a ceramic tile-like look. Vinyl can also be customized to mimic wood and real stone.
Conclusion
Regardless of the type of material you pick for your basement, it is crucial to ensure you consider the atmospheric elements. Your basement is exposed to moisture, and that means it gets wet a lot. Therefore, the material you choose must be moisture and water-resistant. The materials mentioned above are the best options for basement flooring.
