DIY Basement Flooring: 10 Flooring Options You Can Choose From

When you think of a basement floor, "cozy" isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, you probably imagine some chilly, hard concrete that becomes disgustingly filthy and makes your feet feel weird after walking across it in socks. But it doesn't have to be that way! With a little bit of effort and the right materials, your basement floor can be transformed into something warm, comfortable, and yes - even cozy.

There are a few things though that you'll need to take into consideration before choosing your new basement flooring, such as:

• The condition of your existing concrete floor - is it cracks that can be fixed by filling with epoxy, or is it stains, or otherwise in need of repair? 

• The amount of foot traffic your basement gets - will it be a high traffic area or will it see more occasional use?

• Your budget for the project - some materials are more expensive than others

Once you've taken those factors into account, you can start exploring the many different basement flooring options that are available to you.

Why Picking the Right Material Matters

When you are trying to figure out what material is best for your home, it's important to understand that not all materials are created equal. There are many factors that come into play when choosing the right flooring. And one of those factors is foot traffic. If your floor experiences high foot traffic, meaning a lot of people are walking on it every day, you want to make sure that the material can withstand that wear and tear.

Next, is the ease of maintenance. You want to choose a material that won't require a lot of work to keep it looking good. If you have to spend hours every week scrubbing and cleaning, it's probably not the best option for you. The weather also contributes to the type of material you should choose. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of moisture, then you want to make sure the material you choose can withstand that moisture without becoming damaged.

Finally, you need to take your budget into consideration. Some materials are more expensive than others and if you're working with a limited budget, you'll need to choose accordingly. But even if you have a limited budget, there are still some great options available that won't break the bank.

Let's take a look at some of the best basement flooring options available.

The Best Flooring Options for Your Basement

1) Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that is made to look like wood. It is composed of multiple layers of material that are fused together with heat and pressure. Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is very durable and easy to maintain. It is also resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. Nowadays, it comes in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can choose from a variety of wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and more. You can also find laminate flooring that looks like stone or tile plus, using laminate flooring is another way of achieving the look of hardwood floors without the high cost.

Pros:

• Durable

• Easy to maintain

• Resistant to scratches, stains, and fading

• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Can't be refinished like real wood

• Can be damaged by water

2) Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a type of wood flooring that is made up of multiple layers of wood. The top layer is a thin veneer of real wood, while the bottom layers are made of plywood or hardwood. Engineered wood flooring is very stable and less likely to warp or cup than solid hardwood floors. It can also be installed over concrete subfloors. Engineered wood comes in a variety of colors, styles, and wood species. It can also be stained and refinished just like solid hardwood floors.

This type of flooring is particularly popular because it is more stable than solid hardwood. In addition, it is also less susceptible to shrinking and expanding with changes in humidity and temperature.

Pros:

• More stable than solid hardwood

• Less susceptible to shrinking and expanding

Cons:

• Can be damaged by water

• The veneer is not as thick as solid hardwood

3) Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is exactly what it sounds like—it is made of solid pieces of wood. It is the most traditional type of wood flooring and has been around for centuries.

Solid wood flooring is very popular because it is very durable and easy to repair. It can also be refinished multiple times, so it can last for many years.

Solid wood flooring comes in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can choose from a variety of wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and more.

Pros:

• Very durable

• Easy to repair

• Can be refinished multiple times

Cons:

• Can be damaged by water

• Requires more maintenance than other options

4) Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are a popular choice for basement floors because they are very durable and easy to maintain. They are also resistant to stains and fading. Brick pavers come in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can choose from a variety of bricks, including clay, concrete, and more.

Pros:

• Durable

• Easy to maintain

• Resistant to stains and fading

Cons:

• Can be cold to the touch

5) Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a type of wood flooring that is made from the bamboo plant. It is a very popular choice because it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is also very durable and easy to maintain.

It is also a popular choice especially in tropical climates because it is resistant to moisture and insects.

Pros:

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly

• Durable

• Easy to maintain

• Resistant to moisture and insects

Cons:

• Can be damaged by water

6) Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is a type of flooring that is made from natural materials, including linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and limestone. It is a popular choice for many because it is affordable and easy to maintain. A lot of those who rent their houses choose this flooring option because they can install it themselves.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Easy to maintain

• Can be installed by renters

Cons:

• Not as durable as other options

• Subject to staining and fading over time

7) Concrete Flooring

Concrete flooring is a good choice for basements and other areas because not only a concrete floor is a low-cost flooring option, but it is also very durable and easy to maintain. In addition, a concrete basement is also resistant to mold and mildew which is why many people  who have allergies or asthma choose this flooring option.

A concrete floor comes in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can try a concrete stain or a sealant to give it a unique look. You can also choose from a wide variety of concrete paints,  which can be used to create different designs to personalize and amp up your living space. This option is quite common in the basement for it is very easy to maintain and easy to clean. However, it requires regular cleaning as it accumulates dirts overtime if it’s not being taken care of.

Pros:

• Durable

• Easy to maintain

• Resistant to mold and mildew

• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can be cold to the touch

• The surface can be uneven

8) Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is a type of  flooring that is made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, stone, glass, and more. It is a popular choice for many because it is very durable and easy to maintain. In addition, tile floors are also fire resistant which makes them a good choice for homes with young children. IInstalling a tile floor in your basement may be a great way to have some fun with design while also rapidly covering over existing concrete floors.

If you want a tile floor that is warm and comfortable underfoot, it's important to select the right material before installation. A concrete subfloor can be expensive but  they also provide good insulation. If you are looking for an inexpensive option, however, you can always use a self-leveling underlayment  which will help to create a smooth surface for your tiles.

Pros:

• Can last a lifetime

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Fire resistant

• Can be used to create a variety of designs

Cons:

• More expensive than other options

• Can be cold and hard on the feet

9) Carpet Tiles

Consider carpet tiles for a warm and comfortable basement floor that is also easy to install and maintain.  Installing carpet tiles is easy and many homeowners love the idea of carpet floors for basement flooring because  they can add color and style to the space. Not to mention, they are also very affordable. As for designing your basement floors, with carpet tiles, you can create a bright design with various hues or stick to a more traditional hue and contrast combination.

Pros:

• Can be installed by homeowners

• Very affordable

• Add color and style to the space

Cons:

• Not as durable as other options

• Can be damaged by water

10) Rubber Tiles

Lastly, rubber flooring is a type of flooring that is made from recycled rubber. It has become a popular choice for many because it is sustainable and environmentally-friendly. These are ideal for family home gyms or anyplace where there is a lot of activity. They can endure a lot of abuse and are great for places that will be subjected to lots of use. Rubber flooring is also very durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean.

They're also rather low-cost and simple to put together, good for DIY projects. Most homeowners can get their flooring covered in a few hours or less.

Pros:

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly

• Durable

• Slip-resistant

• Easy to clean

• Soft and shock-absorbent

Cons:

• Can be damaged by water

• Requires more maintenance than other options

Conclusion

There are many different types of flooring ideas that you can choose from for your basement. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider before making a decision. In the end, it is important to choose a flooring option that is right for your needs and budget.

Guest Contributor: Rachel