Choosing the best flooring for your basement can be tricky. If you’re deciding between vinyl flooring, ceramic tile, laminate, or other options, consider the moisture levels of where you live and what the basement will be used for primarily. These factors can help you decide which type of flooring is best for your basement.

Best Flooring Based on Moisture Levels

Vinyl Flooring

In general, vinyl flooring in sheet or plank form is the best option for most basements. It’s a waterproof material that’s easy to install and easy to clean in case an old or faulty appliance springs a leak in your basement. Luxury plank vinyl even looks like hardwood flooring, making your basement space look warm and attractive. 

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a good option only if your basement is low moisture. Laminate floors absorb moisture quickly, even more than hardwood floors do. It’s an excellent flooring option if you live in a dry climate that doesn’t get a lot of precipitation.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

If your basement tends to become damp or you live in a high-moisture area, ceramic tile is a good choice for basement flooring. Remember that most basements are below grade, meaning that they are entirely or partially below ground level. If your neighborhood or city is prone to floods, ceramic flooring works best to keep the water from seeping below the tile.

Best Flooring Based on Basement Use

Home Gym

If you plan to use your basement as a home gym, you may want flooring that’s easy to clean and can stand a lot of impact. Protective coverings do both, and they also serve as a buffer between heavy gym equipment and your flooring. Rubber flooring tiles, mats, or rolls come in different thickness options and sizes to fit your basement. They’re also shock-absorbent and water-resistant, meaning your basement flooring will be safe.

Entertainment

If your basement is used as a media room or game room for family and guests, you’ll want flooring that can stand a lot of wear-and-tear and control sound. Carpet absorbs sound better than vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, or laminate flooring. Low-pile carpet is less expensive than other types of flooring to install. Because it looks warm, comfortable, and inviting, it’s a perfect choice for a multi-purpose family room.

Not sure which flooring option will fit your needs? Get an expert opinion from Accent Flooring. Accent Flooring is a family-owned and -operated flooring company serving the Cincinnati, OH, area. You can rely on Accent Flooring to help you choose the perfect flooring for your unique needs. Call (513) 481-8600, or browse flooring options on their website.