Finishing the basement floor is a good way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a basement, making it a more desirable space to work, play, or relax.
Before updating basement flooring, it’s best to consider the condition of the existing concrete and whether a new floor will require a subfloor. Cracks in basement floor concrete should be fixed with a concrete repair kit and basement floor sealer. Some flooring options, including paint, epoxy, and rubber flooring, can be installed directly over the concrete floor, but other options, like engineered wood or cork flooring, will require a subfloor for proper installation. Additionally, a subfloor is a good choice if the basement floor is too cold or uncomfortable. This layer insulates the floor and provides a base for the new flooring material.
Basement flooring material options include epoxy, paint, concrete stain, sheet vinyl, vinyl plank, ceramic tile, rubber flooring, carpet tile, engineered wood, and cork – each with pros and cons. Learn about the different basement flooring material options and the positives and negatives of each.