Various flooring options can suit the specific needs of basements, including carpeting, luxury vinyl flooring, and robust laminate flooring. Each flooring features numerous benefits and many different styles, and the best way to select your flooring is first to decide what kind of flooring would suit your needs the best. To that end, we've compiled a list of the specific benefits of the most popular flooring options available on the market so you can discover everything you need to select the best basement flooring possible.

How to select carpet for a basement

One of the most comfortable options available, no other flooring surface features the same sensation as plush carpet, making it an ideal option for covering a cold cement floor. With this added comfort comes a certain level of noise cancellation, so if you're tired of hearing others tipping and tapping as they roam around the basement after bedtime or any other time of the day or night, then carpet offers the best solution.

With incredible design versatility, carpets have an almost limitless array of patterns and colors available, ensuring that you'll find exactly what you're looking for to match your existing basement environment. If you're on a budget, there are many cost-effective carpeting solutions that still offer plenty of style. One thing to consider: synthetic carpet is ideal for basements thanks to the flooring’s resistance to absorbing water when compared to natural fibers.

Is luxury vinyl flooring a good choice for basements?

Featuring nearly incomparable durability, luxury vinyl flooring is one of the best basement flooring options to withstand the hardships of day-to-day life regardless of how many rowdy kids and pets try to tear through your home. Beyond regular wear and tear from scratches and stains, vinyl flooring also resists mold and mildew. Speaking of resistance, water and other liquids are hardly a care. This makes luxury vinyl one of the best basement flooring selections since most basements tend to attract moisture. If resistance isn't enough, then you're in luck because luxury vinyl flooring also offers waterproof options, ensuring that you'll never need to worry about your floor swelling when exposed to water. As for style, vinyl flooring offers a wide selection of wood looks, as well as natural stone aesthetics.

Selecting laminate flooring for basements

If you're looking for something that doesn't require regular maintenance, then look no further than laminate flooring. Typically, all you must do is regularly sweep, mop, and wipe with a damp cloth to maintain a clean and pristine flooring surface, making robust laminate flooring the best flooring for a basement that doesn't see a ton of daily use. Because laminate utilizes an interlocking design and is not directly connected to the ground, it is incredibly easy to install for those looking to avoid the added cost of having a professional do the job.

There are a few factors to note before selecting laminate for your basement installation. First, laminate flooring may offer water resistance, it is not considered waterproof. If your basement is prone to flooding, luxury vinyl flooring is the better option.

Most basements have uneven concrete flooring, this can lead to difficulties when incorporating laminate flooring, which requires an even surface so that the locking system won’t crack and ruin the flooring, potentially voiding the warranty. When using laminate, the first priority should be to ensure a level ground, which may be a big added expense.

Is hardwood flooring appropriate for basements?

In general, hardwood is not recommended for basements, since they are more prone to excess moisture. This can cause hardwood to swell, warp and split. If you love the look of hardwood flooring, it’s better to choose a luxury vinyl or laminate option that offers your favorite hardwood style.

Once you decide between carpeting, luxury vinyl flooring, and robust laminate flooring, you'll need to consider what color is right for your home. Although every home is different, and everyone doesn't share the same taste, it's important to consider the trends the industry is currently seeing to make sure that you can make an informed decision. Before, grey tones were a big seller, but these are becoming less popular. Today, there's been a shift in the market to lighter flooring, natural looks and warm-leaning colors. A very popular option is white-washed oak tones for vinyl and laminate, while pure white carpeting has started to witness a never-before-seen uptick in demand.

From traditional looks to the latest trends, new flooring can take your basement to whole new style levels!