If you have an unfinished concrete basement floor, choosing the right flooring is essential. You want something that’s durable and attractive but also easy to maintain.
Cement floors are often very cold because they don’t retain heat well. However, carpeting is not a good idea for this type of flooring. Carpet can also trap moisture between the concrete slab and is vulnerable to water damage.
If you’re looking for a viable alternative to carpeting for your basement floor, ceramic tile, vinyl plank flooring, or epoxy flooring are practical options. These materials are easy to clean and maintain, and can make your basement look much more polished.
What Are Some of the Best Flooring Materials for an Unfinished Basement Floor?
Here are some standard flooring options if you are considering upgrading your unfinished basement floor.
Vinyl Tile
A vinyl tile floor is easy to install and durable as it has a thick backing. It’s also available in many different styles and colors, so you can easily match your flooring with your decor.
The only downside is that vinyl is a little more expensive than other flooring types. However, it lasts longer than other materials like laminate or hardwood floors. Vinyl tile can be installed as a glued-down or floating floor, making changes easy to effect.
Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is a classic option for many basements, especially finished ones. It’s easy to clean while being warm and inviting. A significant downside is that it can be more expensive than other options.
The biggest drawback with using wood flooring in a basement is that it needs a sealant. The sealant prevents the wood from absorbing moisture below ground level after installation.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular choices among homeowners because it’s easy to install and pleasing to the eye. You don’t have to worry about cracks or scratches because the surface consists of high-density foam underneath a layer of paper. This quality makes laminate flooring especially sturdy.
If you want flooring that looks like wood but costs much less, laminate flooring is a solid option.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring has many benefits that make it ideal for use on a basement floor. Rubber floors are resistant to mold, rot, and moisture damage. They also do not require much maintenance beyond regular cleaning with soap and water.
Rubber flooring comes in several styles, including tiles, squares, strips, or rolls. These styles give you plenty of options when designing your basement space.
Epoxy Flooring
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, resilient, and affordable option for your basement floor, epoxy is one of the best materials. This basement floor is easy to install and will last for years.
Epoxy floors consist of 100% solids, which means they don’t contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like other flooring materials. They also don’t require special preparation or maintenance after installation.
The only drawback of epoxy flooring is that it’s not as soft underfoot as other types of flooring materials, such as carpeting or laminate wood floors. Keep that aspect in mind if you have young children or elderly people living with you who might find it difficult to walk on this surface.
Polyurea/Polyaspartic Flooring
You can apply this robust, high-quality material on your basement floor to create a smooth yet slip-free surface.
Polyurea is ideal in industrial settings and commercial locations. It’s also a popular option for those who have a lot of traffic on their basement floor. The material does not absorb moisture or other fluids, so it’s ideal for basements with a high water table or flooding issues.
Contact the Experts for the Quality Epoxy Basement Flooring
Are you looking for the perfect flooring finish for your unfinished basement floor? Contact LEVEL 10 Coatings today. We offer polyurea/polyaspartic and epoxy flake floors for basements and garages in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding areas.
We are a family-owned business and pride ourselves on quality products and customer service. Our epoxy floors are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and simple to install. Whether you have a small project or a large commercial job, we have the experience to do it right!
All our new basement floor installations come with leading warranties, including a 10-year residential interior, a 5-year residential exterior, and a 10-year commercial warranty.
Our experts will work with you to ensure you get the perfect finish for your basement floor. Call us today at (219) 513-4247 for a free basement floor installation estimate.
