What type of flooring do you recommend for a concrete basement floor?

Question

I am finishing my basement and am wondering what would be the most cost efficient, yet practical way to cover the floor? We have considered a wood/laminate, carpet, a combination of wood and carpet, or paint? Any ideas?

Answer 1

Best thing I have ever seen is scoring it and then dying it.... depending on the scores... looks just like tile... looks great! Go to Bravo Concrete on the web... (don't know if i can do that or not???)... I don't work for them or anything, but had a friend that did it in his whole house... then just put down throw rugs.... not sure if you basement is damp or not, but it is the way I would go..

Answer 2

Carpet is always the most coast effective floor covering. I don't know how long you plan on being there, but if you are going to be there 25 years or more, laminate would be the best for overall price over time. In that amount of time, you can expect to replace carpet at least once. Good laminates now have a 25 year warranty. Another consideration is how capable you are. Laminate is actually quite easy for the do it yourself-er. The last consideration is comfort. If you like the warmth of carpet, then there you go. If you like hard surface better then that may be the best for you. You can also always use area rugs with Laminate. Today's laminate floors are in my opinion better than real wood. They cost less and do not require a humid environment to prevent checking, splitting and plank shrinkage. Have you considered ceramic tile? There are some very beautiful looks available now that are quite amazing. If you can do the work yourself, that will give you the most value for dollar. My advise is to pick the one that you find the best for your lifestyle.

Answer 3

As a former flooring installer, If there is no moister in the basement, carpet would be fine. There is a barrier that can be put down before the laminate is put down and it works well. If you have any allergy problems, I would go with the laminate. This all depends on the moisture. Carpet is a little cheaper but in the long run, you will need to replace it many times. Laminate will last for many years.

Answer 4

If your basement is dry and free of any mould or mildew, try carpet. We have recently finished our concrete basement floor with interlocking carpet tiles. They are sold in boxes of 10 - 12 at most large home improvement stores. They have padding on the bottom, and fit into each other to prevent any shifting. They can also be cut with a utility knife to fit angles and edges. The solution has been great, since the floor is not entirely level. Buy a few more than you need and keep them on hand for replacing any areas than wear sooner than others due to traffic, such as at doorways and at the bottom of stairs. It took only an afternoon to install an area 15' x 40' ! Enjoy!

Answer 5

Paint the concrete with a sealant and carpet it.
Carpet is warmer on the feet and easier to play on (for kids)
Wood has issues on concrete and after running trim it costs more then carpet.

Answer 6

I would go with a tile....Like Armstrong tile. The reason is that it's cheap, easy to apply (just peel off the paper on each tile), is easy to clean like linoleum, will last a long time, and it looks good. Pretty much anything else may have to be too high maintenance for you, especially carpet. With all the vacuuming......and suppose (God forbid) that your basement would flood? What a mess. Best of luck on your decision.

Answer 7

Laminated click together panelling goes down quick, its cheap and lasts well. If you have an accident you can unclick it, replace the damaged piece/s and click it back together, as good as new.
I've tiled painted timbered and carpeted in the past. this wins hands down. Quickstep is one brand but there are dozens to chose from

Answer 8

To much moisture in concrete for laminated wood.
Indoor/outdoor commercial carpet works good.

Answer 9

I would recommend not using wood due to moisture transfer from the concrete.
Tile, stone, paint, stamped concrete, carpet on subfloor are all better bets.

Answer 10

i built a new home a couple years ago and finished the basement with laminate flooring. it was installed properly and with the highest grade liner. still...it began to buckle within a year. never again. i say carpet if you have a dry basement.if you have any moisure...dont bother with anything..paint will peel..tiles will pop,etc. in that case...use area rugs.