wood floor in basementBasement Floor Trends, Styles and Basement Flooring to Avoid

Basement floors and flooring are an essential part of any basement remodeling project. There are many great flooring options for you to consider along with some options you may want to stay away from. This basement remodeling guide provides remodeling ideas that can help you select the right basement flooring for your project. This guide will also cover some basic trends and styles as well as remodeling costs for basement floors and flooring.

Sealing the Basement Floor

Making sure have a waterproof basement floor is always the first step in a basement floor remodel. You will also want to make sure you have waterproof basement walls so that water does not seep down onto and under the flooring. Waterproofing your basement is very important and too often skipped over to save money. To start this process you will have to clear your basement of all items. You will then need to closely inspect the basement floor and walls to find any cracks or seepage leaks. An extension cord with a very bright light will help you find many cracks. Look for old stains and potential problem areas. Taking your time here will pay off in the long run, so do not be in a hurry. Fill in any and all cracks in the basement foundation, the  walls or in the basement floor. Any potential crack or seepage area can be susceptible to leaking. Strong epoxy fillers are available that carry a lifetime guarantee against leaks. Be careful to clean and prep any area you are going to repair and you may need to scrap in a small V over the area to let the epoxy set properly. In some cases you might even consider sealing the whole floor. If you have leaking basement walls you may need to have a sealing company seal the outside walls.

Basement Flooring to Stay Away From

Even if your basement floor isn’t leaking, it may be damp or humid. If you have any concerns about moisture, materials that are subject to mold, rot, absorbing water or discoloration are not good options for your basement flooring. These include carpet, wood, wood laminate, bamboo or cork, etc. Carpet and laminate should only be used in basements that are known to be completely dry. A dehumidifier can help remove excess humidity at certain times of the year.

Trends in Basement Floors

For basement floors in very good condition, concrete etching is popular. Etching the existing concrete surface with acid to create attractive designs can be a cost-effective way to use the floor you’ve already have.

Vinyl planking is a great option and one that seems to be very popular. The planking is made to simulate wood and produced from materials that are better suited to below-grade installation in basements. Vinyl planking is offered in a wide variety of colors and styles to match your basement remodeling theme.

Styles of Basement Flooring

You’ll find materials, colors and themes to fit almost any style you prefer, from traditional to modern to eclectic. Today’s most popular basement remodeling styles include retro, country, sports-themed and the man-cave motif. To achieve the style you want in your basement remodeling, many materials are offered and readily available.

Tile remains popular for basements and it comes in a wide variety of looks, sizes, colors and patterns. It can be quite affordable like rolled vinyl and linoleum. Stone is a more expensive look but can really add atmosphere to a basement remodeling project. Again, if you’ve got a dry basement, laminate and carpet are also options to consider for basement flooring. They offer more warmth than tile or stone provides.

Basement Flooring Costs

Your remodeling costs for basement floors and flooring depend first on whether or not repairs need to be made. Depending on the repair, this can be very expensive. For basement floors in good condition, your cost will vary from under $3 per square foot to over $10, depending on the material you choose. Most basement flooring is in the $3-$8 range per square foot. Consult remodeling contractors who specialize in different types of basement flooring to learn more about what’s available and what the costs of each will be.

Conclusion, take some time to gather remodeling ideas for your basement floors. Always get some estimates and talk to the people at Lowe’s, Menards, or at The Home Depot. The more people you to talk to, the better the chances are, that you will find multiple styles and materials that will work with your basement remodeling design, fitting the look you want, at the price you can afford.