Few things add to a home’s potential like a finished basement. They can provide a place for kids to play, an apartment to generate a little extra income, and increase the home’s overall value.
Unfortunately, many homeowners renovate their basements without realizing that below-grade rooms have special needs. This is especially true when it comes to floors; some simply won’t work. In this post, we discuss a few options that will.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile floors are popular in kitchens and bathrooms, so they should work in basements too, right? Well, not always.
While all porcelain tile is ceramic, not all ceramic is porcelain. One of the most important differences is the absorption rate. Ceramic tiles absorb more moisture than porcelain. This isn’t typically a problem in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture contact tends to be sporadic. But when exposure is constant (such as in basements), it can prove more challenging for conventional ceramic.
During manufacturing, porcelain tiles are fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic, which makes them more impervious. This means that moisture absorption isn’t a problem, even if it’s constant. In fact, porcelain is so versatile that it’s frost resistant and rated for outdoor use. So it certainly won’t be a problem in your basement.
LifeGuard Carpet
Carpet in the basement? Yes, it’s possible with the LifeGuard backing. It’s designed to be completely waterproof above and below. Since sub-grade moisture tends to come from below, LifeGuard offers protection both ways. Just choose your carpet padding with care. Avoid rubber and consider polyurethane foam.
Engineered Hardwood
It’s important to note that not all engineered hardwood is the same. While all engineered planks are more resistant to humidity and moisture than solid planks, the actual tolerance varies for each.
Fortunately, some engineered hardwood planks feature a completely waterproof build. Our Eminence collection is one such example. It features the rich styles that we have come to expect from hardwood in a completely waterproof build. No acclimation period is needed after installation as it’s also designed to handle drastic temperature changes.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
When vinyl flooring first hit the market, it was known for being completely waterproof and…not much else. It was easily damaged, giving it the reputation of a cheap flooring choice.
Fortunately, newer luxury vinyl floors are just as durable as their natural wood and stone counterparts – and retain their waterproof properties. Needless to say, it’s an ideal choice for basements, especially if you plan to use it for storage. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly flooring options.
Learn More
Every home is different and comes with its own unique needs. If you’re ready to make an informed choice, visit the leading flooring experts in The Dalles at Gary Denney Floor Covering today!
