Best Basement Flooring Options For Your Home

Basement flooring is normally the last thing on our mind when it comes to decorating a home. Some of us park our cars in our basements without giving the interior design a second thought. Some of us see the basement as a place to relax, maybe even have a party or two. Some people use their basements as storage rooms for extra junk. What ever your individual use is for your basement, your needs for basement flooring will be quite different. And there are many different options out there for you to choose from that will satisfy your basement flooring needs. This article will lay out the different options you have and will aid in your decision when it is time to choose the perfect basement flooring you’re your home!

Concrete
Over half the basements you will walk into in your life will have concrete flooring as concrete is the most common type of basement flooring. Why so, well most people choose to use their basements for storing heavy items and walking through regularly without stipulation as to the type of shoe, or how much mud is on your shoe. So if you use your basement primarily for storing your husbands work boots, or for hauling heavy items in and out on a constant basis, then concrete floors are the absolute best option when it comes to wear and tear. The only con when it comes to concrete basement flooring is its lack of aesthetic value.That is if you don't think outside the box....meaning you could always use your artistic skills and paint the concrete floor. One woman suggested getting a rug that had see through sections so that the painted concrete floor could peek through the holes. Creative indeed!

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile may be a good runner up if you don't want to get concrete because of the fact that it is strong, but understand that you will not be able to treat it as harshly as you can treat concrete floors. You see ceramic tile is not good for areas where heavy things are hauled and stored on a regular basis. So tell your husband that he will NOT be allowed to park his Harley Davidson in the basement anymore if you decide to go with ceramic tile. The great great GREAT thing about having ceramic tile in your basement though is the fact that a washer and dryer can be placed atop the floor with no problem. That is, if you have decided to place a washer/dryer in your basement. Tile protects the floor from water damage and is therefore perfect for a washer and dryer due to the fact that moisture occurs naturally in most basements because of the humidity of the air running beneath the home. Using ceramic tile is perfect for your basement flooring if you will have items such as a washer dryer.

Hardwood Laminate
Hardwood laminate is a great great GREAT good looking option for those who choose to use their basement as an additional room. Some people use their basement for an extra family room, or a game room, and etc, and need for it to appear homey. This is what the hardwood laminate will accomplish for you. Do beware though of the fact that if you don’t have a good ventilation system that the humidity will eventually destroy the wood. Humidity is always a factor to speak with your specialist about when choosing the best type of basement flooring for your home. There are tons of resources you can look to on the net if you have specific questions on basement flooring.

Rubber/Foam Mats
These sound quieting mats have several pros. First of all they are water proof which is so very important when it comes to basement flooring. Also, they don’t have problems with mold buildup. The biggest pro is that rubber/foam mats conceal noise very well. They conceal noises from being hear outside of the basement. Ever had your husband running a load contraption and you wished he would just "go somewhere''?! Well with rubber/foam mats he WILL be able to. As an additional sound proofing effect most people also line their walls and ceiling with acoustic insulating material. This gives you the maximum protection when it comes to sound proofing.

Thick Carpeting
Want to soften up the look of your basement but still be able to not worry about it wearing quickly? Then thick carpeting is a good choice for just that. You will need an air dehumidifier though for basements with carpet so there wont be a mold buildup.

Radiant Heating
These bad boys are a heaven send for those of you who are cold natured and turn into a popsicle when you enter your basement! Radiant Heating Panels are great for very cold basements as they are waterproof, strong, AND create heat.  Yes think of them as a basement flooring version of heated seats! Note that if you have a home that stays hot, or is in a hot climate ALL year around....you may not want to choose radiant heating as an option for your basement flooring!