Blog Layout

Best Flooring for Basements: Which Option is Best for You?

November 14, 2024
Basement flooring.


Choosing the
best flooring for your basement can be challenging. Basements typically have higher humidity and are more prone to water exposure than other areas in the home, which makes selecting the right materials essential. Today’s options include waterproof laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), engineered hardwood, and engineered bamboo—all of which offer durability, moisture resistance, and a wide variety of styles. In this basement flooring guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each type to help you create a basement space that is as functional as it is beautiful. 

 

Key Considerations for Basement Flooring 

Before diving into the basement flooring types, it’s important to understand what factors should guide your decision. 


  • Moisture Resistance: Basements are prone to moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and other long-term issues. Basement flooring materials that can withstand moisture are essential to avoid warping or damage, especially in places with high humidity or potential water exposure. 
  • Durability: Basements are often used for storage, as family spaces, or even as rental units, so the flooring must be durable. The right flooring should resist wear, scratching, and heavy foot traffic. 
  • Style and Comfort: Basements no longer have to feel like unfinished or underutilized spaces. Basement flooring that brings warmth and style makes the space feel like a true extension of the home’s living space, while comfort-enhancing features, like insulation, can make it more inviting year-round. 

 

Best Flooring for Basements: 5 Great Options

1. Waterproof Laminate 

Waterproof laminate flooring combines the look of wood with enhanced water resistance. Unlike traditional laminate, which can be susceptible to swelling from moisture, waterproof laminate is designed to withstand spills and humidity better. It has a multi-layer structure, with a protective layer on top that shields against scratches and minor water exposure. Laminate is the best flooring for basements with minimal moisture issues where the look of wood is desired but full waterproofing isn’t required. 


Pros: 

  • Affordable alternative to hardwood flooring
  • Realistic wood-like appearance 
  • Scratch-resistant and relatively easy to install 

Cons: 

  • Not fully waterproof, so it’s best in basements with minimal water exposure 
  • Limited design options compared to LVP 


Laminate basement flooring.


2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) - Waterproof Basement Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular options for basements due to its combination of style and performance. Made from multiple layers, LVP is a great choice for anyone looking for waterproof basement flooring and offers a durable surface that can mimic the appearance of wood or stone. Installation is relatively simple, making it an appealing option for DIY enthusiasts or quick renovations. LVP is the best flooring for basements with high moisture levels or areas with potential water exposure, like below-ground spaces or locations near water sources. 


Pros: 

  • Fully waterproof, making it ideal for basements prone to moisture 
  • Highly durable and resistant to scratches and dents 
  • Wide range of styles and textures, mimicking hardwood or stone 

Cons: 

  • Slightly more costly than waterproof laminate or basic vinyl 
  • May feel slightly cold underfoot without underlayment 
  • Due to thinness of vinyl products, extra subfloor prep is often required 
  • Layout limitations due to manufacturers installation guidelines 


3. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) - Waterproof Basement Flooring

Similar to LVP, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another excellent type of waterproof flooring for your basement, but in a tile format. LVT often mimics stone or ceramic tile, making it a stylish option for basements where a tile look is preferred. It’s easier on the feet than traditional tile and less cold to the touch, adding comfort to basement spaces. LVT is the best basement flooring for homeowners who prefer a tiled look but want a softer, warmer feel. 


Pros: 

  • Fully waterproof, tile-like appearance, comfortable underfoot 
  • Excellent for areas prone to water exposure 
  • Easy to maintain and clean 

Cons: 

  • Can feel cold without underlayment in unheated spaces 
  • Limited warmth compared to wood-based flooring 
  • Due to thinness of vinyl products, extra subfloor prep is often required 
  • Layout limitations due to manufacturers installation guidelines 
  • Limited olor selection compared to LVP 


4. Engineered Hardwood 

Engineered hardwood is a layered product made of real wood veneer on top of a plywood or fiberboard base. While it isn’t fully waterproof, engineered hardwood moisture-resistant than and can withstand minor humidity fluctuations, which is why it’s sometimes recommended for basements. However, it’s best suited for dry, temperature-controlled basements. Engineered hardwood is the best flooring option for finished basements with stable humidity and temperature, where a high-end wood look is desired. 


Pros: 

  • Offers the aesthetic appeal of real wood 
  • Better humidity resistance than traditional hardwood 
  • Adds value and warmth to a basement space 

Cons: 

  • Not fully waterproof, so it’s best for basements with controlled humidity 
  • Higher price point compared to other options like LVP 


Engineered hardwood basement flooring.


5. Bamboo Flooring 

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option that’s stronger and more moisture-resistant than many other natural wood options. For basement settings, strand-woven bamboo is the best choice due to its density and durability. While not completely waterproof, bamboo can handle humidity better than traditional hardwood. Bamboo is a great basement flooring choice for eco-conscious homeowners who want a natural look in a relatively dry basement space. 


Pros: 

  • Eco-friendly and highly renewable 
  • Durable, moisture-resistant, and stylish 
  • Softer feel underfoot compared to traditional tile or vinyl 

Cons: 

  • Requires a relatively dry basement with controlled humidity 
  • Can scratch under heavy traffic 

 

More Basement Flooring Tips

  • Vapor Barrier and Underlayment: Before installing any flooring in a basement, consider laying a vapor barrier or underlayment. These barriers help prevent moisture from seeping up through the floor and provide added insulation and comfort. 
  • Climate Control: Installing a dehumidifier or ensuring good ventilation in your basement can help keep moisture levels down. Proper climate control reduces the risk of mold growth and prolongs the life of your flooring. 
  • Subfloor Prep: Make sure your basement floor is relatively flat, clean, and dry before installation. Extremely unneven floors can lead to improper installation and damage to flooring materials over time. For some options like engineered hardwood, a concrete subfloor may require special underlayment sheeting, adhesives or padding. 
  • Consider Flooring Style for Usage: If your basement is used as a family room, opt for a flooring material with added warmth and comfort, like LVP or engineered hardwood. For utility or storage areas, waterproof laminate or LVT may be more practical and cost-effective. 


Basement Flooring FAQ:

1. What is the best type of flooring for a basement?

The best flooring for a basement is waterproof or water-resistant to withstand moisture. Popular options include waterproof laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and engineered bamboo, each offering durability, style, and moisture resistance.

2. Which basement flooring option is the most budget-friendly?

Typically, LVT and LVP are more affordable than waterproof laminate or engineered bamboo. Luxury vinyl options offer excellent durability and water resistance at an accessible price point, making them popular for budget-conscious basement renovations.

3. Can I install basement flooring directly over concrete?

Yes, installing flooring directly over concrete in a basement is common, but proper preparation is essential. Concrete can release moisture, which can damage certain types of flooring. To protect against this, it’s best to apply a moisture barrier or underlayment before installing your flooring. Waterproof laminate, LVT, LVP, and engineered bamboo are all suitable for installation over concrete, provided that moisture control measures are in place.

4. Is it necessary to install a moisture barrier under basement flooring?

Yes, a moisture barrier is recommended under basement flooring to prevent water from seeping through the subfloor and damaging your floor. This is especially important in basements, where moisture levels are typically higher.

5. Can I install radiant heating in the basement?

Many waterproof laminate, LVT, LVP, and engineered bamboo floors are compatible with radiant heating systems, but it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some materials may have specific requirements to ensure safe and effective heating.

6. How long do LVT, LVP, and waterproof laminate floors last in basements?

With proper care, LVT, LVP, and waterproof laminate can last 15-20 years or more in a basement environment. Engineered bamboo also has a similar lifespan when maintained well.

7. Are these flooring options environmentally friendly?

Many LVT and LVP options are manufactured using recycled materials and are recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Engineered bamboo is an eco-friendly choice, as bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource. Look for products with low VOC emissions to reduce indoor air pollutants.

 

Conclusion

Selecting the best flooring for a basement requires balancing durability, moisture resistance, and style. Waterproof laminate, LVP, LVT, engineered hardwood, and engineered bamboo each offer unique features suited to different needs and aesthetic preferences. By assessing your basement’s specific conditions and planning for moisture control, you can create a space that’s not only functional but welcoming. With the right flooring, your basement can truly become a valuable and versatile extension of your home.

Recent Articles

LVP flooring in a modern living room with a natural colored sofa.
November 5, 2024
Find out everything you need to know about Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, including the benefits, drawbacks, key considerations and installation tips.
Portland contractor showing brand new flooring in a spacious home.
November 1, 2024
Discover the top contractors in Portland for all your home care needs, from flooring to landscaping. Get expert tips for choosing the right contractor.
Bamboo flooring in a modern apartment.
October 18, 2024
A must-read comparison of bamboo vs cork flooring to help you choose the right sustainable wood flooring option for your home.
Flooring trends for 2025
October 4, 2024
Discover 2025 flooring trends, featuring eco-friendly materials, bold patterns, and cutting-edge technology for a modern, stylish home upgrade.
September 5, 2024
Oregon is considered one of the most environmentally conscious states in the country. Known for their eco-conscious ideology and sustainable practices, Oregonians consciously work to build communities that cherish and protect the state's natural resources. The Woodworks Innovation Network (WIN) Mass Timber project in Lake Oswego is an example of Oregon's dedication to environmentalism and innovation in education. In 2021 a brand-new public-school facility with a mass timber structure was completed for the Lake Oswego School District. As Lake Oswego’s preferred hardwood flooring supplier, Rejuvenation Floor & Design is proud to highlight one of the most unique wooden structures in the Portland Metro Area, Lakeridge Middle School. Mahlum Architects designed this school with students' specific social and academic needs in mind, believing that improved learning environments promote better learning. Before construction was completed, community members were invited to participate in a tour of the site, accompanied by members of the project team, who provided tips and tactics for managing code-compliant mass timber projects. Project team members provided information on the design, detailing, and construction methods used in the structure. In addition to insights into the project's design and execution, participants left with an understanding of the elements that affected the choices of materials and details, as the tour format is designed to foster questions and conversation. With its exposed wood structural system, Lakeridge Middle School is a warm and inviting place where kids can feel a connection to the natural world. The interior and exterior of the building are supported by whole-tree columns made from hardwood trees that were felled on the construction site. For 29 columns—16 interior and 13 exterior—the team determined that Oregon White Oak, Scarlet Oak, and Sweetgum were the appropriate species for the school. Within 200 miles of the project location, all the work necessary to get the trees ready for use as columns was completed. For the same load, these columns are roughly equivalent to an HSS steel column. (A typical column may hold more than 1,000 pounds of CO2e. Over 11 US tons of CO2e are estimated to be stored in all columns). White Oak is a beautiful domestic species of wood whose tight grain makes it naturally water-resistant and durable, a perfect choice for high-traffic areas. To create a unique learning place focused on nature and the principles of biophilic design and sustainability the designers of the two-story, 141,000-square-foot facility used additional wood components, such as glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams, dowel-laminated timber (DLT) panels, wood-sheathed shear walls, and other engineered wood products. Engineered flooring is also a great choice for sustainability because it makes better use of wood fibers, cutting waste and encouraging environmentally friendly forestry methods. Brands like Somerset Flooring, which manufacture their floors in the USA utilize production waste, turning it into wood pellet fuel. In addition to offering sound absorption, locally produced DLT ceiling panels were installed and used for the cafeteria/common area ceilings. Cork products and cork flooring also make great insulators and can be used in a myriad of ways in different interiors. The two gymnasiums with their solid hardwood flooring will be the center of many games and activities. Maple flooring is great for gymnasium floors due to its durability, shock resistance, and stability. The library was also a focus during construction. To lower stress levels and improve student well-being, the district aimed to create "a more intimate space to celebrate reading the printed word," and the architects succeeded in doing so by utilizing the warmth of the wood in the library. And what better place to showcase the beauty of wood than surrounded by hundreds of books, paper, and spines that are all thanks to wood? Did you know some flooring companies even utilize recycled paper in their products? The finished project satisfied the district’s objectives for sustainability, safety, accessibility, operations, and student well-being. This stunning building, which was designed with careful consideration for the use of wood-based structural materials, doubles as a community emergency shelter thanks to upgrades made to the structural system to meet the strict standards of Seismic Category IV. Wood was also instrumental in developing a high-performance envelope that assisted in reducing the goal energy use intensity (EUI) from a middle school baseline by seventy percent. An estimated $400,000 is saved on energy costs each year, allowing the district to allocate a larger portion of its budget to education. Because of wood's effective thermal conductivity, the district was able to design a high-performance envelope and save almost $400,000 in energy expenses annually, allowing the district to allocate a larger portion of its budget to education. In addition to meeting Architecture 2030 energy standards, Lakeridge Middle School is registered with the Energy Trust of Oregon's Path to Net Zero program. However, the main objective of the project has always been to create an effective learning environment. Because of the project team's careful selection of materials and architectural elements uncommon in K–12 educational facilities, Lakeridge Middle School can serve as a model for using wood in contemporary school architecture. Rejuvenation Floor & Design provides its Lake Oswego neighbors with the widest selection of hardwood flooring brands that put the environment and sustainability at the forefront of manufacturing. Brands like Kentwood, Mirage, and Somerset meet CA Section 01350 and UL’s GREENGUARD Gold, two of the strictest emissions standards in the world, and NWFA Certified Refinishable products, which means they can be refinished and renewed instead of replaced. That’s a guarantee that’s sustainable and budget-friendly! Visit our showroom today and let’s keep Oregon green together!
Father and son installing Audacity flooring.
September 1, 2024
Thinking about Audacity flooring? Read customer reviews to discover the pros, cons, and real-life performance before making your purchase decision.
August 30, 2024
Considering floating wood floors? Get the complete guide on their installation, benefits, and maintenance to make an informed choice for your space.
Hardwood floor inlays, borders and medallions.
August 22, 2024
Discover design ideas and how these details can transform your space. Add a touch of elegance with hardwood floor inlays, borders, and medallions.
August 17, 2024
Situated in the center of Beaverton Oregon business core, the Bank of Beaverton building is a Spanish colonial-style structure constructed in 1923 and recognized as a contributing component within the city's National Register Historic District. In addition to giving one of Beaverton's historic sites fresh life, its reuse honors an architectural treasure and captures a pivotal time in the city's growth. Rejuvenation Floor & Design is proud to be Beaverton’s preferred flooring supplier for historical restoration and restaurant establishments in Beaverton Oregon.
Side-by-side comparison of hardwood and carpet flooring.
August 13, 2024
Deciding between carpet and hardwood? Get the lowdown on costs, tips, and the pros and cons of each to make an informed choice for your home.
More Posts
Share by: