Transforming Your Basement with the Right Flooring

Basements are a mainstay in Colorado. It’s hard to find a home without the added extra space underground.

Yet basements aren’t the easiest things to care for. Being underground creates added problems for the space. It’s colder. It has more moisture. It’s darker.

You want a vibrant space that speaks to your lifestyle and showcases your personality. You want a space that’s easy to maintain. Can you get all of that and more?

The good news is yes, it’s possible. Whether you’re building out your basement for the first time, or remodeling or renovating it to achieve what you truly desire, there are many things to consider, starting with the flooring.

Every Basement Is Different

We’ve had some homeowners come in complaining about a cold, damp space. Other homeowners don’t notice much difference between the main level and the basement.

Like every home, every basement is different. Before you select the right flooring to suit your needs, it pays to consider what impacts you the most.

Purpose and Use

Transforming Your Basement with the Right FlooringStart with purpose and use. What rooms will you ultimately include in your basement floorplan? Media space? A bedroom? A home gym? A game room might also equate to high-traffic space; the kids will be playing and running around every time they enter the space. That means you should choose flooring that is both durable and easy to clean. For a home gym, consider rubber or foam tiles for comfort and shock absorption. For a guest bedroom, opt for a cozy carpet or luxury vinyl.

Aesthetic Appeal

This is where most homeowners start, and it’s critical you finalize a design you’ll be happy with for years to come. This is where you’ll hang with the family. Bring friends in for a game night or watching the big game on tv. Select flooring that matches the intended use and style of your remodeled basement. Whether it’s a cozy family room, a sleek home gym, or a chic guest suite, the flooring should complement your design vision.

Subfloor Condition

We will stress that a good place to start is by looking at your subfloor. This sets the stage for how well any flooring will react over the years. Start by assessing the condition of your basement’s subfloor before your remodel. Do you have problem areas even before you begin? You want it to be level, dry, and free of cracks. Some flooring options may require a moisture barrier or an underlayment to prevent issues related to dampness and uneven surfaces. Working with an expert will ensure your flooring is installed correctly, but you can help by taking notes on your problem areas throughout the year.

Moisture and Humidity

Basements are prone to moisture and humidity, even in the best of conditions. It comes with the territory when you’re underground. That makes it crucial to choose flooring that can withstand these conditions. It helps prevent problems even if you haven’t noticed a problem before. Waterproof or moisture-resistant materials like vinyl, tile, and certain types of engineered wood are ideal choices. Protect your investment before you have one – think of it as your peace of mind policy.

Insulation and Warmth

That coolness will come through no matter what the weather – basements can be cooler than the rest of the house. To combat that problem, consider flooring that provides good insulation or can be paired with underfloor heating systems. Carpet tiles, sheet vinyl, and insulated vinyl planks can add warmth and comfort.

Budget and Installation Process

When budgeting for your remodel, remember to add in material costs and installation process. This includes any necessary subfloor preparation or moisture barriers. Some flooring types, like floating vinyl planks or interlocking tiles, are easier to install and might be suitable for DIY projects. Others, like ceramic tiles or engineered wood, may require professional installation.

Flooring Choices for Basements and What Makes Them Good Options

Ready to get into the details? Wondering which flooring material best suits your needs? The good news is you have lots of options when it comes to choosing flooring for your basement. Given all the criteria we’ve talked about so far, here are five excellent choices that might be a perfect addition to your basement:

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a fantastic choice for basements due to its water-resistant or waterproof nature and durability. Available in various styles, including planks, tiles, and sheets, vinyl can mimic the look of wood or stone while being impervious to moisture. This makes it an ideal option for areas prone to dampness. Additionally, vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your basement floor stays in great condition with minimal effort.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are another excellent option for basement flooring. These tiles are waterproof, highly durable, and come in numerous designs to suit any aesthetic preference. Their resistance to moisture makes them perfect for basement environments, and they can handle high traffic without showing wear and tear. For added comfort, ceramic or porcelain tiles can be paired with radiant floor heating, providing warmth underfoot in cooler basement spaces.

Engineered Wood

For those who love the look of real wood, engineered wood is a suitable choice for basements. Engineered wood is more stable than solid wood in humid conditions because it has a plywood base that resists moisture better. This stability makes it a better fit for basements, offering the beauty of natural wood without the risk of warping. It’s a great way to bring warmth and elegance to your basement.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers a moisture-resistant and easy-to-install option for basement floors. It is designed to mimic the appearance of wood or stone, providing a stylish look at a more affordable price. Laminate flooring can handle some level of moisture, making it suitable for basements that are not excessively damp. It’s also easy to maintain, which is a bonus for busy households.

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are an excellent choice for basements where comfort and insulation are priorities. These tiles are not only easy to install but also allow for individual sections to be replaced if damaged by moisture. Carpet tiles provide warmth and cushioning, making them perfect for creating a cozy basement space. Their ease of replacement means you can maintain a fresh look without having to replace the entire floor.

What’s Your Choice?

Choosing the right flooring for your basement involves balancing moisture resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Yet you have options, and can find one that best suits your lifestyle.

Need some help? That’s what we’re here for. Stop by today and we’ll provide you with lots of options to choose from. With a little planning and foresight, we know you’re going to love your final design.

How can we help?

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Upgrading Your Basement Flooring for a Cozy Retreat

Curb appeal is everything. You know this, and you’ve done well with your home’s aesthetics. The front door is welcoming. Opening the door pulls you inside. And the hardwood – your dream flooring – stretches across your home, providing a beautiful base.

You’re happy with the results.

But now you have a new problem. You’re renovating the basement, and you aren’t sure what to do. You love hardwood … but will it work in the basement? Or should you rely on something else?

When transforming your basement into a cozy retreat, one of the most important aspects to consider is your choice of flooring. Basements have unique requirements and challenges that demand careful consideration.

What flooring should you select?

Why Basements Have Special Needs

Each stair takes you lower. You sense it in the temperature, the surroundings. It’s below grade and you feel it.

Maybe that’s why you’ve postponed a remodel multiple times. You aren’t quite sure what to do. The first thing is to recognize that basements have special needs.

Below-grade Problems

Basements are inherently different from the rest of your home because they are partially or entirely below ground level. They are susceptible to unique issues like moisture intrusion and temperature fluctuations. Unlike upper floors, basements are closer to the earth’s natural temperature, which can lead to a cooler and sometimes damp environment.

Moisture-Resistance

Upgrading Your Basement Flooring for a Cozy RetreatBasements are notorious for being damp and prone to moisture-related problems. Whether it’s water seeping through the foundation, high humidity levels, or potential flooding, your basement flooring needs to be moisture-resistant to protect against damage and mold growth.

Subfloor Options

The type of subfloor you have in your basement can also impact your flooring choice. Some basements have concrete subfloors, while others may have a wooden base. It can affect wearability and impact flooring material and installation methods.

Flexibility for Ever-Changing Issues

Basements can be prone to issues that evolve over time. For example, you may have resolved a moisture problem one year, only to face a new challenge the next. Your basement flooring should be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions without needing a complete replacement.

What Your Basement Flooring Needs

Do a quick search, and you’ll find many articles touting the benefits of one flooring type throughout the home. While that works for some houses, it’s easier to select two or three that complement one another, and use them appropriately depending on the room. Otherwise, you may be disappointed in how a material handles over time.

Basements need a host of characteristics that might not be as necessary in other rooms. Things like:

Durability

Basement flooring should withstand heavy foot traffic, potential water exposure, and the test of time. It should be resilient to scratches, dents, and other wear and tear.

Moisture Protection

As previously mentioned, moisture is a significant concern in basements. Your flooring should act as a barrier against moisture, preventing it from seeping through and causing damage to your subfloor or creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Warmth

Basements can feel cold due to their proximity to the ground. To create a cozy retreat, it’s essential that your flooring provides some level of insulation and warmth. Nobody wants to step onto a frigid floor in their basement sanctuary.

Flexibility

Flexibility is key when dealing with basement flooring. As conditions change, your flooring should be able to adapt without requiring a complete overhaul. This includes accommodating minor shifts in the subfloor and the potential for moisture fluctuations.

Easy to Care For

Maintaining basement flooring should be hassle-free. It’s important that your chosen material is easy to clean and doesn’t require specialized maintenance routines.

Aesthetically Pleasing

No matter how functional your basement flooring is, you won’t fall in love with it if it isn’t aesthetically pleasing. Your basement flooring should contribute to the overall aesthetics of your retreat. It should complement your design style and create an inviting atmosphere.

What Flooring to Consider for Your Basement

It would be a dull world if all flooring looked alike. Luckily, that’s not a problem. Stop by our retail showroom, and you’ll find hundreds of samples to explore.

Of course, not all flooring works in all situations. As you’re designing your comfy basement retreat, we recommend several different flooring materials:

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring, often called LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or LVP (luxury vinyl plank), has gained immense popularity for basement applications. It’s known for its remarkable durability and moisture resistance. Luxury vinyl can mimic the look of hardwood, tile, or stone, giving you a wide range of design options. Additionally, it’s warm underfoot, easy to clean, and can be installed as a floating floor, which is ideal for basements with minor moisture concerns.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is another excellent choice for basements. It is engineered to be resistant to moisture and provides an affordable way to achieve the look of hardwood or tile. Laminate is known for its durability and ease of installation, often featuring a click-lock system that allows for a DIY-friendly installation process. It’s also easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for a basement retreat. And if you do have any problems with its click-lock system, you can easily remove the area affected and replace it to look as good as new.

Carpet

Carpeting can add a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your basement retreat. However, it’s crucial to select moisture-resistant carpeting and consider using a moisture barrier or pad to prevent potential moisture issues. Carpet is excellent for providing warmth and sound insulation, making it a comfortable choice for a basement entertainment area or bedroom. Regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning are necessary for maintaining its appearance.

Tile

If you’re looking for a durable and moisture-resistant option that can handle high traffic, tile is a great choice. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are both suitable for basements and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They are easy to clean and will not harbor moisture or mold. However, keep in mind that tile can be cold underfoot, so consider using area rugs or installing radiant floor heating for added comfort.

Engineered Hardwood

While traditional solid hardwood may not be the best choice for basements due to its susceptibility to moisture-related issues, engineered hardwood can offer a compromise. Engineered hardwood is constructed with a layered design that makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. It provides the timeless beauty of hardwood while being better suited to the unique conditions of a basement. However, it’s essential to ensure that the basement’s moisture levels are within an acceptable range before considering engineered hardwood. Have a question about it? We’re here to answer them.

Choose Basement Flooring Right For You

Upgrading your basement flooring for a cozy retreat involves careful consideration of the unique needs and challenges that basements present. With those thoughts in mind, you’ll have lots of choices, and will be able to find one to suit your needs.

Want more information? Let’s talk. We’re here to explore these options further and help you start planning your basement retreat transformation today!

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Use Flooring To Brighten Your Basement

It’s exciting redecorating your home. You can take a room that has fizzled out, and turn it into a place you love.

But what works on your main level living space isn’t always the greatest advice for your basement. Basements can be darker, dingier, and leave you feeling like you’re walking into a cavern.

Here’s the secret: it starts with your basement flooring. As you’re redecorating your basement and turning it into a space you’ll love, make sure you select the right flooring.

Understanding light

Basements are different because of the way they are lit. They exist underground, and have few or no windows. Even if windows exist, they are usually smaller than other windows throughout your home. And yet when it comes to decorating, most homes are lit the same way as other rooms.

No wonder they’re so dark!

It is possible to add more windows, or even enlarge the ones you have. Keep in mind it isn’t as easy as replacing other windows throughout your home. But if you’re renovating your forever home, it might be worth the cost.

Use Flooring To Brighten Your BasementWith windows in place, ensure that they aren’t covered and are fully used to give off natural light to the space throughout the day. Make them light, bright and airy by keeping the glass as clean as can be. If you do add curtains or blinds, be sure you can pull them away from the window during the day. Amplify this natural light as much as you can because it will improve the way your basement looks and functions.

Of course, you can always bring in additional lighting sources too. Think multidimensional lighting as you add in sources. Layers will fill every space with appropriate light. Start with recessed lighting as it gives off a broader range of light. Lights in the ceiling add more light to the room, and because they aren’t taking up space, they can add more room to play with other decor.

From there, layer the lighting in other places, such as a lamp on an end table, and spotlights on artwork and shelving.

The more light the better.

Stick with light colored basement flooring

Before you start shopping for new basement flooring, consider all your basement goes through in a year.

Is it damp? Do you have trouble with moisture from time to time?

Keeping your flooring in good condition throughout the year should be your first thought. You don’t want to have to worry about mold or mildew after a few months.

As you narrow in on your choices, focus on light colored flooring. You may love your dark hardwood in the main living space, but the dark color can make your basement look smaller. Light flooring opens up basement areas. Also, try to use the same flooring throughout the basement, as that will also open up the space.

If you love your hardwood and want to stick with it, if possible. We suggest you move towards one of the other popular floorings such as engineered wood, luxury vinyl planks, or wood look tile. But whatever you decide, go with a lighter shade. Select a natural wood look, whitewashed, or even a light gray.

Light is always better.

A lot of homeowners move towards carpet because it adds warmth to an already cooler basement. If your basement includes a movie theater, a bedroom, or a game room where you love to come together as a family late into the evening, carpet may be a good choice. Again, make sure you stick with lighter shades of beige or gray to keep the space open and inviting.

If warmth is one of your top concerns, you can also look towards radiant heating. It sits underneath tile or luxury vinyl planks, making the floors warm to the touch, and adding warmth to the space from the bottom up.

Other tricks to try to brighten your basement up

Have you noticed how we’ve suggested sticking with light colored decor so far in this article? We’re going to continue with that suggestion here. Skip the dark wood furniture, and the black or navy sofas and chairs. Consider white, cream, or light gray instead. You might even use glass coffee or end tables to help reflect the light.

Mirrors are also a great way to make the space look larger. Find unique ways of incorporating them in every room. Creating a mirrored wall will open up a home gym. Adding a large mirror in a game room will enlarge the space. As you shop around you’ll find mirrors in all kinds of formats. Focus on the frame, and you can easily replace artwork with a mirror and have it stand out in your space.

It goes without saying that when you select paint for the walls, stick to light colors. You don’t have to go with pure white to open up the room. With so many shades of white, you’ll find the perfect one for your decor. You can even use two different tones, select a whiter white for doors and molding to make the whole thing pop.

Now let’s go back to the floors. Even if you decide to cover the floors with engineered wood, luxury vinyl tile, or wood look tile, you can make the room cozy by laying down a rug. Once again, focus on the color and the pattern, ensuring it’s weaved with light colored fibers. With so many choices today, you can find a variety of area rugs that can handle the activities of any basement space. Focus on patterns to help camouflage dirt. Or play with color to add a bit of pizazz to the space.

Above all, have fun with the process and love everything you put into your basement’s decor. Ultimately, this is about making a space you and your family will use from day to day.

Do a few searches online. You’ll find motivation everywhere in the home remodeling websites, online magazines, and even on Pinterest.

It’s easy to dream about the perfect living space when you start at the base. Lighten up your basement flooring, and use that as a way to breathe new life into the rooms you’ll use most.

How can we help you make the right flooring selection?

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Smart Choices For Basements

What’s one of the biggest concerns for finishing off or remodeling a basement? Moisture problems. Whether you’ve had leaks or floods in the past, or are simply considering the option as you finish your basement for the first time, moisture can be a problem in basements applications.Smart Choices For Basements

Which means it’s important to install the right basement flooring to ensure best results.

Because the floor of your basement is below grade, the lowest surface of your home, it requires special consideration before your flooring can be installed. If it is susceptible to water, addressing the problem before you lay flooring is a given. Sealing your basement from water and moisture can be a big part of your remodeling budget.

Humidity and condensation are other concerns. Moist, humid air is heavy; it sinks to the lowest part of your home. When warmer, humid air comes in contact with the cooler surfaces of your home, such as a concrete slab floor, it condenses. And if it sits for too long, it can bring about mold and mildew growth. Heating and cooling systems often are equipped with a dehumidifier that helps maintain relative humidity levels for better indoor environment. The key is addressing concerns before they cause a problem.

Then it’s decision time.

Surveys show that new basement installs use carpeting in almost thirty percent of the builds. It’s a warmer option than other flooring choices, something that is important in an already cool place of the home. It also adds soundproofing, which can be important on a cement base.

Wall to wall carpeting is the easiest to install, and a low-cost option for homeowners trying to stretch the remodel budget. If you’re still worried about moisture issues, consider a pad made to block moisture from either seeping into the carpet or seeping down to the concrete below. Cleanups will be easier, and you won’t have chronic problems in the event minor water damage occurs.

Tile can also be a great choice, especially over concrete slabs. With many styles and colors available, they can give your home a flair for fashion for years to come, while maintaining a durable flooring option in the process.

Many homeowners also lean towards engineered wood. While this can carry a hardwood theme from your upper levels down into your basement, it also gives your basement durability. Because solid wood changes dimensions with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, basements often increase the chances of warping and cracking. Laminate or engineered wood decreases those chances, adds reliability and durability in the process.

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Waterproof Flooring For Your Basement

Here in Colorado, many homes have a basement. And when most people look at expanding the square footage of their home, they look to their basements. If you have a walkout basement, in many cases you can have a look and feel that matches your upper levels. But even if its tucked away with only a few garden windows, the usable space can still give you beautiful space you can enjoy for years.Waterproof Flooring For Your Basement

With basement space, however, there is usually one problem that can make you think twice about finishing it: water. If water has been a common problem, and has seeped into your basement more than once, do you really want to put effort into something that may be damaged?

The most obvious spot to start with is the flooring. While other aspects of your basement are easier to save in the event of seeping water, the first area impacted is usually the floor. Is there a way to find a waterproof flooring choice, and have it be beautiful too?

The answer is yes.

If you’ve sustained water damage before, the first step is to work with a contractor to eliminate as much of the problem as possible before finishing your basement. Yet basements are under ground, which means even if you have taken every precaution, there is always a chance for future flooding. Which means finding the perfect flooring that can take water.

Some people may stick with good old fashioned concrete flooring. Concrete by far is a great choice at being waterproof and avoiding damage when contact with water is made. And with today’s choices of materials, concrete is no longer the boring choice it one was. That said, concrete is still a cold hard floor, which can make your basement not-so-livable on those cold winter evenings.

Tile is an upgrade over concrete, and with the many sizes, styles and colors available, you can quickly make your home as elegant as you choose. You’ll find tiles in bathrooms and around pool areas with good reason – they handle perfectly in wet situations. Which makes tile the perfect choice for a game room or living space in your basement.

Today’s vinyl is not like you had in the home you grew up in. Today’s vinyl is luxurious and can take on any style you choose. Want a stone look? How about hardwood? There’s a vinyl choice for you. Plus vinyl has a cushion to it, making it a softer choice in homes with kids or elderly.

Still love the look of hardwoods? Many people do. And while traditional hardwoods may not be the best choice for your basement, you do have options. Manufacturers like Armstrong make waterproof flooring options that bring the look of natural hardwood into the places you want it most – like your basement. And with its easy installation process, it can be a DIY project or have one of our installers finish your basement in no time.

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