Having a basement means you have extra space that is open to a world of possibilities. From games rooms to theatre spaces to playrooms and everything in between, the basement can be anything you want it to be.
When it comes to choosing flooring for the basement, this comes with its own set of challenges. Basements are often moister and damper than other parts of the house, so the possibility of mould and mildew growing increases. Having the wrong type of flooring can contribute to this growth, which can impact you and your family’s health.
If mould and mildew growth occurs, this can damage the floors and anything that is sitting on top of them. Furniture, toys, electronic equipment, etc. can be damaged by the growth of these unwanted spores. Do yourself a favour and make sure to pick the right type of flooring for your basement. Below are some options you might want to consider.
- Floating Floors
This type of flooring isn’t nailed or glued down, so there’s an opportunity to place a moisture barrier between the basement’s concrete slab and the flooring. This can decrease the chances of mould and mildew growing while giving you a beautiful and functional floor.
Floating floors that are suitable for installing in a basement include carpet tiles, luxury vinyl planks and tiles, cork flooring, sheet vinyl, engineered hardwood, and laminate.
- Ceramic Tile
This flooring choice is incredibly durable and water resistant. The tiles themselves will not contribute to mould or mildew growth, but the grout between could become problematic. However, by treating it with a water sealant, the chance of these growing can be reduced.
Ceramic tile comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so you’ll be able to find one that matches your décor and style needs.
- Floor Tiles and a Vapor Barrier
Getting floor tiles that come with an attached vapour barrier will reduce the amount of mould and mildew growth in your basement and give you a variety of flooring options to choose from. These come in carpet tiles or tiles that look like natural stone. This flooring protects you from hazardous growth and gives you the comfort you hope for in your basement.
Getting the right flooring for your basement is important to match the style and décor of the area, but also for the health of the people in the house. There are options available for any style or design, and talking to a flooring professional will give you the option of picking the flooring that suits your tastes and needs.
