If you have a good floor in your basement, it will be easy or you to convert it into good use. Most people neglect their basements due to their excess humidity. The basement, therefore, ends up being a storage room for junk and other old house items. If you want to convert your basement into a useful room such as theatre, wine cellar, family room, game room or any other room, the most-important thing is to get rid of extra moisture. You can achieve this by installing a good floor, ceiling and moisture proof walls.

Basements are the most-challenging part of the house when it comes to flooring options. This is because basements are always having problems with excess moisture. A big majority of basements are constructed using concrete that is good for its strength and durability. However, concrete is very porous which is bad because it allows water from the foundation walls as well as the slab floor to seep in the basement floor. Moisture comes from the earth beneath your home that has different degrees of moisture throughout the year.

In older homes, moisture is a problem since it seeps in the basement from foundation cracks and the joints between the foundation and the walls. Most flooring materials are sensitive to excess humidity. These include hardwood, carpeting, fibre, woodcock flooring and others. However, the good news is that you have other good options when it comes to basement flooring. Here are some other materials that you can consider for successful basement flooring.

Use porcelain for flooring

Porcelain is a classic flooring material which has been used for ages. It is available in many textures, colours and types. If you are shopping for porcelain tiles, you should go for impervious porcelain tile for basement flooring. It keeps the moisture off your floors. However, it can get cold during cold seasons so ensure that you install porcelain over subflooring materials. This improves your moisture proofing as well as reducing your heating energy costs. It is easy to install as well as maintain throughout the year.

Stick with natural stone

If you want to go for a rustic look in your basement, natural stone is the way to go. Stone is expensive hence make sure that you install it properly. Since natural stone is porous in nature, you are advised to use a below surface chemical sealer. This will prevent your stone from mold and seepage damage.

Stone is beautiful and long-lasting, and it comes in many colours, designs and textures. A stone floor requires minimal maintenance hence it is good for the basement.

Install linoleum floors

Linoleum is one for the most-popular options for basement flooring. It is an inorganic plastic material that is very cheap to buy and install. Since it is not natural, it is resistant to mold, and it is also impervious to moisture. If you manage to purchase it in sheets, it is very easy to install. Linoleum flooring panels come in many sizes, colours, patterns and textures. They are long lasting and easy to manage.

Go for vinyl tiles

Vinyl tiles are good for your basement floor. They are impervious to water hence making them resistant to slime and mold. However, the fact that they come in tile form can be disadvantageous. The space between tiles can be a pathway for moisture seepage.

You have to ensure that you use a good grade adhesive to keep moisture away. The tile form is an advantage since you can create beautiful tile patterns. It also allows you to replace any damaged tiles with ease. Have a good heating system to keep them from freezing in cold weather.

Use laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is not organic, and this makes it good for the basement. The good thing about it is that you can have it custom made to resist cold and moisture. It has a natural look with different grainy textures and colours. It is best if you want your basement to be modern, yet have a classic look. It is relatively expensive so ensure that you have a professional to install it for you. This way it can be done properly to last long with minimal damages.

Go for cork flooring for green floors

If you want to be green and environmentally friendly, cork flooring is a good option for you. Cork is naturally resistant to pests, bacteria and mold. It is easy to install and maintain. It is also good since it acts as an insulating material as well since it does not freeze or get too hot. However, it is susceptible to scratching making it vulnerable to wear and tear. The good thing is that it is relatively inexpensive so you can replace worn out patches easily.

Install epoxy floor covering

Epoxy covering is good for you if you are under constant threat of flooding. However, it is highly expensive though it is worth the cost. An epoxy coat creates a seal against vapour, moisture and any flooding. It is good for basements that are used as family rooms since it protects your furniture from any moisture threat. It also allows you to install carpeting without being worried about flooding and moisture.