I'm about to install flooring in my basement.Given basements are damper and darker,what type flooring is best?

Question

Lanolieum, ceramic tile, parkay tiles, wood, or carpet? Tips on color to brighten the room would also be helpful. Thanks.

Answer 1

If your basement is dry, you can use engineered hardwood...and it will look way better than the parkay tiles.

Carpet is an option, but if you have any moisture it will get in the carpet and mold.

a good friend of mine actually got a deal on travertine stone flooring and put it in his basement and it looks great. However stone or ceramic can get really cold in the wintertime if you live in a northern climate. the grout can crack if your foundation expands and contracts alot with the season change.

I really don't like linoleum flooring...personal preference.

Answer 2

You make the general statement that basements are damp and dark, but how is YOUR basement?  I never get a drop of moisture in mine.  I am still up in the air with 2 choices.  I'm either going to use engineered wood (not laminate) or carpet tile.  The wood will work fine as long as you use the proper padding/membrane beneath it.  The carpet tile is nice because it has padding attached and 1 or 2 pieces can be removed if needed.  Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I'd say the same thing, ceramic tile or linoleum. In the event you get any water in there it will be much easier to cleanup.

Answer 4

either vinyl tile or ceramic.

Wood or carpeting will absorb dampness and cause trouble and odors and mold.