Basement flooring recommendations

[Brooke O'Bryan]

I have just under 600 sq ft in a basement to floor/carpet. Looking for the most affordable option that will also show well for the flip. Looking for specific links or recommendations. 

[Geordy Rostad]

@Brooke O'Bryan

In my basement, I did a coated concrete finish. If I were to do it again, I might just do a grind and seal on it. Depending what part of the country you are in, that might play well to the market OR.... people might not understand.

Probably best to just carpet it. Something that makes the basement seem "warm". Especially if you are in a colder climate. 

Look around at other listing pictures in your local area and pay attention to what flooring other people are putting in basements.

[Max T.]

Carpet is the cheapest and will look fine, but if there is any chance of moisture down there I'd avoid it. 

Vinyl plank flooring would be my next choice.

Or if the floor underneath is level and thick enough go with ceramic tile. At 600 sq ft your material cost won't be so bad.

[Billy Smith]

A floating floor is a great option .

[Anthony Rosa]

If the floor is damp do nothing. If not, you can install sectional carpet that comes in individual  2'x2' sections. Easy to install and replace damaged areas.  Vinyl plank or vinyl tile is nice as well.

[Kevin Sobilo]

I just did a couple below grade rooms like this. I used a penetrating concrete sealer, then an insulating vapor barrier/underlayment, and on top a floating luxury vinyl plank floor.

I also installed a ductless heating/air conditioning system for that space.

My thinking is that the penetrating sealer and vapor barrier do a lot for moisture (even though the space seemed dry). In addition the ductless system would act as a dehumidifier. The underlayment also was insulating which helps with comfort. The luxury vinyl plank is waterproof. So, if there ever is moisture it won't ruin the material or be a food source for mold growth.

[Gabriel Edgar]

@Brooke O'Bryan

-Commercial flooring installer here.

Is this a living space or just a typical basement for storage and utilities?

What’s the age of the building?

Sometimes there’s not a proper moisture barrier below the slab so ambient moisture can leach through the slab up and into any adhesive and destroy the glued integrity and cause mold/mildew issues. If you know the basement stays very dry than that may not become an issue.

Glue down carpet can be a very good solution as long as no moisture gets into the equation.

I personally like ceramic tile in a basement with a few throw rugs (provided by tenants if they want)

You can find deals on some fairly nice tile. The labor is more, but you only have to do it one time, and completely remove any moisture questions, like if a washer hose breaks, plumbing back ups, seasonal flooding, ambient moisture etc.

There is some vinyl plank an floating floor options, but most of those in my opinion end up not performing very well in basement and tenant conditions.

[Andrew Cornstubble]

@Brooke O'Bryan tile. If you already have a nice and solid cement floor tile it.

[Chris C.]

@Gabriel Edgar what about epoxy?

[Brooke O'Bryan]

Thank you for all the replies! I’m leaning toward carpet and maybe the carpet tiles for ease of installation. It’s a finished basement (or will be) and I just had water issues and had it waterproofed. The waterproofing does have a warranty, so I suppose that means low risk of moisture, but still a touch nervous after this terrible water experience. 

[Gabriel Edgar]

@Chris Connolly an epoxy Floor can be moisture resistant, however typically the concrete needs to be shot blasted or ground to reach a certain csp standard.

Between the grinding and the actual epoxy floor install it could be over kill on expenses. We’re talking upwards of $30 sq ft and having a high VOC product being used in a building, so it’s have to be unoccupied for a few days.

[Joshua Howaniec]

@Brooke O'Bryan vinyl plank or a sheet. Those are very different in price, I am just afraid of recommending carpet in a basement as they are prone to mold. Just in case of accidents