What to put on basement floor?

Question

I am finishing a room in the basement and can't decide what to put down for a floor. I'd really like to do tile, as its cheap and easy for me to put it, looks great, and if water got in ever, so what?
But would that just be too cold for a basement? Think buyers would be turned off? (radiant floor heat is absolutely not in the budget)
I personally abhor carpet, and I'm sick of laminate plus it may get moist. Sticky tile would work, but that just looks so cheap. Any ideas?

N/A N/A · Answer

My entire house is tile. It can get quite cold, so I just walk on the rugs instead, LOL.

I hate carpet in the basement (we've had flooding issues). I'd say either a good vinyl or painted concrete. Stained concrete looks awesome but may not be in the budget. Probably the cheapest option would be vinyl but tile definitely would give you more back when you sell.

Kelly Church · Answer

I just did a finished room in the basement and I glued berber carpet right to the floor.  That way if it got wet you could just shop vac it up.  Also I had old linoleum  down as well and the installer just cut off the loose corners and layed the carpet on top.

Vincent Brooks · Answer

I think the easiest and most economical approach would be to use a good quality concrete floor paint.  I agree that moisture in the basement can be a real pain.  Don't compound the problem by installing something that will trap the moisture.  Do all that you can to seal the basement, though.

Account Closed · Answer

One trick I use, especially if the floor isn't leveled or is cracked, is to build up a new floor. Then you can put in some simple styrofoam for insulation in the floor and run carpet/pad.

It isn't as cheap as laying tile or doing a nice concrete treatment, but it is an option. Like I said, if the floor is sloped you can level it off pretty easily this way.

N/A N/A · Answer

I don't know how your budget is looking, but maybe some stained or stamped concrete.

Minna Reid · Answer

Oh one more thing - this floor currently has some very old thin 9x9 vinyl tile. I suspect it probably has some asbestos so I'm not gonna mess with it. From my understanding I can go directly over this with a latex modified mortar and set the tile right  on top...The floor is sound and level. Is this correct? Or do I have to put down backerboard?

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

There are some really great looking concrete treatments now-a-days as well.  Perhaps you might want to look into one of those.