From heavy rains to unexpected pipe bursts, many homeowner?s nightmares have involved flooded basements. Over the years, we?ve heard countless horror stories from customers, family, and friends about wet, damp basements ruining their flooring.
If your home is prone to flooding, or you want to give yourself a bit more peace of mind, it?s important to find the right flooring for your basement. To help you find the best option for your home, we?ll break down the pros and cons of the four most popular waterproof flooring solutions.
Embrace Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring has quickly become a water-resistant flooring fan favorite amongst homeowners. You get a lot of bang for your buck?it?s cost-effective, durable, and comes in various styles to fit your interior design goals.
If your basement is highly trafficked, LVP is virtually resistant to any damage due to its sturdy, four-layer composition, and it typically doesn?t need to be replaced for upwards of twenty years. If you do have a few spills, don?t worry! It dries and cleans easily when addressed.
Luxury vinyl floors, however, do have a few drawbacks. It?s a floating floor, meaning it is not attached to the sub-floor, making it easy to remove and replace if needed. However, this can lead to an increased amount of trapped moisture. It can feel somewhat hollow beneath your feet, causing it to be a louder flooring option for your basement.
Enjoy Ceramic Tile Versatility
Versitile and water-resistant?what?s not to love about ceramic tile? Made from slabs of clay, water, or other materials, it?s hardened at high temperatures in a kiln, making it resistant to moisture. Due to its heavy-duty nature, you won?t have to worry about replacing ceramic tile flooring anytime soon. If installed properly, there?s no need to worry about water damage.
If you?re looking for a waterproof basement flooring option but don?t want to sacrifice style, look no further than ceramic tile; it comes in various colors, styles, and patterns, ensuring you?ll find something for your home. Plus, its lack of fibers doesn?t allow dirt or dust to settle, making it a great allergen-reducing solution.
Along with being the most costly option, we caution all interested parties that ceramic tile isn?t going to leave your basement feeling warm and fuzzy. The material leads it to feel cold to the touch and is the furthest thing from cozy. If you have kids running around, this isn?t the most forgiving surface if they take a tumble. If you do spill water, we advise you to clean it up as quickly as possible, as it can be slippery when wet.
Broadloom Carpet - The Original Water-Resistant Floor
Broadloom carpet?a classic flooring staple in millions of homes. For this to be considered a water-resistant basement flooring solution, it needs to be glued down, and a cushion cannot be used because it will soak up water like a sponge. However, when installed properly, this is the most cost-effective choice and is perfect for people who like to host and gather in their basement.
The pre-treated fibers make broadloom carpet stain-resistant and prevent the carpet from soaking up any liquid. It can also be dried with commercial fans quickly if a bigger spill does occur. Plus, it?s warmer and quieter than most surfaces and boasts mold and mildew-resistant fibers.
Like any waterproof basement flooring option, there are some drawbacks to broadloom carpet. If it does need to be restored, the entire room will need to be replaced. If large amounts of water do settle in your carpet, the glue can degrade over time if it gets wet too often.
Explore the World Of Carpet Tiles
Last but certainly not least, carpet tiles are one of the fastes growing flooring options for moisture-prone areas in your home. They come in a variety of fun and bright patterns and styles. Carpet tiles are very easy to replace, so if you?re someone who likes to switch up the look and feel of your carpet every few years, it?s easy to rip and replace.
Similar to broadloom carpet, they are warmer and quieter than hard surfaces. If there is water in your basement, carpet tiles are a breeze to remove, dru the area and then reinstall. The mold and mildew-resistant fibers make this an allergy-friendly flooring option for your basement.
On the flip side, carpet tiles can sometimes look a bit industrial and feel like an office space. For some people, the non-uniform look and busy patterns can be a deterrent.
Helping You Find Your Dream Waterproof Basement Flooring
Regardless of the room you?re purchasing flooring for, it?s a deeply personal decision. When looking for the perfect waterproof flooring solution for your basement, it ultimately comes down to weighing the pros and cons of each option, along with the size of your space and budget. If you need help finding your dream flooring, stop by our award-winning showroom to meet with our experts!
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