Finished Basement - Flooring

The screened in patio turned out very well and it’s time to tackle the next DIY project.

The basement had a bar and wood burning fireplace when we moved in, but it looked like someone had only gotten half way through the project and lost steam. We quickly learned that the basement leaked, a lot, and that one wall had likely been ripped out due to water damage......

Nearly two years later: We’ve had the main sewer line replaced, new drain tile installed, basement water proofed, new windows, two sump pumps (different crocks), and a dehumidifier installed. Hindsight is always 20/20, but we probably wouldn’t have bought the house if we’d known that we’d spend the equivalent of “one brand new TRD OR” on basement repairs.....

The basement now stays dry and holds 50% humidity, without the dehumidifier running. I occasionally hear the the sump pumps run for a few seconds in the morning, so I know that I need to think about battery backups for them.

I’ve got most of the new drywall finished, some of the electric redone, and now it’s time to think flooring.

My parents have had zero issues with carpet in their finished basement for 20 years, but I am super paranoid about water. I got estimates for epoxy flooring and nearly fainted.

Does anyone have any advice for basement flooring that won’t break the bank? I’m really good with tile, but 700 sqft would take me weeks to grout.

 

Are you talking about Naturestone or Everstone for epoxy flooring? I got that priced out too and it was crazy expensive. My parents did carpeting in their basement and it was dry for a long time. However, when they got an addition put onto their house, the property wasn't properly graded and they developed a leak in the basement which ruined their carpet.

Have you checked out Pergo flooring? It may be a cheaper solution to epoxy flooring and it is pretty easy to install. Last I priced it out, it as about 2.50/sq ft.

 

I can’t remember what we’d looked at, but it was a satin finish with flakes. It was close to $3,500 installed, so I tossed the quote.

I hadn’t thought about pergo, just because I’d heard horror stories about using it in kitchens. I guess the basement will still be significantly more dry than directly in front of a kitchen sink.

 

I put in waterproof laminate flooring in my basement, with just a vapor barrier beneath. Very easy to install and mine had a built-in cushion, so walkability is very nice.

 

I just installed Lifeproof Vinyl plank flooring in my basement from Home Depot. Super easy to install, looks great, and did not break the bank (I had about 1100 sqft to do).

No vapor barrier required. Supposed to be water proof, and scratch resistant.

 

Do a rigid core lvp (vinyl plank) they are damn near water proof, really scratch resistant and you won't have to worry about your expansion joints telegraphing thru the floor.

 

I was looking at that the other day. I’m curious how it holds up.

Our dog has destroyed the hard wood flooring in the rest of the house.