Basement Flooring Options: Is Laminate Flooring the Right Choice?

Do you have a basement that's just begging to be transformed into a usable space? If so, you're not alone. Remodeling reports that basement remodels offer an average ROI of 70%, making them a smart investment for both your family and potential buyers. But before you get started, it's important to consider the flooring options for your space.

While brick or stone walls can be transformed with proper lighting and decoration, concrete floors can be both unpleasant to decorate around and uncomfortable. Laminate flooring is a cost-efficient flooring option for many areas of your home, and it's worth considering for your basement remodel. But, is it the best choice for your specific space? There are some precautions you should take before installation.

Most basements are designed with concrete floors because they can fend off issues like bugs, rodents, and weather conditions. However, excess humidity and moisture can still pose a problem. Laminate flooring may not be able to withstand the increased moisture in your basement if you don't check beforehand, especially in the case of excess rainfall or flooding.

One of the benefits of laminate flooring is that it's waterproof on the surface. However, most laminates have a fiberboard backing, which can be problematic in a moist environment like a basement. Before installing laminate flooring, make sure to find one that is waterproof on both the top and bottom layers.

You should also ensure that your basement is suitable for laminate flooring. If your concrete floors are consistently moist, for example, it may not be a good idea. You can use concrete moisture meters to check this, or tape a sheet of plastic to the floor and leave it for at least 24 hours to see how much moisture has accumulated underneath.

If your basement is suitable for laminate flooring, there are a few final steps to take before installation. Ensure all potential sources of water damage are reduced where possible, check for leaks or damage on appliances like water heaters or washing machines, clean your gutters, and point the downspout drain away from your basement if possible. Finally, be sure to seal your concrete floors with a waterproofer to prevent any potential issues in the future.