RIGID VINYL PLANK - Rigid vinyl planking is designed to last and is fully waterproof. Choose from a wide range of colors and styles.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK - Waterproof and resilient luxury vinyl flooring is available both in wood- and stone-effect finishes.
WATERPROOF LAMINATE - For additional water protection and peace of mind, consider a waterproof laminate floor.
WATER-RESISTANT LAMINATE - Protect your floor against splashes and spills with water-resistant laminate. Wood-look and stone-look options give you plenty of style choices.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD - Enjoy a real wood floor with added water protection by choosing to install engineered hardwood with moisture resistance.
PEEL AND STICK VINYL - Waterproof, affordable, and with a simplified installation process, peel-and-stick vinyl is a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
CORK FLOORING - Cork floors are comfortable underfoot, offer great heat and sound insulation, and are available in waterproof versions.
Considerations for Basement Flooring
Along with style and color, you'll need to think about wear resistance and maintenance when deciding which floor to install in your basement.
How Much Use Will Your Basement Floor Get?
A laundry room or gym room floor will get much heavier use than a guest room that's only used occasionally. Elegant engineered hardwood might work well for a guest room, while sturdy vinyl planks will suit a home gym filled with heavy equipment. In addition, look for a product that can stand up to foot traffic and heavy items like treadmills, dryers, and storage units.
Laundry rooms and bathrooms will need waterproof floors to protect against potential water damage and allow for wet mopping. Laminate and vinyl both come in waterproof versions. For rooms that are used by kids and pets, a scuff-resistant floor like vinyl or laminate would be the smart choice.
If you're planning a yoga studio space or music room, then consider cork flooring, with its sound-insulating properties. Cork is one of the most sustainable flooring options available on the market as cork bark is harvested from living trees that go on to produce new bark. Cork flooring feels warm and comfortable underfoot. You can find classic cork tiles or plank-length cork for a more contemporary look. Some brands of cork floors are even waterproof.
Is Your Sub-Floor Ready?
Another consideration is the state of your sub-floor. While many flooring types recommend installing over underlayment, sometimes basement floors have a few more lumps and bumps. If this is the case for you, a product like rigid vinyl plank could work well because the plastic-stone composite core can help smooth out a slightly uneven surface.
DIY or Hire a Contractor?
Some types are more DIY-friendly than others. While an experienced DIYer can install many floors, we recommend hiring a professional installer. For example, peel-and-stick vinyl is one of the simplest types of flooring to install yourself as it comes with adhesive already attached. Click-together engineered hardwood, vinyl, or laminate floors are also manageable for enthusiastic DIYers. On the other hand, if you're considering traditional hardwood floors, you might decide to hire an independent contractor to install them. Whatever floor you decide on, find an array of high-quality choices at LL Flooring.
Ready to begin? Stop by your nearest LL Flooring store or browse flooring options online. You can even upload photos of your basement to our Picture It! Floor Visualizer and see an image of what your newly-installed floors could look like before you make your decision.
And we're here to help every step of the way. At LL Flooring, we provide basement flooring options, accessories, such as rounds and baseboards. We have professional services, and also the tools and guides to make your flooring experience incredible—from inspiration to installation.