Some epoxies may produce hazardous fumes during application and curing. This makes it the ideal flooring solution for spaces such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and cafes. Shipping Hands down my latest favorites when it comes to flooring. Vinyl Plank Flooring/Vinyl Tile Flooring. Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install, thanks to interlocking joints. However, sometimes, EVP is not practical for some areas, especially if the sub-floor isn’t even. Your Basement: Why Add on When You Can Add Under? Sheet vinyl has other advantages, too: It’s durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of styles and patterns, giving you plenty of choices. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. We installed wood look vinyl plank over concrete floors in our basement- here’s what I’ve learned from doing it a couple times and tips for installing your own! Different products have a different cure time, but it’s always good to leave the floor undisturbed for three days. Most types can be installed over concrete or over a subfloor. In addition to its affordability, vinyl flooring offers temperature benefits for basement installation. Putting a soft product under vinyl plank will result in an unstable floor that is much more inclined to being damaged and even punctured or torn over time. A: Although it’s possible to install vinyl flooring directly on concrete, it’s not a great idea. Yes, it's a messy job. If you install plywood or other material under the vinyl—say, to add a little cushion to the floor—you're completely undermining the moisture-resistance of the vinyl, and you might void the warranty on the flooring. Installing a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor is easier than installing sheet vinyl, and any damage to the floor can be repaired easily, simply by replacing a tile or two. This flooring is one of the best cheap basement flooring options over concrete, provided your floor is nice and level. Types of Vinyl for Basement Flooring . Generally speaking, vinyl flooring won't be damaged by normal amounts of water on its surface, and it shouldn't be damaged by occasional dampness on the concrete slab below. But it's safe to say that, next to tile, vinyl flooring for basements is the best bet against moisture. Durable vinyl sheet flooring is fiberglass-reinforced and does a nice job floating over concrete subfloors. Some manufacturers may use this term, but cautious builders almost never use it. And that’s great … If you've chosen Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring as a replacement for your current flooring, you've made a very smart choice. … One drawback that some people notice is an unpleasant odor, but this usually dissipates over time. Menards® offers multiple styles and variations of vinyl flooring that's sure to give your home a whole new look. Add To List Click to add item SuperFast® Legacy Floating Vinyl Plank Flooring Multi-Width x 48" (18.77 sq.ft/ctn) to your list. Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. The strength of the product is similar to concrete. Manufactured in planks with interlocking edges, basement-suitable engineered wood flooring comes with a durable, factory-applied finish. Vinyl planks are a great option if you want durable flooring but don't have a ton of installation experience. Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (23.95 sq. This means surface water and spills won’t affect the flooring. If moisture is less of an issue for your concrete slab, you may consider luxury vinyl tiles or planks. Vinyl Tile. ($3-$8/sq. Some of our chic choices include vinyl planks, residential tile, commercial tile, glue-down or loose-lay sheet vinyl, and glue-down sheet vinyl. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. This is because there are very few materials that aren't damaged by water. Most basements have a poured concrete floor that’s solid, flat, and durable. Is the concrete surface rough or uneven in areas? The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Resilient Vinyl Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Types of Vinyl Flooring Materials: Tile, Sheet Vinyl, and Luxury Vinyl, Resilient Flooring Choices for Kitchens and Baths, Inexpensive Options for Flooring in Basements, How to Prepare a Vinyl or Linoleum Floor for Ceramic Tile, The 6 Best Cheap Flooring Options of 2020, Luxury Vinyl vs. Standard Vinyl Flooring Comparison Guide, Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros and Cons, A Complete Guide to Natural Cork Flooring, Vinyl vs. Linoleum Flooring Comparison Guide, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide, How to Install Allure Vinyl Plank Flooring. Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basement’s concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. Vinyl planks can withstand damp concrete basement floors and look gorgeous at the same time. ($.75-$4/sq. The Pros of Vinyl Flooring. Compare Click to add item "SuperFast® Legacy Floating Vinyl Plank Flooring Multi-Width x 48" (18.77 sq.ft/ctn)" to the compare list. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. What’s more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. Q: Can I install vinyl flooring directly on top of a concrete basement floor? Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Does that mean it's waterproof? (DIY kits cost around $120 each): This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer that’s usually smoother, more durable and easier to keep clean. If you want a tile floor that isn’t cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile. In fact, you can find the same styles and patterns as you would on luxury vinyl, so a stone or hardwood look is still an option. In an effort to give our basement rec room a bit of attention and personality, my husband and I decided to say goodbye to our lackluster carpet and hello to beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring (“LVP”)! Most LVP flooring is water-resistant (some types are even waterproof) and it's also very durable, able to resist dents, dings, scratches, and stains. and it feels so good, you guys! ($2-$7/sq. This flooring can be made to look like different wood species, or to resemble ceramic tile. While solid wood flooring isn’t suitable for use in basements, some types of engineered wood flooring will work just fine. Tile plank floors, ceramic or porcelain tiles. Newly poured concrete off-gases water vapor and typically needs from 120 to 150 days to dry out before it's ready to accept flooring, according to Milliken & Company. To install vinyl plank flooring on concrete, you’ll first need to clean the concrete with soap and water and fill in any cracks with concrete filler. Because this vinyl type comes in planks or tiles, there is potential for tiny gaps that may allow moisture to seep into the concrete substrate. Your flooring's manufacturer will tell you everything you need to know about laying their product over concrete, but here are some general tips for success: Joseph Lewitin is a flooring expert who contributed home improvement content for The Spruce for four years. Like paint, this flooring treatment can be a good choice for work rooms and home gyms. Of all the basement flooring options, tile represents the best of … But it’s important to remember that conditions in the basement are different than they are upstairs. If low cost is a big priority and if you just plan to use your basement space as a workshop or workout room, paint may be your best choice. Use a self-leveler on low spots and/or sand high spots of wood or concrete. But before you go for this option, think about how you’ll maneuver that big roll into the basement, cut it to size, and fit it accurately between walls. It’s also a great choice for a playroom or laundry room–mainly because it’s durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. Find waterproof options for flood zones and wet, damp or uneven rooms. Are there cracks wide enough to admit a dime? Basements that are wet, or commonly take on water when it rains are most prone to developing mold under flooring. Vinyl planks are awesome. With vinyl flooring for basements, you've got both challenges covered. 10 reasons vinyl flooring is the best for concrete slab basements You’ve decided to give your basement a makeover and you need to find a cheap and waterproof alternative to your boring, cold, concrete floor. A properly installed subfloor will create a flat, insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice, ensuring more warmth underfoot. ft. for tiles, and $1-$5/sq. The biggest advantage of vinyl plank flooring is the fact that it is 100% water resistant. Rubber tile or rubber sheets. Both materials are available with different textured patterns, and in a limited range of colors. It's extremely beautiful flooring that mimics natural hardwood and sometimes even stone. for paint and finishing supplies) The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most DIY-friendly. Suitable vinyl flooring for basements pretty much includes all vinyl flooring, but if you're looking for a "floating floor" that requires no adhesive and goes directly over concrete, two options stand out: sheet vinyl and planks. 1108 sq ft of a beautiful luxury vinyl plank installation was all that this basement needed. That’s right–installation can be challenging. Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for safety issues. In a rec room in my basement I currently have a vinyl plank flooring over suspected asbestos tile on top of concrete. For the best appearance (and a warmer finished floor), this flooring should be installed over a subfloor. When it comes to vinyl, my preference (as I mentioned above) is engineered vinyl plank. Vinyl Plank Flooring on Uneven Concrete. Vinyl planks require hard, thin underlay because the product itself is softer. All rights reserved. Transform your home with stylish and durable vinyl floors! A cold floor may be tolerable in space that’s used as a workshop or workout room. However, while the look of concrete is much sought after, the choices in style it provides may be li… Vinyl plank flooring (VPF) and vinyl tile flooring (VTF) are … But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before tile can be installed. for sheet rubber in rolls): You’ve … The important thing here is to choose a paint formulated for concrete floors, and carefully follow the instructions on the can pertaining to surface prep, application, and drying time. LVP is the New MVP in our Basement. Hello everyone! This means if you want something like laminate or vinyl planks, the concrete sub-floor will actually make your planks colder as well. Engineered vinyl planks are floating, so if the floor underneath is uneven, it … Interlocking rubber tiles are easy for homeowners to install, they can go down directly over concrete or over a subfloor. When it come to design integrity, the vinyl vs. concrete comparison is where the two flooring solutions begin to separate themselves.Concrete has become a popular material and design look for flooring and wall spaces throughout the retail and hospitality industries—often used in an attempt to add a more industrious look to a space. In fact, not only on the uneven floor but on any floors. Learn how to install Smartcore Ultra Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Find the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability, appearance, and installation details. If a floor plank and underlayment, or adhesive, will not fit under the door casing, cut the casing with a backsaw about 1/16 inch above the level of the new flooring. Moisture from below, rising through the concrete slab, and moisture from above, if the dreaded flood occurs. The experts at This Old House explains how to choose the best gas fireplace for your home and how much it’ll cost. Is water coming into the basement during wet weather? Each plank has a dry back material which adheres to the subfloor using a water resistant vinyl floor glue. ($3-$8/sq. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of gnats and how to prevent future infestations. The biggest challenge with basement flooring is moisture. https://www.theflooringlady.com/how-to-install-vinyl-plank-flooring-on-concrete A gnat infestation is a common occurrence for many homeowners. Sku # 7256404. Vinyl is largely made of plastic, which makes it water-resistant. Stability of your Floor. First and foremost, tiles are waterproof. The right types of vinyl are highly resistant to water damage, and they don't need to be nailed down, glued down, or stuck down in any way. Vinyl planks, which are often categorized as "luxury vinyl," are wide strips of flooring that snap together to create a continuous layer that floats over the concrete. No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. Simply put, glue down vinyl plank is when the product is glued down to the subfloor. ft.): Buying a large roll of vinyl gets you a new floor for a very affordable price. Just keep in mind that this water-resistance applies to the flooring itself. While underlayment for vinyl planks may be used under hardwood and laminate, the reverse is not true. This is especially important in below-grade basement locations, which are prone to water damage both from moisture seeping up and from flooding issues that can occur (looks like that's worth mentioning three times). HomeAdvisor's Best Basement Flooring Guide examines the best carpet and tiles, concrete sealer, and vinyl plank floor covering for your basement. Suitable vinyl flooring for basements pretty much includes all vinyl flooring, but if you're looking for a "floating floor" that requires no adhesive and goes directly over concrete, two options stand out: sheet vinyl and planks. Most types have a thickness of ½” or less. What is Glue Down Vinyl Plank Flooring? No matter what type of basement flooring you choose, make sure to first fix any problems in the original concrete floor. Similar to plywood in its composition, this type of flooring has a thin layer of genuine wood (many different species are available) bonded to other wood plies or composite board. Concrete floors in basements are often cold to the touch. x 36 in. That said, quality vinyl flooring is pretty close, making it an excellent choice for covering a concrete floor. Prices given below are for materials, and don’t include professional installation. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. This is super resilient. Adding an insert is a smart investment that's pure win-win—it'll keep you warm and slash your heating bills all at once. Luxury Vinyl Tile & Plank Flooring, Vivero Collection | U5071 What is the best flooring for basements? ft. / case) Achieve a seamless authentic wood look with Achieve a seamless authentic wood look with the TrafficMASTER Edwards Oak 6 in. Today I’m sharing how we installed Golden Select Vinyl Plank flooring right over top of our concrete subfloors in the basement family room the One Room Challenge.