Completing a basement cleanout can be a daunting task. Once you’ve sorted through years of accumulated clutter and junk, you’re left with an empty basement that likely needs some work before you can start using the space. One of the most important steps is installing a proper floor or subfloor to create a clean, durable surface. There are several options for covering a basement floor after removing old carpeting, wood, or other materials. The best solution will depend on your goals, budget, and the condition of the existing concrete slab. Follow this guide to learn about the most common ways to cover your basement cleanout.
Assess the Existing Concrete Slab
Before installing any new flooring in your newly cleaned out basement, you need to examine the existing concrete slab. Look for any cracks, pits, moisture, or uneven surfaces that could impact the flooring installation or performance. Here are some key things to check:
- Cracks – Small cracks are typical, but large splits or cracks with uplift or movement will need repair prior to installing flooring. Use a concrete repair compound to fill cracks and smooth the surface.
- Moisture – Excess moisture can ruin many flooring options over time. Test moisture levels using a calcium chloride test and consider moisture barriers if needed.
- Unevenness – Many basements have surfaces that are not perfectly level. This can make installing a new uniform floor challenging. Grind down any high spots or consider a self-leveling underlayment.
- Pitting or scaling – If the concrete has a very rough texture or is flaking away, you may need to resurface it before covering it with a new floor.
Taking the time to evaluate and address any concrete slab issues provides the best foundation for your new basement flooring. If you’re planning a basement renovation, it’s crucial to ensure that the existing slab is in good condition. Discovering how to hide sewer cleanout in basement is also an essential consideration, as it contributes to the overall aesthetics of the space. By addressing these aspects thoughtfully, you can create a solid and visually appealing foundation for your basement project.
Choose Flooring Based on Basement Use
Once you have a smooth, dry, level concrete slab, it’s time to choose the right type of flooring for your basement’s planned use. Here are some flooring options to consider:
General Storage or Utility Space
If you plan to use the basement for general storage, a workshop, or laundry area, durable and economical flooring options are ideal.
- Sealed concrete – After cleaning and leveling your concrete slab, a simple coat of concrete sealant is a low-cost option for utility spaces. It retains the natural concrete look while sealing out moisture and providing a smooth surface.
- Paint – For a brighter space and easy cleaning, paint your concrete floor with an epoxy or latex basement floor paint. Add textured paint for improved traction.
- Vinyl flooring – Self-adhesive vinyl tiles or vinyl sheet flooring provides an affordable, waterproof surface for basements. Opt for low-VOC products.
Children’s Playroom
For basements converted to kids’ recreational spaces, comfort and safety are top concerns.
- Carpet – Plush wall-to-wall carpeting provides a warm, comfortable surface for play and leisure in basement spaces. Use a high-density carpet with synthetic fibers that resist moisture.
- Rubber flooring – Interlocking rubber tile flooring creates a cushioned surface that helps prevent injuries from falls. It comes in bright colors and is easy to clean.
- Cork – Sustainably-sourced cork tiles offer a naturally comfortable walking and playing surface. Choose sealed tiles for moisture resistance.
Exercise Room
Active home gyms require flooring that can withstand equipment, aerobic activity, and heavy weights.
- Rubber rolls/tiles – Flexible, interlocking rubber rolls or tiles provide excellent shock absorption and support for workout rooms. They come in a range of colors.
- Foam mats – For extra cushioning during yoga, martial arts or home gymnastics, foam mats provide thick padding and safety. Mats can be installed over other flooring.
- Hardwood – While not as cushioned as rubber, hardwood floors offer durability for home gyms while retaining an attractive natural wood look.
Finished Living Space
If creating a finished “living” level downstairs, choose comfortable floors that also dampen noise and add warmth.
- Laminate – Durable, affordable laminate mimics hardwood but resists moisture better and installs as a floating floor. It also absorbs sound vibrations.
- LVT – Luxury vinyl tile has the look of high-end floors with waterproof durability. Core foam layers provide comfort and noise reduction.
- Carpet tiles – Self-sticking carpet tiles provide plush softness underfoot while allowing for easy replacement of worn or damaged tiles.
Selecting the right flooring really depends on the basement’s function. Be sure to consider your budget, usage, maintenance and aesthetic needs.
Install Moisture Barriers
Many basements are vulnerable to moisture migration through the concrete slab. To protect flooring and control humidity, a moisture barrier provides an important line of defense.
Here are two common options:
Plastic Moisture Barrier
- An affordable solution for small spaces is a 6-mil polyethylene plastic moisture barrier installed directly on the concrete slab.
- Overlap seams by 6-12 inches and seal with moisture resistant tape to create an impermeable layer.
- This plastic barrier prevents ground moisture from passing through the slab and causing musty odors or floor damage.
- Use plastic barriers under most floor options besides concrete sealants or paints.
Liquid-Applied Barrier
- For larger spaces, a liquid moisture barrier painted directly onto the slab can be easier to install seamlessly.
- Look for an epoxy-based or polyurethane moisture barrier that can be rolled or troweled on.
- Two or more coats are typically applied to create a protective barrier up to 20-mils thick.
- Liquid-applied barriers work well under vinyl, laminate, LVT, wood and other flooring options.
Moisture barriers, especially thicker liquid-applied ones, help control humidity in basements and protect flooring investments against moisture damage.
Choose Insulation and Subfloors
Insulation and subflooring placed over your moisture barrier will provide thermal comfort, soundproofing, and a smooth surface for the finished floor installation.
Insulation Options
- Polystyrene boards – Rigid foam insulation boards deliver an insulating R-value between R-3 and R-5 per inch. Use multiple layers for higher insulation performance.
- Extruded polystyrene – With a higher density and R-value around R-5 per inch, extruded polystyrene foam boards work well for basement subfloors.
- Cork underlayment – For a natural subfloor, compressed cork underlayment offers moisture protection along with sound and heat insulation.
Subfloor Materials
- Plywood – A standard 3⁄4” plywood subfloor provides a stable, smooth surface for most finished flooring. Look for plywood rated for basement use.
- OSB – Oriented strand board is an affordable wood subfloor option, though not ideal for damp basements. Use an OSB subfloor rated for moisture resistance.
- Concrete board – Cement-based concrete board stands up to moisture and can be installed directly over concrete slabs before adding finished floors.
Pairing insulating underlayments with a proper subfloor creates the right stage for your final flooring layer.
Install New Flooring Over Subfloor
Once insulation and subfloor layers are in place over the moisture barrier, you’re ready to install almost any type of finished flooring to complete your basement space.
General Tips
- Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for prep work, temperature ranges, subfloor requirements and installation methods.
- Acclimate flooring to basement temperature and humidity for 1-2 weeks before installation.
- Use any recommended adhesives, mechanical fasteners, underlayment’s and Permissions.
- Expect longer dry times for adhesives due to basement humidity and coolness.
- Plan an extra 5-10% for cutting waste depending on room size and layout.
Finished Flooring Options
- Hardwood – Nail hardwood planks into a plywood subfloor. Use engineered wood for moisture resistance.
- Laminate – Click-lock laminate panels float over underlayment and subfloor for easy DIY installation.
- Vinyl – Self-adhesive vinyl squares go down quickly. Sheet vinyl requires adhesive and perfect slab smoothness.
- Carpet – Carpet tiles allow simple replacement while broadloom carpet requires professional stretch installation.
- Ceramic tile – Use a polymer-modified thinnest mortar and grout for a moisture-resistant tile floor.
Get your basement flooring project off to a smooth start for a comfortable new living space you can enjoy for years to come.
5 Key Tips for Covering Your Basement Floor
Completing a basement cleanout? Keep these essential tips in mind for protecting your flooring investment:
Test and address concrete slab moisture – Excess moisture rising through concrete can ruin flooring over time. Use a moisture barrier paint or plastic sheeting.
Select flooring based on use – Will it be a kids’ playroom or home gym? Match flooring resilience and durability to its function.
Include insulation – Add rigid foam boards or cork underlayment for energy efficiency, soundproofing and comfort underfoot.
Follow all manufacturer guidelines – Don’t cut corners – improper subfloor or installation can void warranties.
Allow for acclimation and extended drying – Opening boxes early allows materials to adjust to basement conditions before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of moisture barrier should I use on my basement floor?
It depends on your basement size and condition. For smaller areas with minor moisture concerns, plastic polyethylene sheeting creates an inexpensive moisture barrier. For damp basements prone to humidity, a thick liquid-applied epoxy or polyurethane moisture barrier works best.
Do I need insulation under the subfloor?
Insulation under your subfloor helps moderate basement temperatures, reduces sound transmission, and provides a warmer, more comfortable floor. Rigid foam boards rated for subfloor use provide excellent thermal insulation and moisture resistance. Cork underlayment is a natural option.
Can I install new flooring directly over painted concrete?
Painted basement slab floors work best for storage and utility rooms, not finished living spaces. The paint seals concrete but lacks insulation and a smooth, stable surface needed for most flooring installations. An insulating subfloor is recommended for finished spaces.
What kind of subfloor is best for a basement?
Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) provide affordable, stable surfaces for flooring like hardwood, laminate, LVT and carpet. Use products rated for basements. Concrete board withstands moisture but requires floor leveling compounds to smooth. Avoid particleboard, which deteriorates quickly with moisture.
Should I use carpet or LVT in my basement living room?
It depends on your goals. LVT provides a beautiful, realistic look of stone or hardwood with total waterproof durability. However, wall-to-wall carpeting adds warmth and softness underfoot. Choose a dense, synthetic carpet and pad and install over a moisture barrier for best results in basements.
Conclusion
Completing a thorough basement cleanout or remodel provides an excellent opportunity to install new, durable flooring. Explore the latest basement remodeling trends and discover how, with the right preparation, moisture control, insulation, and quality installation, basement floors can be transformed into inviting, comfortable spaces for any room or purpose. Whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals, the information in this guide will assist you in selecting basement flooring that aligns with your vision, budget, and lifestyle.
