Best flooring for basements

Basements today are living spaces, garages, and storage areas. The primary concern in basements, or any below-grade site, is moisture. They not only can flood when it rains but can also leach moisture even when it's dry outside.

Below-grade flooring doesn't mean low-cost, sub-standard, unattractive surfaces but, instead, flooring that is waterproof with as much style as flooring for above-grade. Here is our guide to the most waterproof floors Surfaces NW, your source for waterproof floors in Salem, OR.

Engineered hardwood: waterproof and stable

Engineered hardwood is fine for basements or any higher-than-normal moisture areas. Appearance-wise, there isn't much difference; they both have the undertones, knots, and swirls, but construction is different, with layers placed in a crosswise position; this results in stability and better ability to handle moisture. It can even be installed over concrete, something that is not recommended for solid wood.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF): waterproof, stylish and budget-friendly

This is a realistic echo of wood, tile, or stone and is the preferred flooring of restaurant designers because of its style and outstanding benefits. LVF is sometimes called LVT flooring because it is cut into square, groutable tile-sized pieces or cut into planks (LVP ) to mimic hardwood. While all LVF is 100% waterproof, you can get it with a more technologically advanced core, such as the WPC (wood plastic composite) or SPC (stone plastic composite), to get an even higher protection level.

Other waterproof floorings include:

Porcelain tile is available in an almost unlimited number of colors and patterns and can also be used outside. The 4 X 4 ceramic squares are waterproof if glazed.

Plank tile is a shockingly realistic echo of wood, thanks to InkJet Technology, which creates intricate patterns. It's available in all colors, including the currently trending high variation planks.

Concrete often painted or stained.

Carpet Squares. Low pile is somewhat more durable and water-resistant than broadloom; they come in various fiber types, colors, and patterns. They used to be seen mainly in restaurants and hotels, but now they are often used for play areas and game rooms.

For more information about waterproof or any other flooring or services, visit the Surface NW showroom in Salem, OR. We work with homeowners in Salem, Dallas, Albany, Corvallis, and McMinnville. You'll walk out with information, inspiration, and a free quote.