Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas

Engineered Wood for Cellar Floors

Get the look of genuine wood at the basement with an engineered-wood floor. Engineered wood includes two or more layers of wood laminated together, much like plywood (but not to be confused with laminate floors). The top layer is hardwood veneer and the lower layers are usually softwood. It's suitable for below-grade installations since it shrinks and expands less than solid hardwood floors.

Add Color and Design with Carpet Tiles

If you would like the comfort and warmth of rug without the annoyance of wall-to-wall installation, opt for self-adhesive carpet tiles. They are easy for DIYers to install, they don't need a pad under, and they may be applied directly to wash dry concrete. Here, carpet tiles in white, brown, and 2 shades of red were laid down to make a random checkerboard pattern that plays up the room's trendy color scheme. For a less-attention-getting flooring covering, use a single neutral shade.

Warm the Floors with an Area Rug

no matter the flooring you select for the basement, a large area rug will add warmth underfoot and help anchor the seating group visually. Use a rubber pad under the rug to boost comfort. Prevent a foam pad since it might deteriorate after prolonged exposure to humid conditions.

Play Up Concrete with Paint

If your concrete floor is smooth, dry, and free of imperfections, then look at playing this up with paint. This is actually the cheapest finishing option for basement floors and is ideal for casual spaces. The keys to success with painting concrete are a fully dry subfloor and primer and floor paint specially formulated for concrete. If you're building new, install a vapor barrier and gravel beneath the concrete subfloor to ensure it remains dry.

Paint the Stairs

Add color to the basement stair by painting just the risers. If the stairs have a shiny finish, then apply a deglossing primer first, then brush on your pick of eggshell or satin latex paint. The risers might need scrubbing from time to time to get rid of shoe marks, however because they do not obtain the wear which the treads do, they still do not have to be decorated with specialty floor paint.

Choose Slate for Elegance

Slate tiles cover the staircase, landing, and lower-level guest suite within this modern home. Stone tiles offer you natural elegance and are durable and easy to clean, but they are cool underfoot. For lower-level areas, consider installing an electric radiant-heat system over the concrete subfloor before laying the tiles.