Basement Flooring Systems

The ideal basement flooring system is designed to prevent moisture buildup. Get the details on how these systems work and which one is best suited for your home.

Laminate Flooring

Durable Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a good choice in high-traffic areas.

Photo by: Geoffrey Hodgdon

Geoffrey Hodgdon

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

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Given the damp nature of many basements, the best basement flooring systems provide a certain amount of protection from moisture, limiting the chances of water damage. This means that the ideal flooring system choice for any basement is one that includes waterproof flooring or a sealant that locks out water.

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Basement subfloors are common choices when installing a basement floor. Subfloors protect the floor by providing a layer of material that separates the concrete pad from the final floor. Without a subfloor, moisture could easily make its way into the basement due to the wicking nature of concrete floors.

You might consider installing a Drylok basement floor. Drylok is an oil- or water-based waterproofing product that is applied to the floor as a waterproofing measure. Drylok protects floors in case of a lea or flood. The product is easily applied with a paint brush or roller, and only requires two coats to properly seal out moisture.

See also: Floor Buying Guide

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