Waterproof Flooring for Basements

Choosing the right waterproof flooring for a basement can make all the difference when it comes to locking out moisture.

SP0355_concrete-design_s4x3

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Choosing waterproof flooring for basements requires you to consider different factors as opposed to other areas of the home. Basements are prone to excess moisture, making for a sometimes damp environment or even water damage. This means a waterproof basement floor is the best choice for easy maintenance.

10 Basements for the Whole Family

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Two of the best options for waterproof flooring for basements are epoxy paint and sealed concrete. Not only are both affordable, but they are durable and allow for adequate waterproofing.

Epoxy paint dries thick and hard, providing the necessary durability that goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a basement floor. Epoxies are also an excellent solution for a basement that is being used for as a recreation area or workshop.

In addition to being durable, epoxy paint is also waterproof. There are three types of epoxy paint – water-based, solvent-based and 100 percent solid – and they come in a range of colors, including ivory, brown and red.

When sealing a concrete floor, choose a waterproof sealing paint. You may also want to consider using a dye or stain to give the concrete a bit of color before sealing it, adding a touch of personal flair.

Next Up

How to Fix Common Causes of Basement Water Problems

Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve the air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn about common water problems in basements, what's involved to fix them and how much you might expect to pay.

How to Build Finished Walls in a Basement

Looking to finish your basement and turn it into extra living space? Learn the steps and costs needed to turn cinderblock walls into finished walls.

How to Paint a Garage Floor With Epoxy

Using epoxy paint with terrazzo flakes on your garage floor will help prevent stains and deterioration, and the polished finish will give you a new-car-showroom look.

Basement Flooring Options, Costs and Ideas

Explore today's choices for basement floors including luxury vinyl tile, hardwood, carpet, porcelain tile, specially dyed concrete and yes, even laminates.

Basement Finishing Costs

By increasing living space without adding square footage, a basement remodel can be a budget-friendly option if a home extension is not an option. Learn what goes into finishing a basement, who can help and what you might expect to pay.

How to Repair and Patch Damaged Carpet

Got a stain in your carpeting that can’t be removed by cleaning? Learn how to cut away the damaged area and install a seamless patch.

Top Six Basement Spaces

From media rooms to home offices to bars, get tips on transforming your basement.

How Much Value Does a Finished Basement Add?

A finished basement is a home improvement project you get to enjoy twice: for the added living space, and again at resale when you're paid back for much of the project.

Painting Kitchen Floors

Get tips for painting kitchen floors.

How to Get Rid of Clothes and Pantry Moths

Remove and prevent pantry moths and clothing moths from your home with these simple, effective techniques.

Basements in Depth

Solve common problems and turn unused square footage into new, functional areas for gathering.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

No Demo Reno

12pm | 11c

No Demo Reno

1pm | 12c

Home Town

6pm | 5c

Home Town

7pm | 6c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Home Town

8pm | 7c

Home Town

9pm | 8c

House Hunters

10pm | 9c

House Hunters

10:31pm | 9:31c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

Home Town

12am | 11c

House Hunters

1am | 12c

House Hunters

1:30am | 12:30c

Home Town

2:59am | 1:59c

Home Town

4am | 3c

Home Town

5am | 4c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.