What Is The Best Flooring For A Basement Bathroom?

A major problem you can encounter in your basement bathroom is moisture. You can tackle this issue by selecting the ideal bathroom flooring. We have researched from the experts to help you choose the best flooring for your basement bathroom, and here's what they recommend.

Waterproof flooring is best for basement bathrooms. You can choose between luxury vinyl or rubber flooring. Waterproofing the floor keeps the basement bathroom dry and fresh. It is crucial to prevent water and moisture build-up inside the basement bathroom. You put your bathroom and the basement at risk of molds and mildew if the floor is wet.

Check if the flooring material is waterproof and not just water-resistant. You also have the freedom to choose the flooring design that suits your style. To help you choose your bathroom flooring, read further below.

Waterproof Flooring For Your Basement Bathroom

Like other basement features, your bathroom should be in good condition. Even though you might use the basement bathroom less often, you should not neglect it.

With the water flowing in the bathroom, your basement is at risk of mold and mildew growth. Moisture and water inside can also damage the subflooring of the basement bathroom.

To avoid issues, you have to use waterproof flooring in your basement bathroom. By using waterproof flooring, water and moisture cannot penetrate the flooring. Also, there will be no damage to your subflooring. Just make sure there are no gaps where water can still seep through.

Take note that water-resistant flooring does not mean it is waterproof. Water-resistant flooring resists more moisture, but water can trickle into the subflooring.

You need to install the flooring with some sealant to prevent water from soaking in. Materials like laminate and porcelain tiles are not fully waterproof.

What Is The Best Waterproof Flooring For A Basement?

The benefits of waterproofing help maintain your basement bathroom in the long run. With the variety of bathroom flooring, the best choices narrow down to two materials.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles Or Planks

Vinyl consists of synthetic materials. Vinyl is also cheaper than other flooring options and has a wider array of colors and patterns. It is also great if you want to mimic wood, stone, or ceramic flooring. The specific vinyl type which is 100 percent waterproof is luxury vinyl.

With luxury vinyl's rigid and multi-layer structure, you won't have to worry about water leakage on the floor. You have a choice to choose between luxury vinyl tiles or planks that are both easy to install. You also won't need any sealant over the luxury vinyl surface to prevent water and moisture.

In the market, there are two luxury vinyl types offered. These are the WPC (wood plastic core) and SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl. Both types have rigid cores for effective waterproofing of floors. The only difference is that SPC vinyl has an ultra-tough core that is stronger than WPC vinyl.

Luxury vinyl can either be tile or plank. A luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is square, while a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) resembles wooden planks. Both are durable waterproofing.

Check out the Lucida USA luxury vinyl floor tiles on Amazon.

Click here to see the Elffloor vinyl waterproof bathroom tiles on Amazon.

Rubber Floor Tiles

Rubber is also a great choice for waterproof flooring. Some of its benefits include slip resistance, easy cleaning, and prevention of microorganism growth. Flood-prone areas use rubber floor tiles, which you can reinstall when the basement dries up.

Also, choose vulcanized rubber over an unvulcanized one. Water can find its way in the pores in unvulcanized rubber over time. For vulcanized rubber, it contains additives that create a solid and waterproof layer.

For recycled rubber, you can re-vulcanize it to create 100 percent waterproof flooring material. The rubber gains more strength and waterproofing capacity when reheated and remolded.

See this Dinoflex Rubber King interlocking tiles best indoor flooring on Amazon.

What Is The Warmest Flooring For A Basement?

Aside from the best waterproof flooring, it is also good to know the warmest flooring for your basement. With the constant battle against water and moisture, the basement will feel too cold. A warm floor can help you feel comfortable while staying in the basement.

If you want to insulate your basement flooring during winter, choose cork flooring.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is warmer than other flooring materials like tile and wood. With a high R-value, it is a good choice for insulating the basement floor. The thermal performance of cork remains for at least 50 years without deterioration.

Some benefits of cork flooring are durability, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Cork also gives comfort due to its cushioned structure. If you choose cork, it is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial. But with these advantages, you also need to take care of the cork flooring to avoid problems.

Cork flooring is not exempt from the moisture in the basement. You will need periodic water sealing to prevent moisture. If you skip the sealing, the cork flooring warps and discolors. Aside from water sealing, you can also use vapor underlayment. The underlay can be built-in or purchased separately.

Can You Put Hardwood Floors On A Concrete Slab?

Yes, it is possible to put hardwood flooring over concrete. Hardwood flooring has become a trend for homeowners due to its high durability and low maintenance. Refinishing and restaining would also be minimal.

With hardwood flooring, your concrete floor will no longer be cold. Hardwood over concrete helps you achieve a cozy and inviting basement. Your basement will also look aesthetically pleasing. You could increase your home's value with the type of flooring you choose.

But before installing, you must consider the following:

• Determine the grade level of the concrete slab to the ground. You can directly glue the hardwood over on-grade or above-grade-level concrete.
• Check the age of the concrete. Allow 6 to 8 weeks of curing time for new concrete slabs.
• Keep your moisture levels low. The hardwood might warp because it is porous. You will need a vapor barrier to help with the moisture issues.
• Concrete must be free of oil, grease, stains, and dust.

When installing, refer to your manufacturer for specific instructions. Some allow direct glue-down, while some recommend nailing on a substrate.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Finish A Basement Floor?

There are budget-friendly options for finishing basement floors. Your first option is using carpet flooring. Using carpets is the easiest and cheapest choice for finishing basement floors. There are available carpets with some adhesive on the back for easier bonding.

Some may not choose carpets because it is prone to dust and is difficult to clean. Carpets can also be breeding places of molds, even if it resists some moisture. Although cheap, carpets are not the best option for finishing your basement floor.

Below are other low-cost options you can choose from:

• Epoxy and paint
• Concrete stain
• Vinyl
• Rubber
• Ceramic tiles

In Closing

Choosing the best flooring for a basement bathroom is important. With the threat of water and moisture, your bathroom flooring should be waterproof. The two best options for waterproof flooring are luxury vinyl and rubber.

It is also good to choose cork flooring to warm up the basement floor. You may also install hardwood flooring over the concrete floor if this suits your style. There are also cheap but effective options for basement flooring that you can use.

With suitable bathroom flooring, you can achieve a comfortable basement for your family.