What’s the Best Basement Flooring Option for Toronto Homes?

What’s the Best Basement Flooring Option for Toronto Homes?

Are you designing a basement or renovating an existing one? It can be difficult to choose a suitable flooring material. This is because moisture is a big concern since most basements are below grade. This means they are partially or completely below ground level and commonly built on concrete slabs. The ground is also often uneven which can greatly limit your choices when it comes to flooring.

Unfortunately, homeowners don’t always spend much time or money on this space. Ironically, most basement flooring options cost more than materials used in other areas of their home as there is already a concrete subfloor installed.

To help you make the best choice, here are some basement flooring options to consider for your Toronto home.

Top 5 Basement Flooring Ideas for Toronto Homes

Keep reading for our top basement flooring picks for homes in Toronto.

1. Engineered Hardwood

In terms of functionality, durability and beauty, engineered hardwood is one of the most suitable options for your basement.

It’s a natural wood product that both looks and feels like solid hardwood, but the material’s manufacturing process gives it superior durability at a fraction of the cost. It is constructed using layers of plywood and hardwood which are bonded together, with the top layer derived from different species of wood such as walnut, maple, and oak. Its high-density fiberboard offers enhanced moisture resistance compared to hardwood flooring,

Engineered hardwood is available in a wide variety of species, textures, character grades, and other options such as unique markings and warm tones. Regardless of the design or function, you are looking for in your basement, you will be able to find a suitable option to match the rest of your decor.

2. Laminate

Laminate planks have a wood fibreboard core, and their surface can be made to mimic a variety of materials, including wood and tile. It’s also coated to protect it against damage which makes it a tough product that is easy to clean and that can handle high foot traffic.

While it might be a better idea to avoid conventional laminate boards, technological advances have allowed manufacturers to produce newer varieties. These are generally marketed as waterproof or water-resistant and are worth considering for basements. However, their water-resistant properties are applicable to spills on the planks and not seepage that comes from below. So, it’s a good idea to waterproof your subfloor before installing the material.

3. Marmoleum

Marmoleum is made from linseed oil derived from flax seeds, jute, wood flour, and limestone. Being made from natural materials, it’s an eco-friendly option. It also offers superior durability, making it suitable for homes with children and pets.

It can be purchased in tiles or sheets, and there are endless patterns and colours to choose from. Marmoleum also has anti-static properties that allow it to repel dust, which can greatly lower maintenance.

It can be purchased in three different styles: click, large sheets, and tiles. The click variety is a ⅜” sandwich of high-density fiberboard mixed with cork. In this system, the squares ’click’ together, making them one of the easiest varieties to install.

4. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are available in many sizes, shapes, and colours. They look beautiful in any space, from living to utility rooms.

Ceramic is made from porcelain fired at high temperatures to make clay dense. This gives it water-resistant properties and makes it durable. However, it’s important to note that glazed tiles repel water more efficiently than unglazed varieties.

Also, the grouting allows substances to seep through, although there are home remedies to keep them clean. Ceramic can, however, stain if spilled substances are not cleaned up promptly.

Moreover, since the material is cold and hard, it can make your already damp basement cooler. To minimize these effects, homeowners may need to install a radiant floor heating system. This does, however, add to the overall flooring installation cost.

Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of price points, so, homeowners can easily find something suitable for their budget.

5. Carpet Tiles

This flooring is easy to install and doesn’t require much effort to repair. (The self-adhesive tiles are easily replaced by pulling up individual damaged pieces.) This peel-and-stick feature ensures easy installation, but the subfloor must be even to guarantee proper adhesion. If there is moisture in the subfloor, it can travel upwards and damage the glue adhesion which can result in tiles coming loose.

In terms of maintenance, vacuuming is recommended, with spills to be blotted as soon as they occur. The material is soft to walk on and offers great insulation. Plus, its layered structure is suitable for absorbing structure-borne sound, making carpet tiles a great choice if you are looking for flooring that reduces noise.

Whether you want to create a playroom in your basement or extend your living space, getting the right basement flooring in Toronto will protect your investment and increase its life. We understand that finishing your basement is no small task, which is why our experts are available for a free consultation. Along with helping you plan, our specialists can complete your flooring installation seamlessly and quickly. Contact us to discover the type of flooring you should choose for your basement.