10 Concrete Basement Floor Ideas

Picture a home with a sprawling yard, beautiful bedrooms, and fun and lively a common space. Now, what does the basement of that home look like? If you're like most contractors, you've worked in lovely homes with less-than-stellar underground spaces. 

Has one of your regular customers enlisted your help to renovate the area? Don't worry if you don't have any ideas. 

We've got ten concrete basement floor ideas that will knock the socks off the homeowners here to help you out.  

Keeping the Original Concrete Basement Floor

Some clients love the look of concrete basement flooring. If they don't want to overlay tiles, panels, or paint the surface a different color, you can still offer them help. Creating a textured finish adds dimension to the concrete without painting or resurfacing the material. 

Adding Color

If your customer dislikes the original concrete, but isn't comfortable resurfacing the space, you can offer to add color into their space. Before doing any color work on the basement flooring, prepare a coating for protection. 

1. Floor Paints

The simplest way to bring some life into the underground area is through painting. When painting concrete, use a latex floor paint that works well in high humidity and lower temperature ranges. If possible, choose a water proof paint to fight mold and mildew growth.

2. Epoxy

For clients that are cost-sensitive, the epoxy costs and benefits are appealing. The sealant comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and you can choose between water-based, solvent-based, and complete solid formulas. 

Epoxy is almost completely water-proof, saving you the cost of buying an additional solution. Plus, the material is highly resistant to germs and bacteria, making it low maintenance. 

3. Stain 

Another way to change the color of the basement flooring is by staining the surface. Again, the costs are minimal. Stains are chip and flake resistant, meaning clients don't have to worry about using the space often. 

color stain works by a chemical reaction between the concrete itself and the water- or acid-based product. Folks should know that the color they choose on the shelf might not necessarily match the result. 

Resurfacing the Basement Floor

Sometimes, clients dislike looking at their concrete basement floor. They don't want to see cement at all. In those cases, finishing a basement means resurfacing the floor with a unique material. 

Using Carpet

If the underground space renovation's primary purpose is to warm up the area, you've come to the right place. Carpet is a surefire way to make the basement cozy for your clients. Before installing any carpeting, give yourself a smooth concrete base to work from. 

4. Carpet Tiles

For clients who want a completely covered floor, utilize carpet tiles. The tiles are inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and designs, and are versatile.

Before starting the installation, level the surface and take measurements. Purchase enough dense and flat squares for the space; add a few extra to account for future wear and tear. 

5. Area Rug

Maybe you're talking with the client, and they like the concrete basement flooring, but they still want to subtly change the space. In this case, you can combine coloring with a unique and fun area rug. The rug will warm up the space without being overwhelming.

Why limit the rug to basement floor ideas? You could also potentially hang mat on the wall. 

Using Tiles/Panels

Sometimes families want tiles or panels installed in their basement rather than going through painting or resurfacing. The inclusion of the overlaid materials increases the basement flooring price if individuals choose to later sell their homes. 

6. Ceramic

Will the basement be a game room, lounge area, or guest space? If so, consider utilizing ceramic tiles for the flooring. The stability of the material prevents you from having to waterproof a floor. 

Ceramic tiles come in a variety of bright, colorful patterns. Homeowners can choose between alternating colors, stripes, or other designs. Plus, the pricing is reasonable for the lifespan of the material. 

7. Engineered Wood

Because of the water-damage risk, avoid using hardwood floors in the basement space unless you want warped and damaged planks. However, for customers wanting the rustic aesthetic, engineered wood is an option. 

Made from composite wood sealed with adhesive, the home dwellers won't have to deal with swelling. You can also choose between light and dark shades. 

8. Vinyl

Another way to get the look of wood without the water risks is through using vinyl. The low-cost, high-quality concrete floor coatings can also look like stone. 

Vinyl holds up well against foot traffic. Plus, the material is water-proof without needing an extra protective layer.

9. Rubber

Do your clients want to turn the space into an at-home gym? If so, consider installing rubber tiles on top of their concrete basement floor. The material is tough and flexible, making it ideal to cushion high intensity exercises and movements. 

Plus, once the rubber becomes worn from usage, you can easily replace the tiles. The pieces come together and break apart like puzzle pieces. For more temporary solutions, you can place rubber roll-out mats along the floor.

10. Vapor Barrier

For homeowners who want a catch-all solution for finishing their basement, go with vapor barrier tiles. The molded-plastic base tiles come in carpet or stone-patterns. Installation and replacement are both simple processes. 

Plus, vapor barrier flooring tiles prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in the damp space. If your patrons so desire, eco-friendly options are available. 

Ready to Take on a Concrete Floor Project? Contact us to Get Started Today. 

With concrete basement floor renovation projects, the potential ideas are endless. You can choose between painting the surface, covering it with carpet, or using an epoxy seal, among other things. Talk with the homeowners once you've decided which idea to follow, and go from there. 

Want more help with your basement renovation project? Read more of our contractor tips, tricks, and concrete-related advice on the blog. Plus, contact the On Floor team to purchase all the tools you need to fix an underground space.