Is vinyl a good option for basements?

Posted by Debbie on November 24th, 2018

If you're looking to add or replace flooring for your basement, you may have realized it's a bit more complicated and expensive than you were thinking.

That's because basements are tricky.  First, they are cold, so your natural inclination is to warm it up by adding carpet. But, of course, basements also get damp (and sometimes even wet), so carpets are not usually the smartest decision (especially as they can get mildewy, smelly and sometimes even moldy).

So, going for a hard surface is often better...and ideally one that is actually waterproof.

Many people mistakenly think that laminate is waterproof.  It isn't!  In fact, it's the opposite.  The MDF core board is almost like cardboard...and it actually absorbs moisture like a sponge.  And, when that happens, it can permanently ruin the floors, and they can even buckle.  So avoid laminate.

Tile is sometimes a good solution as it is waterproof.  However, it's very cold on your feet.  (as well as hard on your feet).  Oh, and it tends to be the most expensive flooring surface.  And, most people are looking for a more economical option for the basement.  After all, it's just a basement.

So instead, a better option for basements is vinyl. There are many types of vinyl now, and they vary in their features as well as cost.

My favorite type of vinyl is LVP flooring.  LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring.  (It's sometimes called Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP)).  Anyway, these are individual planks that look like real hardwood floors...except they are waterproof.  Unlike cheaper vinyl options, they look and feel real and the boards are thicker - typically 8 mm thick (vs most vinyl may be only be 1 mm thick).

These planks have vinyl on top, and then a high density coreboard in the middle and then an attached cork backing.  The cork give the floors a bit of cushioning, so they are easier on your feet. The cork also provides a bit of insulation, so they are warmer on your feet (vs. tile and other vinyl options that are glued down to the concrete floor). 

I love these products.  They look and feel awesome.  And, they are waterproof - all layers are waterproof.

Now, while this is my favorite option for basements, they don't work for all basements.  They are clickable planks...making them a floating floor.  And, if you have a very uneven basement floor, this may not be the best option for you as the floors may bounce.  So below are some alternative vinyls you can use if your floor is wavy or very sloped or very uneven.

First option is to do a vinyl plank that glues down to the floor.  These glue down vinyls and flex to the unevenness of the floor.  But, please note that your floors will still be uneven (unless you level out the floor) and the floors will be colder as they are directly on top of the concrete.

Second option is to do a sheet vinyl. These will also contour to the shape of floor and be colder on your feet, but they are cheaper as they come in a sheet form.  (Note: this is not a DIY product).

Third option is to VCT (vinyl composite tile).  These are 12 x 12 squares that are flecked.  You might find them in schools, laundromats or Chinese food take places.  They are not the most attactive, but they are cheaper and generally hold up to minor water and moisture.

Fourth option is to do some peel and stick tiles (that you can buy in Home Depot).  These are easy to install yourself and tend to be cheaper. But, please bear in mind that they are not waterproof.  When the glue gets wet, the adhesive becomes less sticky and they can move and shift.

Out of all the vinyl options, luxury vinyl plank (or LVP or EVP) is the most preferable option as it looks and feels the best, AND it's waterproof.