Your basement flooring options are not really any different from the flooring options elsewhere in your home.  Everything from ceramics to hardwood, all are possible choices for your basement floor.

What Role Does Your Basement Play in Your Home?
That’s the first question that needs to be answered before deciding on your best basement flooring option.  

A Place for Your Things
If your basement is used mostly for storage, and not for additional living space, then a few good coats of paint will give you a good looking and easy to clean floor.  If you want to use your imagination, use tape or masks and create patterns in the floor.  In any case, painting is probably the least expensive flooring options and, if you don’t like the results, simply paint it again!

Living Spaces
Many homeowners finish their basements to add more living space to their homes.  Here again, how you use your basement can determine the type of flooring you need.

Play spaces for your children need a durable, but preferably softer floor.  Carpet is often not recommended for basements because of the high risk of moisture or floods.  However, if your basement is properly waterproofed, carpet and underpadding provide great cushioning and keep the basement warmer.  

Flooring for family entertainment rooms can depend on décor.  In a properly waterproofed basement, hardwood floors will make the room feel warmer and more like other rooms in your home.  Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean, but can be fairly cold to the touch, so an area rug might be useful.

A sub-floor is often built to reduce the cold from cement floors and the damage that might be caused by moisture.  It is important to remember that even a vapour barrier does not protect your basement from damage caused by floods.  Ongoing moisture under your basement sub-floor can cause wood rot and create a home for mold and mildew.

Waterproofing
Regardless of the basement flooring method you choose, you will better protect your floor, home and belongings if you waterproof your basement before installing your floor.  If you have noticed repeated moisture problems, or have ever had a leak or flood, it is best to consult a basement waterproofing professional to get a recommendation for the best waterproofing method for your situation.