[5 Best Options], How Long is a Flight of Stairs (Inc. For 8 and 10 Ft Ceilings), 6 Best Egyptian Cotton Towels [And how to choose yours], How to Install A New Bathtub (Including Renovation Cost), How to Hang Garland on a Staircase [3 Easy Ways]. Second to that would be ceramic or porcelain tile, sheet vinyl flooring, or plank luxury vinyl tile. Here’s The Easiest Type of Shower To Clean, How Big Is A Bath Towel? It is generally less expensive. Carpeting is also harder to clean than many other options. Utility rooms are loaded with pipes and fittings and tanks—and plenty of opportunities for water leaks. No matter what tile you choose, make sure that your concrete floor is in good condition. Interlocking rubber tiles are easy for homeowners to install, they can go down directly over concrete or over a subfloor. Look for melamine-infused laminate, as melamine is a moisture-resistant additive that is mixed into the high-density fiberboard, giving the laminate extra protection against moisture. A properly installed subfloor will create a flat, insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice, ensuring more warmth underfoot. No matter what type of basement flooring you choose, make sure to first fix any problems in the original concrete floor. Preventing Leaks and Losses in the Bathroom. Manufactured in planks with interlocking edges, basement-suitable engineered wood flooring comes with a durable, factory-applied finish. You won’t find a more durable option than tile, period. Almost any kind of flooring is okay to install in a below-grade basement. When it comes to steps in the basement, my first choice will always be hardwood floors and a carpet runner as it’s the best of both worlds – … How to Keep Rain From Blowing on Your Porch [4 Great Solutions!]. The best flooring for your basement’s stairs all depends on the surroundings you have. If you know how to work it, this can be an exceptionally versatile choice. (DIY kits cost around $120 each): This 2-part coating can be applied much like paint, but it creates a thicker layer that’s usually smoother, more durable and easier to keep clean. The important thing here is to choose a paint formulated for concrete floors, and carefully follow the instructions on the can pertaining to surface prep, application, and drying time. The Best Flooring for Stairs and Hallways. Having tile on your stairs is a great way to make sure you don’t have permanent mold damage. In particular, Laminate can be difficult to install if your stairs have a nose that extends over the riser. The only thing is, you need to choose the flooring option that is best suited for your stairs, your lifestyle, and your budget. This budget-friendly pick is one of the fastest ways to cover up basement stairs. While there is not an exact carpet that is unequivocally the greatest carpet for stairs, you might want to check out one of the Mohawk SmartStrand … Painted concrete is cold to the touch and uncomfortable. Marmoleum does not do well as a wraparound and can actually cause damage to your stairs if you use it that way. While it can cover up stair surfaces, it’s best to keep these to closed riser stairs. Carpeting is remarkably grippy and offers a decent amount of cushioning for people, just in case a fall does occur. The Best Flooring Choices For Basement Stairs. ft.): This basement flooring option offers great value for the money. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. If installed carefully, you might be able to avoid most damage, but it’s still a risk you’ll have to take. Laminate can be difficult when you have to deal with curves. 6 Awesome Ideas! Do Pillow Top Mattresses Wear Out Faster? A little inspiration can go a long, long way here. ($.50-$25/sq. There are plenty of basement flooring options that can make your stairs pop and give you the durability you need. To make things easier, we’re going to look at each flooring choice individually and then take a look at some of the common questions people have. Unsurprisingly, it remains a popular pick for basement stairs as well. You can, potentially. As an alternative to varnishing the stairs, you might consider … When properly installed, it can cover up concrete quickly. For detailed options, and pros & cons, check out the article on best basement flooring options. If your basement suffers from time to time from high level of humidity, your best choice could be vinyl plank flooring or linoleum flooring. These differences affect not only your flooring choices but also how your flooring is installed. Painting Options. Click here to get this stair paneling from Amazon. Just like any other part of your house—whether it’s your HVAC unit or roof—the stairs will eventually wear out and need to be replaced or refinished. But before you go for this option, think about how you’ll maneuver that big roll into the basement, cut it to size, and fit it accurately between walls. For the best appearance (and a warmer finished floor), this flooring should be installed over a subfloor. To help, we’re re-sharing our tips for installing a basement flooring over a concrete surface. Keep this in mind if you’re pressed for time. Once you’ve selected the flooring for your entryway, use the same flooring on the stairs. Let’s read a little more into this issue. If your stairs have curves built into their design, do not try either method. Similar to plywood in its composition, this type of flooring has a thin layer of genuine wood (many different species are available) bonded to other wood plies or composite board. Cork can be prone to staining in some cases. You won’t be able to find a material that’s more low-maintenance than laminate. This might be the best basement flooring of the DIY options, because they have a click-together install system. ($2-$7/sq. The best flooring is going to depend on the type of basement that you have. The best flooring for laundry rooms are vinyl or tile. I need something for ten stairs to matching my white maple (looks like wood) flooring. About this video:Wondering what type of flooring … Basement floors are notorious for … It also has a fresh and neutral look so you can change the decor in your hallway and you won’t need to change the flooring, making this type of flooring timeless and cost efficient. Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are easy to install, thanks to interlocking joints. It’s also a great choice for a playroom or laundry room–mainly because it’s durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to keep clean. Much like using dark paint on walls with light carpet, it’s all about the execution. Generally, anything under four inches squared would be the best type of tile to use for the stairways. But if you’re planning a basement remodeling (aka basement finishing) project, you’ll probably want a flooring upgrade to make the new living space more comfortable, more attractive, and easier to keep clean. Best Kinds of Flooring for Laundry Rooms. Paint is the cheapest material that you can use to cover your stairs. If you want a tile floor that isn’t cold underfoot, put down a basement subfloor before you install your tile. Finished basements are generally sealed a little bit more than a simple slab or unfinished basement. These tips below can help you choose the best pick for your home: Now that we’ve gotten the basics about each material let’s talk about some of the other questions that can make or break your decision. Everyone loves carpeting, and it adds a homey touch to everything. If your remodeled basement will be used as a family room, home theatre, or kid’s playroom, you may want to have a subfloor installed over the concrete. However, unlike other rooms, there are certain concerns that must be addressed to keep the basement in good shape. There are different types of laminate flooring … Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for safety issues. If you love timeless decor that works with almost every type of decorative style, you’ll adore bare wood stairs. You can use different sizes of tile. The same goes for rubber sheet flooring. It’s easy to see why. If installed correctly, it is also a close-to-waterproof basement flooring option. Both materials are available with different textured patterns, and in a limited range of colors. Most types can be installed over concrete or over a subfloor. Is the concrete surface rough or uneven in areas? The best floor covering for your basement is no covering at all. Carpeting is one of the most popular flooring choices for basements, particularly those that are finished and aren’t prone to floods. Not sure what type of flooring is best? Non-slip paint that’s meant for flooring is easy to clean and remarkably easy to maintain. A gnat infestation is a common occurrence for many homeowners. Carpeting will get badly damaged during a flood and can be prone to mold. Cork adds cushioning to every step and mutes sound. Since they’re more commonly exposed to moisture, they have a greater chance of developing rot, mold, and other serious … Is there displacement, where a section of floor has cracked and shifted up or down? TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey meets up with a Travelers forensic engineer to show homeowners what to look for to help prevent leak-induced corrosion that can lead to costly damage down the road. If there are cracks or rough-surfaced areas, these will have to be repaired before tile can be installed. The Best Flooring for Dogs Furry friends can wreck havoc on your floors. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring, nearly all Armstrong Flooring products are 100% … Installing tile on stairs can be expensive and time-consuming. Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well: Roughness or irregularities in the basement’s concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor. The best flooring options for basement stairs are: Carpet: It is recommended for concrete steps specifically. We’re going to answer all these questions, and we’re also going to crown a champion for best basement flooring material (don’t like to read, skip to the spoiler to find out what wins!). To make things easier, we’re going to look at each flooring choice individually and then take a look at some of the common questions people have. If you shop around and do the installation yourself, a tile floor can be surprisingly affordable. Whether you're finishing your basement for the first time, or want to step up your style with a new floor, we offer plenty of basement flooring options in a range of performance levels and styles. This easy DIY project is a simple and inexpensive way to update your stairs on a budget while adding style and function with indoor outdoor stair runners. What’s the best flooring for basement with radiant heat? [Standard Shower Curtains Sizes], What Wall Paint Colors Go With Dark Brown Furniture? When it comes to choosing basement flooring, there’s good news. It’s fairly waterproof and highly durable. All rights reserved. With that said, there are several options you can consider for “floating risers.”. Hallway Stairs and Landing Laminate. Painted concrete (or painted wood) can be a great flooring option for basement stairs, particularly in commercial buildings. All you have to do is choose the right wood stain or wood paint for your basement’s layout. However, your options may be slightly more limited unless you’re willing to convert your open riser stairs to a more closed model. This all depends, but most would argue that it would be either laminate or tiling. Most basements have a poured concrete floor that’s solid, flat, and durable. Flooring & Stairs; 9 Inspiring Ideas for Basement Flooring The basement is one of the most versatile areas in the home. Otherwise, you might want to check out what you can do with wood, carpeting, or even linoleum. TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey joins a Travelers forensic engineer to point out the likeliest sources of water damage in bathrooms and proactively help prevent leaks that can turn into big losses for homeowners. (You can read about. Different brands of subfloor tiles are available that include a drainage space for any moisture on the concrete, rigid foam insulation, and a composite surface that serves as the substrate for finished flooring. What’s more, you can get these materials in an amazing variety of styles. Both laminate and tiling may need to be cut to be properly installed on stairs. Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture. See more ideas about stairs, laminate flooring on stairs… Occupying the largest surface areas, the floor of your stairs set the overall look of your staircase. Laminate flooring also lasts well and is durable for high-traffic areas. Concrete is the safest basement flooring. What is the best flooring for basements? ): If you’re aiming for a high-end finished basement room with the look and feel of real wood flooring, there’s good news. In experienced painters may be surprised to learn that not every type of paint can be used on basement stairs. Tile hides concrete and can be made elegant with the right choices. Cork is excellent, especially if you have a construction den downstairs and need slip-proof footing. Otherwise, this concept won’t work well. If you’re looking for an affordable way to make your basement stairs look amazing, then laminate tiling might be an option. There’s something so classy and comforting about bare wood, which is why it remains a popular choice for almost every home. Installing a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor is easier than installing sheet vinyl, and any damage to the floor can be repaired easily, simply by replacing a tile or two. But this direct installation will result in a floor that’s cold underfoot. You just need a few tools and the time to have a fantastic set of stairs. This is especially true for areas prone to flooding or needs to have a lot of stability, such as basement stairs. In addition, should a fall ever occur, carpet offers a much softer landing spot than wood flooring which could help reduce the likelihood of injury.If you decide to carp… Wood is sturdy and can have a polished appearance if need be. It can be slippery if not the right type of paint and should not be used in homes with young children who may need padding. This flooring can be made to look like different wood species, or to resemble ceramic tile. ($2-$7/sq. [Standard Towel Sizes With Chart], Vinyl Flooring in The Bathroom: Pros and Cons, How Long Is A Shower Curtain? Basement stairs might not be the easiest stairs to choose flooring for, but that doesn’t mean that you’re totally out of luck. Having carpet on the stairs doesn’t necessarily prevent falls, but it helps to provide traction compared to hardwood. Many stair runners require hammering or adhesive strips to be installed. From Bare-Bones Basement to Comfortable Family Hangout, A Second Chance: From Raw Basement to Family Room. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. Yes, it's a messy job. Choose pulled down nylon or loop construction for durability. Easy to Maintain Siding with a Modern Spin | 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County. Some epoxies may produce hazardous fumes during application and curing. The best carpet for stairs is one that meets all of the factors outlined above: durability, the appropriate thickness, soil resistance, and warranty coverage. That’s what made us research to determine which flooring type is the best for this oft-overlooked part of your home. To make sure that your Marmoleum won’t pop off, make sure that your substrate matches the requirements put forth in their guide. In this article our team found the top floor paint for painted stairs that looks great and provides years of protection. Carpeting may look out of place on stairs that lead to a basement woodshop or similar room. I was going to order there treads etc through but it would be 1400 for stairs only!!!! for paint and finishing supplies) The least-expensive finished floor option is also the most DIY-friendly.