Are you looking for the cheapest flooring options for your basement? Then, you are on the right page.
Painting the walls and restaining the furniture or hardware on cabinets are some small changes you can consider with a tight budget. However, there are some changes that can have a more significant impact on your home interior without having to break the bank.
There are a lot of Inexpensive basement flooring options in the market that are under your budget. If you are going to install new flooring in your basement, it will make your basement look more beautiful, considering you choose the right material. Here, I have listed the five inexpensive basement flooring options with pros and cons.
Let’s explore the most cost-effective & cheapest flooring options for your basement.
1. Sheet Vinyl
The average cost of sheet vinyl is between $0.50 to $2 per square foot. It is one of the great affordable options and it is a popular choice for homeowners as it is durable, comfortable, and cost-effective. It also has a wide variety of colors and patterns on the market to fit your needs.
The quality of the sheet varies from brand and brand, or even the products of the same brand. Sheet vinyl is an excellent option if you are looking to save money. It is also a DIY option as it is very easy to install. You can install it by yourself, which can save the installation cost. However, it can face difficulty in removing, so if you get to that point in removing it, call the home improvement professionals.
Pros
- It is durable and low maintenance
- It has a wide range of patterns and colors
- You can install it by yourself
Cons
- It can dent easily as it is less hard than other flooring materials
- It may have inconsistent quality.
- Challenging to remove
2. Linoleum
The average linoleum flooring cost usually ranges between $2 and $3 per square foot. It is slightly more expensive than sheet vinyl and looks very similar to sheet vinyl, so some people get confused. It is a good flooring option as it is eco-friendly, durable, and low maintenance. Another good thing about linoleum is that it is water-resistant. But, it is not waterproof. It may get damaged when completely submerged in water.
The surface of Linoleum installed in your room may experience ambering as a result of exposure to the high amount of sun. As a result, the surface begins to yellow. However, you can avoid this with proper maintenance, for example, waxing every two to three years in case your floor is not factory coated.
You can also install linoleum flooring by yourself. But, if your floor is uneven, you should call a professional.
Pros
- You can install it by yourself.
- It is very easy to maintain and clean
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Do not install if your room has high moisture
- Exposure to the high amount of sun may cause ambering
- It can get punctured or torn by sharp objects
Read More: How To Get Rid of Musty Smell In Basement
3. Laminate (best & cheapest flooring option)
The average cost of laminate is between $1 and $6 per square foot. It looks similar to hardwood and is a great option for those that want flooring options that look similar to hardwood floors but at a cheaper price. It is very easy to maintain and clean. If it gets damaged, it usually needs to be replaced as it can not be refinished or resealed.
It can easily become damaged or warped in case it is not properly sealed and moister or water seeps through it. It is also a very easy option to install, and you do not need any professional that will save installation costs.
However, it sometimes appears fake and may feel hard underfoot. So, if you are looking for a comfortable option, then laminate is not the best choice.
Pros
- It is very easy to clean and maintain
- It is also durable
- You can install it by yourself
Cons
- It can appear fake
- If it gets damaged, it needs replacement, not repairs
- Not a comfortable option; it feels hard underfoot
4. Carpet
The average cost of carpet is between $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on quality and material. It is an extremely soft and comfortable flooring option. It provides a level of safety that makes it a comfortable option for households with kids.
There is a wide variety of colors, styles, and materials in carpets. So, it is very easy to find one according to your needs and budget. You can not install it by yourself. Installing the carpet without any professional can easily go wrong. So, DIY is not recommended.
Carpets can’t be easily wiped down, so cleaning and maintenance are slightly tough and more expensive than other flooring options. Hard surface flooring options are on the rise considering style and trends, so carpets can easily decrease the resale value of your home.
Read More: How to Improve the Value of Your Home with Renovation
Pros
- Carpets are soft and comfortable
- Provide a sense of safety for homes with children
- Carpets are available in a wide variety of colors and materials
Cons
- It is not recommended to install it yourself
- Carpets are difficult to clean, and maintenance
- Decrease the resale value of your home
5. Polished Concrete
The price range of polished concrete is between $2 to $8 per square foot, a low-cost flooring option. It is best to have concrete professionals do the installation because concrete needs to be mixed and prepared to a specific degree before it can be applied. The final product can be impacted due to any mistake during the pouring stage.
Cleaning and upkeep of a polished concrete floor are extremely easy and low-cost. If the concrete floor is maintained properly, it can last up to a lifetime.
However, concrete is cold, hard, and uncomfortable compared to other flooring options. Concrete is a material that is not damaged easily. It has also disadvantages like falling on it may be dangerous.
Pros
- Polished concrete lasts a lifetime with minimal maintenance
- It is alos ecofriendly
- The concrete surface is not damaged easily
Cons
- DIY is not recommended
- It is hard, uncomfortable underfoot, and cold
- You can slip or fall from it
What is the best flooring for a basement cement floor?
When the concrete gets old, then exposy floors are a great option. It usually requires a stable floor made of concrete. You can paint it in multiple layers.
What is the warmest flooring for a basement?
If you have a cold basement, then cork floating is an excellent option to consider. You can have an insulated floor with cost-effective 6mm cork underlayment.
Here’s a top-rated Construction Directory you might be interested in.
Is it OK to put carpet in a basement?
Yes, you can put carpet in your basement. It is one of the most flexible and cheap floors covering materials on the market. Even, if your cement floor is not even, you can install the carpet over it without the need to level the floor.
Best Home Renovation Services in Cape Cod
Dream Home Improvement is a complete home repairing service company in Cape Cod. We offer repair services for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, ridge vents, and sidings. Dream Home Improvement ensures the customer we serve has the best experience possible.
Contact us to start working on your new basement project. You can also schedule a free in-home consultation by calling us at 774-208-3589. Our experts will show you the latest roofing trends that can completely update the look of your home. Boost the value of your property and protect your investment.
