Hey everyone! I'm facing a bit of a problem in my new house. Every spring, water floods about an inch into half of my basement, specifically the side without a sump pump. To tackle this, I put down some plastic pallets, but the tops of these pallets are full of holes and they shift around because the floor isn't level. I need to place some kind of flooring on top of them that I can screw down to maintain stability, since I'll be using this space as a workshop. It's also crucial that whatever I choose allows for wheels to roll on it without causing damage or mold, as the water has been quite an issue. Any tips on what kind of flooring I could use that meets these criteria? Looks aren't really a concern since it's going to get dirty anyway!
3 Answers
It sounds like you're in a tough spot! Instead of just trying to cover it up, have you thought about getting drainage installed beneath the concrete? While it can be pricey (around $10,000), this could help redirect the water and prevent flooding. It won’t completely stop the water, but it might help with the flooding significantly.
You might want to consider adding another sump pump on the side that’s flooding. It could help manage the water better and make your workspace safer.
Honestly, it’s crucial to address the water intrusion issue if you can. It might save you trouble in the long run! But if you can’t, just make sure whatever flooring you choose has good air circulation to prevent mold. Maybe look into breathable mats or interlocking tiles for your workshop area?
I’m leaning towards breathable mats, but I just hope they stay stable with the pallets underneath.

That sounds like a big investment! I had similar work done at a previous house, but the company was terrible, and it took many attempts to fix the issues. I'm looking for a more affordable solution just for a small corner right now.