We recently faced an unexpected remodel after a pipe burst in our large 1600 sq ft walkout basement, which makes up about half of our living space. We're going for a mid-century style in our 1960s house and want to ensure we choose the right flooring for this significant investment. Our previous flooring was engineered hardwood, but while insurance covered some costs, we're willing to spend for quality. Here are our options we're considering:
1. **Engineered Hardwood**: We like the look and feel but are concerned about water risks.
2. **Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)**: I know this is a common recommendation for basements, but most options feel cheap to me. Are there any high-end brands that might work?
3. **Tile**: Large format tiles could work aesthetically, but I'm worried about how cold and hard they are, especially since we plan to have kids soon.
We also explored more costly options like terrazzo, but that's out of the budget. We need something durable, high-quality, and appropriate for our house style, while also being comfortable and cleanable for kids and our gentle dog.
3 Answers
We’ve been looking at terrazzo-style large format tiles too. Just thinking about how elegant they’d look! I haven’t committed yet because I also worry about the hardness for kids, but it’s definitely an option to consider if you want something stylish.
What about cork flooring? It could really fit the mid-century vibe and offer some warmth underfoot compared to tile. If it were me, I'd lean towards engineered hardwood since it aligns nicely with your home's style. Just make sure to level the surface first to avoid future water issues!
From my experience, hardwood is the best, but I have carpeting in my basement because it's better for kids' falls and it's easier on older pets. I did LVP at my cottage, and I really hated the feel of it. It's just not as natural as wood. If you want a really durable and unique finish, maybe consider looking into some higher-end laminate options that are water-resistant for up to 10 hours!
I totally get that. I had a laminate that was super thick with a hand-honed look, which helped avoid that hollow sound. It felt more authentic too!
"Pipe burst once, shame on house. Pipe burst twice, shame on me... if I install a cork floor." That's a funny angle to consider! Just be careful!