Residential applications
Basement flooring
Epoxy coatings, polished concrete and self-leveling underlayments for basement floors that are durable and easy to keep clean.
Overview
A finished floor for the lowest level
Epoxy basement floors are robust and resilient, and they blend well with other finishing materials in a home. That is why epoxy-coated floors have become popular in modern homes.
Basement floors coated with epoxy are strong, durable and easy to clean. If the basement will get another floor covering, a self-leveling underlayment can create a smooth, level base for tile, vinyl or carpet.
Application at a glance
- Best for
- Durable basement floors that are easy to keep clean
- Relevant systems
- Epoxy coatings, polished concrete and epoxy chip flooring
- Under other flooring
- A self-leveling underlayment makes a smooth base for tile, vinyl or carpet
Start here
What should be checked first in a basement?
Before choosing a finish, the existing basement slab is looked at closely: its surface, its cracks, what is on it now and any signs of moisture. What turns up decides which options make sense.
The existing slab
- Cracks, chips, low spots and uneven areas
- Old paint, sealer, carpet, tile or leftover adhesive on the surface
- Patches and earlier repairs
- How flat the floor is, if another floor covering will go on top
Cracks and damaged areas are repaired before finishing. See concrete repair.
Moisture as part of the evaluation
Moisture conditions in a basement slab can affect which floor system is appropriate, so signs of dampness, past leaks or water staining are noted during the evaluation.
A floor coating is not a fix for water coming into a basement. If water is getting in, that source needs to be dealt with first, and the floor finish is then chosen to suit the slab.
Options
Floor options for basements
Epoxy is a popular basement floor because it is strong, durable and easy to clean. Polished concrete and epoxy chip are other finished-floor options, and a self-leveling underlayment creates a smooth, level base if tile, vinyl or carpet will go on top.
Plan by use
Choosing a basement finish for how the room will be used
The right basement floor depends on what the room is for. A play room, a home gym and a room that will get carpet each point to a different option.
| How the basement will be used | Options to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family room or play room | Polished concrete, stained concrete or an epoxy coating | A finished look that is easy to sweep and mop |
| Home gym, workshop or hobby room | An epoxy or epoxy chip coating | A hard, easy-to-clean surface; chips add color and help hide imperfections in the slab |
| Storage, laundry or utility space | An epoxy coating or sealed concrete | A simple surface that cleans up easily |
| A room that will get carpet, tile or vinyl | A self-leveling underlayment | A smooth, level base for the new floor covering |
Finishing a room on a main floor instead? See interior floors for finish options in living spaces.
FAQ
Basement floor questions
Will a floor coating stop water from coming into my basement?
No. A floor coating is not a waterproofing fix for water entering a basement. If water is coming in, the source needs to be addressed first. Moisture conditions in the slab are also checked, because they can affect which floor system is appropriate.
Can cracks in a basement floor be fixed before finishing?
Yes. Cracks and damaged areas are repaired before a finish goes down. Where cracks, pits or uneven areas are too much for patching, a thin self-leveling layer can smooth the surface without tearing out the old concrete. See self leveling.
Can carpet or tile go over a concrete basement floor?
Yes. A self-leveling underlayment can create a smooth, level base for tile, vinyl or carpet, so the new covering sits flat.
How is a basement floor different from other floors in the house?
The finishes are similar, but a basement starts with a closer look at the existing slab: its cracks, what is on it now and any signs of moisture. Those findings narrow down which finish suits the space.
Areas served
Serving homes and businesses across Southern California
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Los Angeles County
Free estimate
Ready to transform your concrete floor?
Share a few details about your space and the finish you have in mind, and we will help you choose the right system for your home or business.
- (619) 870-8308Call for a free estimate
- info@concretepolishingsolutions.proEmail us about your project
- Southern CaliforniaSan Diego, Orange, Riverside & Los Angeles counties