Though we often treat the basement as part of the home—sometimes remodelling the space into a workshop, home theatre, or extra bedroom—it generally feels a bit more like the outdoors than the rest of the house. Most homes come equipped with concrete basement flooring, which likely isn’t found anywhere else in your home. This is because basements are typically designed to be used for storage, and concrete basement flooring provides functionality over comfort or aesthetics. However, leaving these types of basement floors exposed can cause them to take damage, which is expensive to repair when the time comes. Home owners—and renters especially—will have to either repair or replace damaged concrete basement flooring before they can move or resell their home, a task that can prove itself prohibitively expensive. You can spare yourself a massive amount of stress and money if you instead invest in taking care of your basement floors. At a glance it may sound like a daunting task, but you can preserve your concrete basement flooring for long-term use with one simple step: a basement floor covering.

Basement floor coverings are an efficient and affordable solution to vulnerable concrete basement flooring. Depending on how you plan to use your space, there are basement floor coverings available in a wide selection of materials and designs, many of which are affordable and easy to install yourself. Regardless of whether your basement is your family game room or a secret library, don’t risk leaving that concrete basement flooring exposed. Take some time to explore the popular basement flooring options before making a decision so rash.

Let’s get right to the point: Rubber is one of the more popular basement flooring options because it can provide wall-to wall protection. It is easy to forget you have concrete basement flooring at all with thick rubber matting covering every inch of it. Rubber comes in a variety of durable thicknesses, designed to absorb impacts, abrasions, and vibrations. Such movements, whether they are caused by human feet or heavy workout equipment, can potentially cause damage to your basement floors. Rubber basement floor coverings, on the other hand, lessen those movements to protect both your concrete basement flooring and anyone standing up on the rubber surface. Vinyl or PVC is another popular basement floor covering because, like rubber, it offers intense durability and abrasion resistance. Vinyl flooring has a clean, professional appearance and unrivalled moisture resistance. However, vinyl flooring is typically thinner than rubber alternatives, and may leave both you and your concrete basement flooring less protected against heavy impacts.

Both rubber and vinyl basement floor coverings are waterproof, but vinyl can also handle tougher substances such as oil and mild chemicals. This is an important feature because oils and chemicals can easily stain concrete basement flooring—an unattractive misfortune that is nearly impossible to repair. Though rubber basement flooring options still provide a heavy-duty protective layer, oils and chemicals are likely to damage or degrade the material. Vinyl, though it is thin, presents a rigid, non-permeable surface that is able to withstand a much wider range of substances than a rubber basement floor covering.

Another key aspect that makes rubber the popular choice for basement floor covering is the material’s natural slip-resistance. That’s right—rubber basement floors are naturally non-slip surfaces, and certain rubberized basement flooring options even feature unique surface textures that can enhance traction further. Because rubber has this element of natural grip, it can maintain traction even when the flooring is wet. This makes rubber an ideal safety surface, unlike the hard and slippery concrete basement flooring it is designed to cover.

The best basement flooring options are ones that make the space more hospitable, and though rubber may not seem like that at a glance, it makes up for unfamiliarity with a combination of safety and comfort. In addition to impressive slip-resistance, rubber basement floor coverings have an elastic nature that can provide both comfort and anti-fatigue qualities. Did you know that most commercial gyms have base floors similar to the common concrete basement flooring? Many popular basement flooring options are actually the same rubber floors used in some of the most elite gyms. These thick, flexible flooring options lessen impacts and relieve pressure from the joints and muscles of whoever exercises on the surface. Rubber is much more forgiving than your concrete basement flooring. If you work out on a hard surface like concrete, or even just spend too much time standing on it, the long-term effects on your body can be disheartening. As your own weight pushes you down into a hard, concrete basement flooring, the stress gradually wears down your joints, muscles, and bones. Over time this stress and wear leads to fatigue, potential injuries, and a significant weakening of the feet and ankles. Unlike most materials, a rubber basement floor covering is designed to relieve as much of that stress as possible to keep you both comfortable and healthy. This quality is ideal for game rooms and home gyms, but rubber basement floors should not be limited to physically demanding applications. Even if your basement is merely used for storage or work, you can still reap the benefits of having a more comfortable surface than concrete basement flooring. Believe us, your ankles will thank you in the long-run.

No matter how you plan to use your newly remodeled basement, a safe, comfortable, and protective flooring in an absolute must. Rubber and vinyl basement floor coverings are reliable and affordable solutions, often made from eco-friendly, recycled materials. With so many varieties, there is a perfect match for every person’s perfect basement. Don’t underestimate how fragile your concrete basement flooring is, and don’t make it the reason you lose your deposit. With a protective cover, your basement floors are safe and all your worries can just bounce away.