Best Basement Flooring Over Concrete Ideas & Options

One of the easiest ways to change a cold, dark basement into a functional living space is to cover the concrete floor with a practical floor covering. Several different types of products work particularly well over concrete, but it’s important to consider how you will be using the space when deciding which option is best for your needs.

How to Choose the Best Basement Flooring Over Concrete

While you can install several types of products over slab concrete, each product type performs slightly differently. Depending on how you will use your basement space, certain types of products may be better than others.


We’ve highlighted common basement uses as well as some of the best basement flooring over concrete options available at Greatmats to give you some ideas and help you get started.

Common Basement Ideas & Uses

• Gym or fitness: Rubber tiles, PVC tiles, or dense foam tiles
• Storage: Hard plastic tiles, thicker rubber tiles
• Family: Carpet tiles or foam tiles
• Bedroom: Carpet tiles or foam tiles
• Game room: Carpet tiles, foam tiles, hard plastic tiles
• Apartment: Carpet tiles, foam tiles, hard plastic tiles
• Dance practice: Hard plastic tiles or plastic base tiles paired with a marley top layer
• Man cave: Foam tiles or hard plastic tiles
• Laundry room: Rubber or hard plastic tiles

Don’t forget to consider the qualities of the flooring that are most important to the space’s use. For example, if you plan on using the space as a home gym, then you will need to choose a product that can withstand the weight of your heaviest piece of exercise equipment.

It’s also important to consider the installation method that is best for your needs. If you anticipate your basement flooding in the future, then you may want to buy a product that can be easily removed, transported, dried, and then reinstalled. A dry lay roll of flooring or modular tiles that can be repeatedly removed and installed may be ideal for this situation.

The Best Options for Basement Flooring Over Concrete

At Greatmats, we have several excellent options for basement flooring that you can install over concrete, including uneven concrete or worn basement floors. We’ve outlined the essential information that you need to know about each flooring type, and we’ve also included some excellent options to help you get started with your shopping.

Hard Surface Raised Modular Tiles Details

• Materials: PVC or vinyl top on polypropylene plastic
• Installation: Easy DIY snap together installation
• Vapor barrier: Yes
• Installation Type: Temporary or permanent
• Waterproof: Yes

Product Recommendations:

• Max Tile: Quality waterproof tiles available in 6 realistic wood grain finishes
• TileFlex Floor Tiles: Vinyl tiles available in two beautiful finishes never need refinishing
• StayLock Bump Top: Designed to maximize traction, tiles feature the durability of rubber with the cushion of foam
• StayLock Tile Orange Peel: Texture maximizes traction, and tile offers anti-fatigue benefits of foam with the durability of rubber

Carpet Tiles Details

• Materials: Carpet fibers on a plastic base
• Installation: Easy DIY snap together or dry lay
• Vapor barrier: No
• Installation type: Temporary
• Waterproof: Depends on the tile

Product Recommendations:

• Floating Modular Carpet Tiles: Soft tiles are durable enough to handle high roll loads and are removable
• Floating Carpet Tiles: Lightweight and portable tiles offer anti-fatigue and insulation properties similar to traditional carpet

Foam Tile Details

• Materials: EVA foam
• Installation: Easy puzzle-style interlock installation
• Vapor barrier: No
• Installation Type: Temporary or permanent
• Waterproof: Depends on the tile

Product Recommendations:

• Premium Kids Foam Tiles: Soft, comfortable tiles are available in 12 brilliant colors kids love
• Home Sport & Play Tiles: A scuff-resistant texture makes these tiles suitable for use with athletic shoes
• Home BJJ Martial Arts Mats: The tatami texture helps to prevent painful skin burns
• Wood Grain Foam Tiles: Available with five different wood grain finish options, and a scuff-resistant surface on the opposite side
• Foam Gym Floor Tiles: High-density EVA foam is strong enough to support workout equipment

Rubber Details

• Materials: Rubber, sometimes recycled rubber
• Installation: Dry lay, tape down or adhesive
• Vapor barrier: No
• Installation Type: Temporary or permanent
• Waterproof: Yes

Product Recommendations:

• Rolled Rubber: A versatile thin rolled rubber available with color flecks in the mix
• Rolled Rubber Extra Cushion: Cushioned rubber flooring adds extra comfort and can be taped or glued down
• Rubber Tiles: Interlocking rubber tiles can be dry laid and are strong enough to withstand the weight of exercise equipment

Ordering the Best Basement Flooring For Concrete Floors for Your Project

The above information can help you quickly narrow down your basement flooring options. If you have additional questions about any of the products, please contact our Greatmats customer service team. We’re happy to provide you with additional product details and shipping quotes as you decide which product is right for your cement or concrete floor installation.