Best Flooring for Basement That Floods - Waterproof Flooring

If you live an area where floods happen, or have experienced the damage floods can cause to homes and businesses, then you know what a pain it is to replace your flooring every time it gets soaked. So, what is the best flooring for basements that are prone to flood or get wet? At Greatmats, we offer some of the best flooring for a basement that floods - which won't absorb flood water and its contaminants and is easy to remove, dry and reinstall. In this article, we'll address the following questions.

Factors to consider when choosing the best flooring for a basement that floods

1. What's the best flood proof flooring material?
2. What does flood resistant flooring look like?
3. How will flood proof basement flooring feel?
4. Are there any special precautions I should take for my floor prior to a flood?
5. What do I do with my floor after a flood to restore it to its original condition?
6. How much does flood proof flooring cost?
7. What are the best flooring options for flood prone basements?

What's the best flood proof flooring material?

The short answer is waterproof materials such as polypropylene or PVC plastic, closed-cell foam or vulcanized rubber. Non-vulcanized rubber can also be used, but keep in mind that while the rubber won't absorb water, when soaked over time, the water can work its way into the tiny pores and will take longer to dry out. Another option is treated wood.

How does flood flooring look?

It may be hard to believe, but flood proof flooring doesn't have to be ugly. It can look as stylish as any other type of home, commercial or athletic flooring. With the advancements in specialty flooring over the years, there is flood resistant carpet or flooring that looks like wood or stone as well as traditional black rubber gym flooring. If you've got a specific style or look in mind for your space, check out Greatmats.com. Odds are, its got something that will fit your wants and needs.

How does waterproof flooring feel?

Any way you want! At Greatmats, you can find dense, hard flooring, plush carpet and fatigue relieving or impact absorbing cushioned floors that will last for years in flood prone areas. As general rule, rubber flooring rolls or other rubber flooring thinner than 1 inch will be the firmest flooring - aside from concrete or stone. Closed cell EVA or PE foam flooring will be your softest and most cushioning option. Plastic flooring fills the gap between the two nicely. The nice part about plastics is that they can be made in a wide variety of softnessess and elasticities. Greatmats polypropylene flooring is more on the firm and rugged side while its PVC flooring in many cases offers cushion, fatigue relief and even fall protection. Waterproof carpet feels much like traditional carpet.

What precautions should I take when installing my flood resistant flooring?

A good rule of them is to avoid adhesives if possible. This allows you to remove the flooring when it gets wet and allow the both the surface flooring and subflooring to dry thoroughly. Then the flooded carpet, vinyl, plastic or rubber flooring can be re-installed without the risk for mold or mildew. Should you desire to adhere your flood flooring to subfloor, double-sided tape would be the next best option. There are also moisture cured polyurethane adhesives available. It's best to speak with a Greatmats customer service representative for glue down flooring in flood zones.

How do I restore my flood proof flooring after it gets wet?

In most cases, you'll want to remove the flooring, clean it, allow it to dry and reinstall it. This is where modular tiles or interlocking mats are most handy. The convenient sizing allows for easy de-installation and re-installation. Plastic raised flooring will allow for quicker re-installation due to the fact that it will allow airflow beneath the tiles. So if some some reason, you subfloor is not completely dry, it still stands a chance to dry after the raised floor tiles go back in. Flat bottom tiles, rolls or mats will trap moisture beneath them. It's always best to allow all components to dry completely before reinstalling.

How much should I expect to pay to get the best flooring for a basement that floods?

At the low end of the spectrum are EVA foam tiles, button top rubber mats - designed for horse stall wash bays, and rolled rubber flooring. These can be found for less than $2 per square foot. On the opposite end of the spectrum are high-end deck, pool or entrance tiles which can run up to $30 per square foot.

PVC floor tiles, interlocking rubber tiles, and carpet bonded foam tiles start at just over $2 per square foot. Polypropylene tiles and artificial grass starts around $3 per square foot.

Most raised floor tiles start around $4 per square foot. These are available with a plastic base and can feature carpet or vinyl tops.

What are the most popular flooring options for flood prone basements? And why?

Best vinyl flooring for a basement that floods

Max Tile Raised Floor Tiles

1. Waterproof Raised Polypropylene Base
2. Designed for repeated installations
3. Wood Grain or Stone Look Vinyl Top Options
4. UV Treated7-year wear layer
5. 5-year warranty
6. Made in the USA

Best plastic flooring for a basement that floods

StayLock Tiles

1. Waterproof PVC construction with raised base
2. Designed for repeated installations
3. Perforated, Bump Top or Orange Peel surfaces in solid colors
4. Anti-Fatigue Benefits
5. 20 inch fall height rating for Perforated and Orange Peel models

Best carpet flooring for a basement that floods

Basement Carpet Tile Raised Squares

1. Waterproof carpet surface and raised polypropylene base
2. Designed for repeated installations
3. Available in Gray and Tan
4. Made from recycled content
5. Excellent thermal insulation
6. Snaps together with corresponding Garage Floor Tiles, Court Floor Tiles, and Event Dance Floor Tiles
7. 1 year warranty
8. Made in the USA

Best wood look flooring for a basement that floods

Wood Grain Reversible Foam Floor

1. Waterproof EVA Foam Construction
2. Designed for Repeated Installations
3. Wood grain options with no scuff tan-reverse side
4. Great cushion and anti-fatigue benefits
5. Excellent sound and thermal insulation
6. 1 year warranty

Best cushioned carpet flooring for a basement that floods

Royal Interlocking Carpet Tile

1. Waterproof EVA foam base with plush carpet top
2. Designed for Repeated Installations
3. 4 color options
4. Excellent cushion and anti-fatigue benefits
5. Great sound and thermal insulation
6. Odor Proof
7. 1 year warranty

Best rubber flooring for a basement that floods

Interlocking Rubber Tile 2x2 Foot x 8 mm

1. Mold and mildew resistant rubber material
2. Easy DIY installation - lightweight rubber option with easy removal
3. Black and Color fleck Options
4. Withstands heavy weight
5. Excellent sound insulation
6. Slip resistant
7. 5 year warranty
8. Made in the USA

Rubber Flooring Roll Greatmats 1/4 Inch Black 10 LF

1. Mold and mildew resistant rubber material
2. DIY installation with fewer seams than tiles with easy removal
3. Black and color fleck option
4. Withstands heavy weight
5. Excellent sound insulation
6. Slip resistant
7. 5 year warranty
8. Made in the USA

Rubber Tile Utility 3x3 ft 8 mm Black Mix

1. Waterproof vulcanized rubber material
2. Easy DIY installation - lightweight rubber option with easy removal
3. Withstands heavy weight
4. Excellent Sound Insulation
5. Slip resistant
6. 5 year warranty
7. Made in the USA

Whether you are looking for flood proof flooring to equip your home, gym, garage or business there are plenty of products out there to help you out and Greatmats.com has one of the largest selections anywhere. All of the popular products list above are for indoor applications. Greatmats also has a large selection of outdoor flooring options. Check out its many waterproof flooring solutions today!