What Is the Best Tile for a Basement Floor?

Creating a comfortable space in the basement where the whole family can hang out is great. However, when it comes to choosing the best tile for basement floor layouts, you may have some nightmarish memories of ripping up soggy flooring after a flood or leak. You vowed never to have to do that again, yet you also don’t want a cold cement floor in a space you want to make inviting.

Greatmats to the rescue! We know how to give you options for the best tile for a basement floor that also stands up to any moisture. We recommend using PVC plastic or modular raised basement tiles, rather than ceramic or porcelain, in an area that may suffer a flood from excessive rain or a broken water pipe or even in an area that has occasional moisture from concrete block seepage. Don’t surrender your basement to moisture; let Greatmats help make this space usable again.

Why Raised Interlock Tiles Finish Your Basement Perfectly

The ability to deliver air flow under a raised tile makes this the best tile for a basement floor. Water and dampness get trapped under traditional floors that aren’t waterproof. This potentially leads to odors and the possibility of mold and mildew. (Not exactly the environment you want to create in a space that’s meant to be relaxing.)

With a raised type of tile, tiny pegs lift the base of the floor a fraction of an inch away from the cement. The air then can move underneath to help moisture evaporate before it becomes an issue. (Trust us; it’s science!)

Even better, this easy-to-install, click-together flooring can have a vinyl or carpet top layer, so you don’t have to sacrifice style. The firm plastic base layer is hidden after the installation, so all you see is the raised carpet layer of the tile. With the hidden raised base, this waterproof floor can be your secret. (Then again, keeping the design behind these tiles a secret from your friends and family seems overly mean. They may want to use them, too, after all.)

Our ideas for the five best tiles for a basement floor are reasonably priced, yet they don’t have a cheap feel. You can count on them to perfectly finish your floor.

5 Best Tiles for Basements

1. Max Tile Raised Floor Tile

One of our most popular options is the Max Tile Raised Floor Tile. It uses a vinyl top layer to simulate a natural wood floor while giving you the waterproof capabilities that you need to have in a damp basement.

The raised base encourages drying even when you leave the floor in place after a flood. However, should you want to remove the tiles to allow for a more thorough cleanup, these click tiles are made for multiple disassemblies and assemblies.

2. Carpet Tiles Modular Squares

If your friends and family tell you that you’re crazy about installing carpet in a sometimes wet basement, you can have the last laugh with our Carpet Tiles Modular Squares. These click-together squares use a firm plastic base with interlocking tabs and loops that simplify the installation process.

Tiny pegs hold the base above the cold, wet cement floor, yet the flooring feels sturdy underfoot, even when it’s supporting weight from furniture or people walking on it.

3. StayLock Tile Orange Peel Black

If you prefer a tile that sits flat to the floor, the StayLock Tile Orange Peel Black delivers waterproof capabilities and plenty of durability. If you are creating a workout space, for example, you may prefer the traction that this PVC tile delivers.

Because they don’t have a raised base, you would have to disassemble these tiles to allow the moisture from a flood to dry so you can clean up the space yourself. Even so, they give you benefits with durability and traction that you don’t always get with raised carpet or vinyl layers.

4. StayLock Tile Bump Top Black

For another basement tile that has the durability and traction that’s perfect for workouts, our StayLock Tile Bump Top Black is a popular choice. It has a durability similar to rubber with cushioning like foam, keeping your lower leg joints feeling fresher after a hard workout.

It consists of waterproof PVC plastic, so you don’t have to worry about dampness in the basement concrete causing issues for you.

5. SupraTile Hidden Slate Black/Grays

When you want a few more style options in your PVC basement floor tile that sits flat to the floor, our SupraTile Hidden Slate Black/Grays product is the ideal selection. It is available in neutral black and gray colors, as well as blue and red colors that you can mix and match, thanks to the hidden interlocking edge. Each tile looks perfectly square after installation, as you cannot see the interlocking design.

These are waterproof tiles, so they can survive a bit of dampness without suffering any damage. You would have to disconnect and pick them up to clean up after a serious flood, but you could reassemble them afterward and continue using them.

Greatmats Can Solve Your Flooring Challenges

Whether it’s a wet basement floor or another issue that requires a creative solution, the Greatmats customer service team is up to the challenge. Reach out and explain the problem you’re trying to solve, and we’ll give you multiple options!