Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Basement (Pros & Cons)

After deciding to make your basement look new, do you know a cheap, strong, and waterproof floor can ease things for you? Well, you should think of vinyl plank floors as the best choice for any dull concrete floor.

Here, we’ll look at vinyl plank flooring on the concrete basement. We’ll help you know the things vinyl plank floors can do to your concrete basement.

Yes, tiles might seem like the best option. But before you put your money on costly tiles, please rethink and go for the vinyl planks. You won’t break the bank or back when placing them.

But vinyl planks can have some setbacks. So, if you’re ready, we’ll start by explaining what luxury vinyl floors are.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

These are floors that are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Many firms make these floors. So, expect the vinyl planks to have many styles, colors, and specs.

Most of these styles come with the looks of wood and stones. Also, vinyl floors are available in old and recent types. Remember, you can customize them to favor the décor of your floor.

People prefer using them because they are cheaper in making floors lovely and last for a long time. Choose the right vinyl planks, and you’ll be happy.

Benefits of Vinyl Planks for Your Concrete Basement

Vinyl planks have standard specs. The level of these features will depend on the firm that makes the vinyl floors. So, here are the things you’ll find in every vinyl plank.

1. Comes with several styles and colors

There are many collections, styles, and colors. You can add some taste to your basement, but it will depend on what you like.

Most of these styles look like wood or stones. Also, some have the types like marble, ceramic, or concrete. Yes, these styles and colors aren’t real but expect them to look natural.

Firms make these floors using the embossing tech. So, wood or stone grains give the vinyl floors lovely looks and styles. Also, these looks come in smooth textures.

Remember, the styles of vinyl planks are one of the reasons why people prefer buying them. Some colors and styles are cheap, while others are costly.

The colors of these floors range from white, weathered, grey to deep brown. Be sure to find a color that will match your taste. It won’t matter whether it’s of a stone or wood look.

2. Offers better Durability and Stability

Most vinyl planks are durable. If you install them on your concrete basement, they will last for a long time. It’s because of the four layers.

These parts make the vinyl planks suit many of your interests. Below is brief info about them:

• The wear layer is a transparent cover on top. It prevents any scratches or stains on the floor. Remember, thicker wear layers will make the vinyl planks more durable.
• There is the image layer that holds the beauty of the floor. This part gives the vinyl planks a lovely look.
• Also, there is the vinyl core that holds the strength of the vinyl planks. It’s the primary layer. Most vinyl planks have the stone plastic core (SPC) or the wood-plastic core (WPC).
• Some vinyl floors have a pad or backing layer. With this part, the vinyl plank can be more waterproof and have zero moisture issues. Also, there will be no noise as you walk on the floor.

The strength of these layers will depend on the company. Some firms focus more on making strong vinyl floors with fewer styles. Others focus on both power and style.

Expect most wear layers of vinyl plank floors to range from 6 to 32 mil. Remember, the vinyl planks with thicker wear layers tend to have fewer or zero dents and scratches. So, kids and big pets shouldn’t worry you.

Also, the vinyl planks’ core will determine how durable and stable they will be in your basement. The ones with the SPC core are thinner but more rigid. They are the ones that can last for long on your floors.

If you choose the vinyl planks with WPC, it won’t be wrong. But they won’t be as strong as the ones with SPC. It’s because they are soft and can fail to handle the rough works on your basement.

Remember, WPC and SPC are waterproof. Karndean vinyl planks also have a unique core, K-core. It can suit you to make your floor stronger.

Some vinyl planks have an extra pad. It adds a topping to the cake. Be sure that your floor will have no noise and moisture problems.

What about the cases of UV light and fading? If your basement gets more sunlight, choose a floor with a protective layer to help reduce the effects of UV rays. They won’t fade.

3. Easy Installation

Vinyl floors came in to make your work easier with floors. Some collections will give you an easy time as you install them, while others won’t.

So, you can install them in four ways. The glue-down will need you to have a pro and some costly tools. But with the vinyl planks with the simple clicking method, you can even install them yourself.

There is the loose lay method. You won’t need any fasteners, glue, or expensive tools. It will allow you to replace the floors anytime you wish.

You can also go for the peel and stick way. You’ll have the freedom to reinstall any plank that you’ve place out of position.

Also, you can place most vinyl floors on any sub-floor, including the concrete floors.

4. Provides safety

Most vinyl planks will not harm the air quality of your house. Both WPC and SPC bodies have plastic materials in them. It means that if they are many of them in a vinyl plank, they’ll become dangerous.

As you are looking for the best vinyl planks for your concrete basement, choose one that’s safe. But how will you know?

Every vinyl floor that’s safe for use comes with a pass to show that they have low VOCs. These certificates are like GreenGuard Gold, FloorScore, and many others.

Also, the firms that make vinyl planks don’t cut down trees to make these floors. The modern embossing tech helps the firms to use molds in making styles used on the floors. So, besides taking care of you, vinyl planks care about the ecosystem.

5. Costs

As you seek to make your concrete basement lovely and strong, you should also consider the costs. Vinyl planks are never costly.

But the costs will never be the same for every collection. These prices will keep varying with the brand, lines, style, color, and size.

Expect the prices to range from as low as $2 per square foot to $10 per square foot. As you look at the price, remember, cheap is expensive.

These costs might rise due to some other factors. If you buy an underlayment for your vinyl planks or hire a pro installer, it will cost you more. Some will be cheaper because they come with an underlayment pad and are easy to install.

You can get vinyl floors for your concrete basement at most flooring stores near you. But there are some vinyl planks that only specific stores sell. You’ll have to check on their websites.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Basements

It’s good to focus on both the pros and cons of vinyl planks before buying them. It will help you know what to expect of these floors.

So, we’ll start with the pros. Have a look at them:

• If you compare them with other types of floors, vinyl planks are cheaper.
• There are many collections, styles, and options to choose from for your concrete basement.
• Most vinyl planks have simple DIY installation methods.
• It’s easy to clean and maintain vinyl planks.
• As for your concrete basement, vinyl planks are waterproof and free of humidity and moisture.
• You can install vinyl planks on any sub-floor, including concrete.
• They come with a thick wear layer. It prevents scratches and dents.
• Many vinyl plank floors are eco-friendly.
• While installing most of them, you’ll need less prep work.

These floors can also disappoint you. Here are the cons:

• Unlike the hardwoods, you can’t refinish the vinyl planks.
• Most of these floors aren’t 100% free of damage.
• UV lights can make most vinyl planks fade. But you can cover them with a rag.
• If you install the vinyl planks with the glue-down method, removing them is challenging.

Conclusion

Every vinyl plank should make your sub-floor strong and beautiful. If you are looking for the best vinyl floor for your concrete floor, choose one that will be durable and stable. Many firms will give you vinyl planks that are beautiful and can last for a long time.

Yes, the looks are important, but a beautiful vinyl plank floor that isn’t strong will be a waste of money. Be sure to get durable and lovely vinyl planks at a cheap cost.

So, do you have any more thoughts about vinyl planks on concrete basements? Have you installed them in your basement? Would you mind sharing them with us?