A basement living space with fooring installed by Footprints Floors Lakeland, FL.

The Best Flooring Options for Basements in Lakeland, FL

March 07, 2023

In basement spaces, it’s important to choose the right flooring to protect your home from water damage and other moisture-related issues. Learn which materials perform best in the basement and how to choose the right option for your space.

What Makes Basement Flooring Different

When deciding on flooring material for your basement area, it's essential to keep in mind that the basement is more susceptible to humidity and accidents such as leaking or flooding. Choosing a durable and waterproof flooring option can save you hundreds of dollars if your basement suffers water damage.

Hardwood and carpet, for example, are classic flooring choices, but both are poor options for durability and water resistance.

Comparing Basement Flooring Materials

Choosing the best material to install in your basement can be intimidating. There are so many options to consider!

Here's a brief, side-by-side comparison of each material and how they perform in basement spaces:

Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is one of the safest options for basements. This type of flooring is made of PVC, making it highly durable and waterproof. You can get it in both plank and tile form to replicate the look of hardwood or tile, and it can hold up well against pets, kids, and daily foot traffic.
Tile: Compared to vinyl, tile is more expensive and time-consuming to install. However, the benefits are often worth it, as tile is stain-resistant, water-resistant, and offers a more stylish, high-end look. If you’re worried about tile flooring feeling cold underfoot, contractors can install subflooring during the installation process to help improve comfort.
Laminate: Laminate is a budget-friendly flooring option that, similar to vinyl, replicates the look of hardwood, stone, or even ceramic tile at a fraction of the cost. However, only some varieties are 100% waterproof, so be sure to select the right option with your supplier.
Stone/Concrete: Stone and concrete flooring are durable, long-lasting options that perform well in basement spaces. Both materials are highly resistant to moisture and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, concrete is often the material homeowners want to cover once a basement is finished. If this is the case, consider stone instead—it offers far more design variety and creates a more polished, upscale appearance.

Contact Us Today

If you've been searching for basement flooring installation options in Lakeland, FL Footprints Floors has the expertise you need! Our professional contractors are experts in every kind of flooring installation. They will handle every step of the process to ensure your basement flooring project goes smoothly.

Give us a call today to receive a free estimate on your project!

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Key Takeaways

Basements require different flooring considerations because they are more vulnerable to humidity, leaks, and flooding.
Vinyl, tile, laminate, and stone/concrete each offer different benefits for basement spaces.
Choosing the right basement flooring material can help protect your home from moisture damage while improving comfort and appearance.

What Makes Basement Flooring Different
Comparing Basement Flooring Materials
Contact Us Today

Brian Shaffer

Central Florida & Tampa Owner

Brian Shaffer is a passionate entrepreneur whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to a family of medical professionals, Brian quickly realized that his talents lay outside the hospital setting. Drawn instead to education, leadership, and eventually business ownership, he built a well-rounded foundation that now fuels his success in the home services industry.

After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida, Brian began his professional journey as an English teacher. Over an 11-year teaching career, he taught five different grade levels and built a reputation for excellence in the classroom. In 2016, he transitioned into a district-level administrative role in the nation’s seventh-largest school district, where he spent six years leading teams of teachers and administrators through successful implementation of large-scale educational programs.

While thriving in education, Brian was also drawn to the world of small business. His entrepreneurial path began with real estate and continued to grow with the launch of The Cabinet Painting Company in 2021. Through this venture, Brian helped homeowners refresh their kitchens and bathrooms without the cost of full renovations. By 2022, the company’s success allowed him to step away from education and devote himself fully to business ownership. Under his leadership, The Cabinet Painting Company quickly earned a reputation for high-quality work, exceptional service, and strong customer relationships—opening the door to expanded opportunities in the home remodeling space.

Wanting to expand and offer his customers additional services, Brian became the owner of Footprints Floors of Tampa and Central Florida, and began offering floor refinishing and installations, from hardwood, tile, LVP and Laminate, kitchen backsplashes and shower remodels. This shift marked an exciting new chapter in his commitment to serving homeowners and enhancing the long-term beauty and value of their homes. With the heart of a teacher, the mindset of a leader, and the drive of an entrepreneur, Brian is dedicated to elevating the Footprints Floors experience through integrity, craftsmanship, and outstanding service.

Outside of work, Brian’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. He and his wife, Leah, enjoy life in Florida with their three children: Emmett (12), EJ (10), and Eden (7). Whether exploring new places, cheering on their kids at activities, or simply enjoying time together at home, family remains the center of Brian’s world.

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