5 Tile Floor Tips for Your Basement

5 Tile Floor Tips for Your Basement
By Charles Kassotis

Refinishing or refurbishing your basement is a big job that can be costly and challenging. But gaining the added living space is often valuable enough to warrant the effort. One of the most important parts of redoing your basement is the floor. Whether you are working with a concrete or wooden floor, you may want to consider another type of flooring that will prove more durable and easy to clean. When you are giving thought to which choice will work best for your home, consider the following information with respect to a tile floor for your basement.

1. A tile floor is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of flooring. Depending on the grade and style you buy, you might be able to get the peel-and-stick brand that you can lay down yourself instead of hiring it done. This will suit not only your wallet but your schedule, since it can be done in stages, as you have the time, and perhaps with the help of a friend or family member. Of course, you can get the more costly styles, and pay more, for a richer or more polished look, depending on your plans for the basement's use.
2. Tile is replaceable, so if one or more pieces should get stained, chipped, or torn, you can take them up and lay down new ones at your convenience. Instead of waiting for a service call from someone who only works weekends for double-time pay, you can do it yourself in time for the next party or family get-together.
3. Tile flooring is easy to clean. You don't have to worry as much about spilled beverages, pet accidents, or muddy shoes tracking through. Just fill a bucket with hot water and mild detergent, or whatever the tile manufacturer's directions suggest, and mop up dirt, dust, and debris in a few minutes' time.
4. Tile is easily changed. If you get tired of the design and want to change it, or decide to put down carpet when you get an unexpected monetary windfall, you can make the switch fairly quickly and easily. Some people decide to lay carpet on top of the tile, which makes it easier than taking up the old and putting down the new floor covering.
5. Tile patterns are versatile. You can choose a basic monotone color to blend in with neutral surroundings. Or buy a contemporary design to turn your basement into a family recreation room. A more sedate, intricate pattern provides a nice floor covering for a room that will become your den or a spare bedroom. Throw down a few accent rugs (the non-skid variety) and enjoy the brand new look. Floor tile can take a pretty rough beating from shoe scuffs, equipment scrapes, and running back and forth, if you have kids. With many attractive patterns to choose from, you can dress up your basement in whatever décor you like, and then let the games begin!