Basement flooring is a key component of any basement renovation. Your choice depends on how you use your basement, moisture levels, your budget, and even your property’s age. With modern technology, many above-grade flooring types now work well below grade, giving you a broad range of choices.
This guide explores the best basement flooring types, their pros and cons, updated costs (based on our 2025 data), and expert advice from the RenoDuck team. Whether you’re finishing a legal secondary suite or building a home gym, we’ll help you find the ideal solution.
Key Takeaways
Laminate Basement Flooring
Laminate flooring remains the most popular choice for finished basements in Toronto. Made from compressed wood with a photorealistic image layer and a clear wear coat, it delivers the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
Cons:
Installation: Install laminate on a moisture barrier or appropriate underlayment. Ensure manufacturer guidelines are followed to maintain water resistance.
Price (2025): ~$5/sq. ft. (material + labour + underpad)
“Laminate remains a go-to for homeowners wanting that wood aesthetic without the risk of warping or the high cost.” — Simon Deroy, RenoDuck Project Manager
Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl flooring is 100% synthetic and an excellent waterproof option for basements, especially legal secondary suites or rental units.
Pros:
Cons:
Installation: Can be laid over concrete with a moisture barrier. For comfort, pair with radiant heating systems.
Price (2025): ~$7/sq. ft.
“Vinyl is ideal for investment properties because of its resilience and low maintenance. Tenants can live worry-free.” — Tyler Blanchette, Senior Estimator
Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic Tile for Basements
Tile is durable and moisture-resistant, but not all tile is created equal. For basements, porcelain tile outperforms ceramic due to its lower porosity.
Porcelain Pros:
Ceramic Cons:
Installation: Concrete subfloor must be levelled before tile installation. Use a professional tiler to ensure water-tight grout and finish.
Price (2025): ~$19/sq. ft. including materials, labour, and floor prep
“Porcelain is the best tile material for basement areas. It can handle moisture without issue and lasts for decades.” — Norman Wilkes, Site Supervisor
Finished Concrete Flooring for Modern Basements
Polished or stained concrete offers a sleek, industrial look perfect for studios or workshops. It’s durable and can be upgraded with radiant heat or stamped finishes.
Pros:
Cons:
Installation: Involves surface preparation, polishing, staining or sealing. Not suitable for DIY.
Price (2025): $2–$30/sq. ft., depending on complexity
Engineered Hardwood Basement Flooring
Engineered hardwood consists of a thin hardwood veneer over plywood or HDF, giving the look of wood with better moisture stability than solid hardwood.
Pros:
Cons:
Installation: Glue or click-lock over a moisture barrier and foam underlayment.
Price (2025): Materials: $4–$16/sq. ft.; Installation: $6–$15/sq. Ft.
Basement Subfloor: Do You Need It?
A subfloor helps prevent moisture damage and improves comfort. It’s essential if your basement will serve as a living space.
Moisture Control
Basements are prone to moisture intrusion. A subfloor acts as a barrier against water vapour and condensation from the concrete slab.
Ceiling Height Constraints
Adding a subfloor can reduce headroom, especially in older homes with already low ceilings. Aim for a thin subfloor that still provides insulation.
Common Subfloor Materials
| Subfloor Type | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Floating Plywood | Affordable, easy to install | Minimal moisture protection |
| Rigid Foam Insulation | Great thermal insulation | Requires careful sealing |
| Specialty Premade Systems | Easy installation, high performance | More expensive upfront |
“We always weigh subfloor thickness vs. ceiling height. In tight basements, rigid foam plus thin flooring works best.” — Simon Deroy, RenoDuck Project Manager
Basement Flooring Comparison Table
| Flooring Type | Moisture Resistance | Warmth | Price Range (Installed) | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Moderate | Medium | ~$5/sq. ft. | Budget remodels |
| Vinyl | High | Low | ~$7/sq. ft. | Rentals, secondary suites |
| Porcelain Tile | High | Low | ~$19/sq. ft. | Bathrooms, laundry rooms |
| Concrete (finished) | High | Low | $2–$30/sq. ft. | Studios, workspaces |
| Engineered Hardwood | Low to Moderate | High | $10–$31/sq. ft. total | Living areas (low humidity) |
Contact RenoDuck for a Free Basement Flooring Quote
At RenoDuck, we’re here to help you transform your basement with flooring that fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
Work with us and enjoy:
📞 Call 647-559-5182 or request your FREE quote online.