Basements can be used as recreational rooms, workshops, and bedrooms, to name a few common uses. In most cases, homeowners choose to place tiles over the typical concrete or dirt floors that tend to come standard in basements. One of the main types of basement tile is vinyl, which is known for being inexpensive and durable. Ceramic tile is often a step up in both appearance and price, but it is also easily scratched. Basements that have been turned into bedrooms, or are just located in a cold environment, may be better off with carpet tiles since they provide more warmth than typical basement tile.
Vinyl is usually a good idea for those looking to add basement tile without spending too much money. It is known for being inexpensive, especially since many homeowners can install it on their own. It is also low maintenance, as broken or stained tiles can usually be easily removed and replaced. This kind of basement tile tends to allow homeowners a choice when it comes to its appearance, as there are various colors and designs available.
Some people prefer harder tiles, such as ceramic, especially since any type of stone basement tile can usually be installed without first adding a subfloor. This is especially helpful if the basement ceiling is not particularly high. Like vinyl, this kind of basement tile comes in many colors and designs, so that homeowners can create the look they want in their basement. Unfortunately, ceramic tile is not only usually more expensive than vinyl tile, but it also requires more maintenance to stay nice. For example, it tends to scratch easily, which means that items that will likely be moved across the surface often, such as chairs, may damage the tile.
Many homeowners turn their basement into an extra bedroom, guest room, or recreational room, in which people expect to be able to either sleep or relax. This often comes easier when carpet tiles are used instead of hard tiles, especially in colder areas since carpet can add warmth to a room. Not only are carpet tiles easier and less expensive to install than regular carpeting, but they are also easy to replace in case of stains since each square is installed separately. Thus, people who may not normally put carpet into a room with heavy traffic, children, or pets, may change their mind since stains on this type of carpet will not require completely new carpeting.