There may not be many basements in Southern California, but that does not mean they do not exist. Across the United States, especially in the Midwest and Northern states, there are plenty of basements constructed for foundational reasons as well as for convenience and functionality. As the seasons change, states in the North and Midwest go through more drastic transitions in weather conditions. Basement floor options must match the demands of these climates. Summers are hot in these states, and winters are cold, typically with rain, sleet, and snow. In Northern homes where the climate is generally cooler, the frost line is further down in the soil than in more temperate climates like California or Florida. Building foundations are built below these frost lines so as to avoid freezing or cracking in the pipes. It only makes practical sense to build a basement into a home if the foundation is already beginning so far deep into the ground.
Throughout the years, these basements have served different functions and have come with their own original basement floor options. They can be used at times as wine cellars because of the naturally cold and damp environment, as storage space for families or in small homes, a workshop, a private office, a game room, a spare bedroom, or many other functional and recreational uses. Each of these options, however, require basement floor options that can suit each of their individual needs. Many people seeking to renovate their basement space are men looking for basement floor options that will enhance their lower level place of retreat—their basement “man cave”.
“Diamond-Plate (Metallic)” PVC Flooring Rolls
These below-grade rooms, or rooms that are below ground level, can be damp and cold and thus liable to mold and mildew. Anything below-grade is especially susceptible to moisture infiltration and moisture damage. This is why taking care to choose among the best basement floor options is important when looking to renovate your basement space. When looking to renovate your basement into the ultimate man cave, the first thing to consider is the water and condensation. Basements can be sealed against water which can help to guard against damage, but that can cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars, to thousands. Rubber basement flooring is a great floor surfacing product to turn to because rubber is a substance that is resistant to moisture. Rubber basement flooring can help in preventing moisture damage to the existing surface. As far as basement floor options go, rubber is perhaps the most versatile and durable of all the flooring options. It is a great feature to add as part of your basement renovation especially when every man’s man cave should be as strong and unique as the man himself.
Since your man cave will likely be a place for you to retreat from the world, another thing to consider when looking at various basement floor options is the room’s functionality. What sort of equipment will you be moving into your basement? Many man caves are used as recreational rooms complete with sofas, ottomans, and chairs to lounge on. Everything from classy to nerdy, or a nice marriage of the two, can be brought into your man cave basement. Some men have pool tables in their basement standing beside their arcade-grade Pacman and Street Fighter II machines. Other people have foosball tables and a mini bar set up in the same fashion as a pub or dive bar. Before bringing in any of these different machines, furniture, and equipment into your awesome new man cave, your basement floor covering needs to take first priority. Pool tables and arcade games are heavy pieces of equipment, and when you really get into using them, they can bear even more weight on the flooring beneath it. Rubber basement flooring is the most ideal of basement floor options because of rubber’s durable quality.
“Tuff-n-Lastic” Anti-Slip Flooring
- A runner mat that can withstand UV rays
- Features a texture on the backside that helps grip to the floor
- These environmentally friendly floors are very easy to install with double-sided tape
- Perfect for use as gym mats, industrial work mats, kennel mats, van floor mat, trailer floor mats, garage flooring, daycare areas, and much more
Better Grip: This runner mat comes with a surface texture that helps facilitate better traction for feet. Traction is essential is keeping feet planted firmly on the ground they walk on. It can be deceptively easy to slip and suffer a nasty accident. Luckily, your feet will feel more secure on this indoor and outdoor rubber flooring. Having these non-slip mats in place will also keep your friends and family safe when they come around.
Protects Base Surfaces: Some types of floor surfaces can be very easy to damage. Wood and laminate are very susceptible to the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic or the press of heavy weights. By having this durable rubber flooring mat in place, you will be guarding your sensitive base flooring from the rigors of weight and impact.
Another feature to think about when looking into what basement floor options to consider is insulation. All basements are installed below-grade, or underground. As a result, they are cold and damp, and they may not be the most comfortable rooms to lounge in. Many basements come with concrete flooring, or if the building is old enough, the basement comes with dirt flooring. Neither of these original basement flooring options are entirely appealing, not just because they are cold surfaces, but also because they are prone to moisture infiltration. On the other hand, basement floor options of the rubber variety are excellent at providing an insulation factor in whatever size basement you may have, and rubber’s resistance to moisture is helpful in a basement setting. Your man cave can look and feel tough and cool without having to physically feel tough and cool. With Rubber basement flooring, the insulation factor it provides even allows you to walk around barefoot if it is so desired.
Considering the uses of a man cave, your basement floor covering should also be easy and ready to clean. Basements turned into a man cave are places that are great for private lounging but also hosting friends and parties. With all this in mind, the basement floor covering you choose needs to be fitting for your man cave sensibilities but also be easy to clean, considering the foot traffic and kind of activity the room might be seeing. As far as basement floor options go, rubber basement flooring is an excellent flooring option to go with because of rubber’s durability and easy to clean surface. By its durable quality, rubber is a basement floor covering you do not need to worry about scuffing or chipping. If anything spills on it, rubber can easily be dried or washed clean.
“Armor-Lock (Fitness)” Interlocking Rubber Tile
- Smaller sized tiles that are perfect for smaller sized gyms or garages
- Flooring for a garage. These tiles can handle the abusive most residential (& commercial) garages.
- Use as flooring for gym. Since it can absorb the impact of heavy weights and resists moisture, these are ideal to place in your workout areas.
- Affordability plus durability. These eco-friendly recycled floors are made from reclaimed rubber, which is tough and long lasting.
Pebble Top Finish: The vulcanized surface of these recycled floors comes with a pebble top finish. This quality helps the tile give your feet a good level of comfort and traction, especially if you are using these as a type of flooring for gym.
Easy to Transport: Sometimes, the circumstances in our lives dictate a change of location. If you happen to find yourself on the move to new territory, or if you just want something that is easy to carry around, then these 20” x 20” rubber flooring tiles are for you. Because of their smaller size and lighter weight, they are perfect for easy transportation. Add this to the fact that this is interlocking flooring, meaning that you will be spared from carrying around the additional adhesive materials that you would need for most other roll flooring.
There are also other basement floor options available for your basement man cave. Rubber basement flooring to begin with can come in the traditional black, or it can come in a few different colors and designs. There are fairly durable and smooth PVC rolls that come in a variety of patterns which can in some ways serve to mimic the patterns akin to flooring in an arcade or bar. If your man cave takes after a sports theme, then you can opt for PVC rolls with diamond plated patterns. For other visual styles, there are also vinyl flooring options with different patterns of finish.
Overall, renovating or creating your man cave should benefit from basement floor options that function to keep your floors dry, but also strike the desired look of your cave. Rubber basement flooring helps to add the desired insulation in your basement, especially during the cold winter months. It is also ideal for its durability and ability to bear the weigh to heavy furniture and equipment like foosball tables, pool tables, and sofas. This basement floor covering is also easy to clean, so when hosting any number of guests, cleaning up messes is not a concern.