When finishing a basement in Utah, selecting the right flooring is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. Unlike upper-level rooms, basements are more prone to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations—making it essential to choose a flooring type that not only fits your style but also holds up under environmental conditions.

At ElkStone Basements, we specialize in finishing basements throughout Utah with materials designed for long-term performance and comfort. Whether your remodel is for a home gym, guest suite, family hangout, or theater room, the right floor plays a central role in function and feel.

This guide outlines the best flooring types we currently offer and recommend, along with the pros and cons of each—helping you make an informed choice for your space.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Basement Flooring

Basements come with unique structural and environmental conditions. Before deciding on a flooring material, it’s important to evaluate:

Moisture levels and past history of flooding

Condition and level of the concrete slab

Seasonal temperature fluctuations

How the space will be used (living space, gym, theater, guest room, etc.)

Desired comfort, design, and maintenance levels

Budget for both materials and installation

Each of the following flooring types has proven successful in Utah basements and is recommended by ElkStone for performance, longevity, and aesthetic flexibility.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become one of the top choices for finished basements due to its durability, style, and waterproof qualities. Made from resilient synthetic materials, LVP is designed to withstand moisture without warping or damage.

Pros:

100% waterproof and ideal for below-grade environments

Available in realistic wood-look and stone-look finishes

Comfortable underfoot and compatible with radiant heating

Easy to clean and maintain

Scratch and dent-resistant (especially mid-to-high-end options)

Cons:

Can feel slightly cooler than carpet without underlayment

Lower-end options may show wear more quickly

LVP is a perfect all-around choice for families looking for durability and style, especially in multipurpose basements used for entertaining, relaxing, or everyday living.

Carpet

For warmth, softness, and acoustic comfort, carpet remains a preferred option—particularly in home theaters, bedrooms, and children’s playrooms. It provides insulation and sound dampening in a way that harder surfaces can’t.

Pros:

Warm and soft underfoot—ideal for Utah’s colder seasons

Reduces noise and echo in larger basement spaces

Available in countless styles, colors, and textures

Adds a cozy, finished look to guest rooms and entertainment areas

Cons:

More vulnerable to moisture than hard flooring

Requires professional cleaning after spills or flooding

May need dehumidifiers in higher-humidity environments

ElkStone recommends carpet for dry, well-sealed basements or as part of a hybrid design where moisture-prone areas are finished in tile or LVP.

Tile

Porcelain and ceramic tile are excellent choices for homeowners who want maximum water resistance and a sleek, polished look. Tile is particularly well-suited for basements that include bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, or areas near walk-out doors.

Pros:

Completely waterproof and stain-resistant

Exceptionally long-lasting with proper installation

Easy to clean and suitable for high-traffic areas

Compatible with in-floor radiant heating systems

Cons:

Cold and hard underfoot without radiant heating

Requires a level subfloor and professional installation

May be uncomfortable for long-standing or lounging

ElkStone often recommends tile for utility zones or design-forward basements where a modern, clean aesthetic is desired.

Rubber Flooring (Gym Use)

For home fitness enthusiasts, rubber flooring is a top choice for basement gyms or wellness spaces. It’s shock-absorbent, resilient, and designed for high-impact activities.

Pros:

Provides traction and cushioning for workouts

Absorbs sound and impact from weights or equipment

Water-resistant and easy to clean

Available in rolls or interlocking tiles for flexibility

Cons:

May have a slight odor when first installed

Not typically used outside of gym or utility zones

Limited design and color variety compared to other materials

Rubber flooring is functional, safe, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for dedicated gym areas or multipurpose spaces that include workout zones.

Flooring Types We No Longer Recommend

To ensure long-term durability and flood resistance, ElkStone no longer installs or recommends the following flooring options in basements:

Laminate Flooring: Though affordable and visually appealing, laminate swells and delaminates when exposed to moisture. It is not a waterproof product and is highly vulnerable to flooding or even light humidity.

Polished or Stained Concrete: While popular in ultra-modern designs, polished concrete can crack over time, feels cold underfoot, and offers little comfort for basement living. ElkStone has moved away from offering this finish due to practicality concerns in Utah basements.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Though more stable than solid hardwood, engineered wood is still moisture-sensitive and not suited to basements with any water risk. We no longer recommend it due to Utah’s seasonal moisture patterns and the increased risk of basement flooding.

Choosing the Right Floor with ElkStone

Every basement has its own personality, purpose, and challenges. That’s why ElkStone Basements includes flooring selection as an integrated part of your full basement remodel. We assess your home’s structure, layout, and needs before recommending materials—ensuring that every finish supports both your design vision and long-term function.

Whether you’re building a guest suite, family lounge, game room, or gym, our team will guide you through materials that look beautiful, feel great underfoot, and hold up through every Utah season.

Contact ElkStone Basements today at (303) 656-9006 to explore the best flooring options for your Salt Lake, Utah, or Wasatch Front home. Let’s turn your lower level into a lasting, stylish, and comfortable retreat.