Decorating and planning out a rec room is exciting! It will be a space where your family spends hours of fun inside!. The room needs to function from top to bottom. Set it up for success with the right rec room flooring options!
Needs Must
The first question you need to ask before deciding which rec room flooring option is right for you is: what will the room be used for? Will it need to be heavily waterproofed? Will it need to withstand significant foot traffic? Will you be placing very heavy weights or furniture down? Will that furniture need to be moved?
The answers to these questions will help to guide you as to which flooring option will work well for you. For example, If you are planning on setting up a home gym, the flooring should be slip-resistant and be able to withstand dropping heavy weights on it.
Think carefully about your family’s needs before going with the first available option. You can save yourself a lot of trial and error just by looking through the most common options:
- Hardwood
- Carpet
- Vinyl
- Ceramic
Consider their pros and cons, and let that guide you in making the best decision for you.
Location Location Location
The next question to ask yourself is, where exactly is my rec room going to be? Is it in the basement? Perhaps you are planning to convert your garage. Basements and garages should both be tested for dangerous radon levels before deciding to make them into rec rooms!
The location of your room will help to guide your decision-making process. You should also consider what other flooring is in your home if you are trying to match your new flooring.
Money Talks
The next consideration is budget. Obviously, all flooring is not exactly the same price, and if you are on a tight budget, you may need to go with the cheapest option available. If your budget is very low, consider sheet vinyl as it is the cheapest rec room flooring option.
It is also a good waterproof flooring option, which is wonderful for a play area. Sheet vinyl comes in many colors and patterns, is easy to lay, and is generally also easy to remove if it becomes damaged. Sheet vinyl is scratchproof and waterproof, so if your kids are especially destructive, consider giving your wallet a break and pick it.
Classically Reimagined
Hardwood flooring is beautiful and classic. It is also easy to dent, scratch, and is not generally waterproof. While it may be a gorgeous option in other rooms of your home, it is not generally a good rec room flooring option.
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If you want the look of hardwood flooring in a more durable option, consider choosing luxury vinyl plank instead. Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, mimics the look of hardwood while being waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to install. The planks just snap together and can be laid over almost any existing flooring. LVP comes in a variety of grains and colors, and can be matched to almost any existing flooring.
Probably a Bad Idea
Carpet is a flooring option that has mostly gone out of style in recent years. It was once popular for its soft texture and noise-reducing properties. It can be found in many styles, colors, and fancy patterns. It is a comfortable option under your feet, but this is pretty much where the benefits end.
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Carpet is easy to stain and hard to clean, especially if you have chosen a light color. It is also quite flammable. It holds in moisture, making it prone to mildew and mold. If you are one of the unfortunate people with a dust mite allergy, carpets are a nightmare. Overall, carpet is a poor rec room flooring option, but if you really love it, just make sure you understand the downsides before installation.
Mozaic
Ceramic tile is a great option if you are looking to have a little more style in your rec room. Tile comes in almost any pattern, color, and shape that you can think of, so your imagination is the limit. It is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and lasts for many decades without the need for maintenance or upkeep. Ceramic tile is a great rec room flooring option because it is waterproof and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Ceramic-Lite
Luxury vinyl tile is a great alternative to ceramic tile if you are looking for something a bit more slip-resistant. It has similar benefits to ceramic tile in that it is waterproof and durable. It also comes in many different prints, making it a breeze to let your personal style shine through. It is very easy to clean, and does not tend to fade with heavy foot traffic.
Lay The Foundations
If your rec room flooring has seen better days or just isn’t a good match for your family’s needs, don’t wait! Get in touch with a professional for Gino’s Flooring today and let them elevate your space to meet your needs!