Cover Concrete Basement Floors With Peel-And-Stick Designs For An Instant Upgrade

There's a reason basements are a highly coveted feature for many homeowners. In addition to providing extra space to store items, they can also serve as a bonus space. From playrooms to man caves to home gyms, there are myriad ways to utilize the extra square footage. However, one of the biggest hurdles of turning them into livable spaces is that most basements have concrete floors. While you could always cover the floor up with area rugs, if you're looking for a solution to make your unfinished basement more welcoming, you may want to consider peel-and-stick floor tiles. They're very easy to install on your own, they add warmth and style, and even better, they are incredibly affordable. 

Peel-and-stick floor tiles are most commonly made out of vinyl, though some are made from other materials like metal or stone. They come with an adhesive backing that adheres to most floor surfaces, including concrete. In addition to being extremely resistant to stains and scuffs, you can find them in a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns. Some peel-and-stick flooring can even convincingly mimic the look of hardwood and tile floors — not bad, considering you can find many options priced under $2 per square foot. 

While it's fairly easy to lay peel-and-stick floors on your own, there are a few tips to consider when laying them over concrete. Read on for all the best practices as well as some stylish flooring options to consider.

Start by vacuuming and mopping the floor to ensure it's clean. You'll also want to make sure the floor is as even as possible, so fill in any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound. Concrete is a porous substance that can absorb moisture, which could weaken the adhesive on your peel-and-stick floor tiles. Therefore, it's crucial to prime the concrete with a latex primer before laying your tiles. Simply roll it on with a paint roller and extension pole, and allow it to dry completely. 

Next, find the center of the room, and use this point to map out the placement of your tiles (without removing the backing yet). Once you're happy with the arrangement, peel off the backing and stick them in place. For pieces along the wall or corners, simply cut the tiles with a utility knife — it may help to make a pattern on paper first and trace it on the tile. 

It's amazing how much a peel-and-stick floor can brighten up your basement. There's such a variety of styles to choose from, too. If you love the classic look of hardwood floors, these Art3d herringbone-patterned tiles are a gorgeous option. Perhaps you prefer the elegance of checkerboard floors. In that case, these FloorPops gray and white marble tiles would lend a luxe vibe to your space. Or maybe you want to give your basement a bold geometric upgrade? These colorful FloorPops art deco tiles would do just the trick.