Best Flooring Types for Concrete Slab: Pros/Cons & Costs

*Note: Contractors will typically add 5% to 10% for cutting and waste

Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring mimics the look of natural stone or hardwood floor but is relatively maintenance-free and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and looks. LVT and LVP products are kid- and pet-friendly, making them ideal for active families.

Vinyl plank flooring has a series of layers. The core stability layer helps the flooring lay flat. However, the flooring is almost rubber-like, making it flexible and easy to cut with a utility knife and install.

The realistic look is created with a high-definition photograph protected by a transparent PVC wear layer that is incredibly resilient against everyday wear and tear. There is a wide variety of colors and styles.

Luxury vinyl is similar to laminate, but vinyl plank flooring is completely waterproof. Unlike laminate, you can install luxury vinyl planks or tiles in any room.

LVT and LVP flooring cost about $4 to $7 per square foot with professional installation. The typical lifespan is 10-20 years; however, there is no reason the flooring can’t last longer depending on foot traffic.

Pros of LVT and LVP Flooring

• Easy to install: LVT and LVP are relatively easy to install, making them popular among DIYers.

• Low Maintenance: Requires no waxing or polishing. Luxury vinyl tiles and planks are virtually maintenance-free aside from daily sweeping and mopping.

• Long-lasting: The flooring features a thick wear layer that can last up to 10 years before reapplying. The lifespan of LVT or LVP is 10 to 20 years.

• Realistic Appearance: Features a wide variety of design options that realistically mimic natural wood and stone for about a 1/4 of the price and none of the maintenance.

• Wear Resistant: The design is printed onto a film layer protected by a clear wear layer and a polyurethane coating. This preserves the finish from wear, scuffs, and scratches.

• Affordable: LVT and LVP flooring are affordable. The typical cost is about $4 to $7 per square foot.

Cons of LVT and LVP Flooring

• Low Added Value: LVT and LVP flooring does not add extra value to a home, like more permanent flooring options, such as tile or hardwood. Since hardwood can’t be used on concrete slabs, this is not much of a con. However, stone tiles like travertine do carry more long-term value than LVT.

• Durability: LVT and LVP floors are not impervious to damage. While the flooring is more durable than other flooring products, it can still suffer scratches and scuffs, particularly as it ages. LVT and LVP flooring are not repairable, so but some extra materials when purchasing.

Tile Flooring

Tile floors are usually made of ceramic or porcelain but can also be made of stone, baked clay, or even glass. Although many people commonly recognize porcelain and ceramic tile.

These two materials differ in moisture absorption. Porcelain tiles are more resistant to moisture so they may be a better solution for a concrete slab. However, both materials have a protective layer in modern times that makes them waterproof and thus prevents water infiltration.

Tiles have moisture resistance properties that protect them from the concrete. Tiles will last for many years. According to some estimates, ceramic tiles can last 100 years if properly maintained and well laid. Porcelain tiles are stronger than ceramic so that they will last even longer.

Tiles offer various designs with varying patterns, colors, textures, and sizes. Tiles come in sizes ranging from one to twenty-four inches square. You can find natural stone tiles on the market, but their price can often be very high.

Tile flooring can cost $5 to $20 per square foot.

Pros of Tile Flooring

• Low Maintenance: Tile flooring is easy to maintain. Other than routine cleaning, there is not significantly needed to maintain it. While tile is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, tile is an excellent choice in any room in your house. The grout between the tiles does need to be sealed.

• Durable: Tile flooring is durable. Tile flooring can last 75 to 100 years. Tiles are generally hard to crack. When properly installed, tiles can last for several decades. Tiles can crack if a hard object falls on them, but the damage is generally isolated.

• Stain & water resistant: Tile is stain- and water-resistant. This makes tile flooring a great choice for homes with pets. It’s also resistant to humidity, which can warp hardwood and wood products.

• Affordable: Tile flooring is actually very affordable, starting at around $5 per square foot. Higher-end tile flooring can cost upwards of $10 to $20 per square foot, excluding stone tiles, which cost more.

• Versatile: Tile flooring comes in various shapes and sizes—newer versions of tile flooring feature plank shapes that mimic the look of wood or natural stone.

Cons of Tile Flooring

• Cold Floors: Tile flooring is cold underfoot. The tile doesn’t hold heat well. While there are many reasons to choose tile flooring, there are also some disadvantages you should know about. This means tile may not be ideal for people in colder climates. In warmer climates, this may not be a con for some people.

• Hard Surface: Tile flooring is hard, which is not kid-friendly. Kids play hard and tend to fall a lot, which could cause injuries. Hard tile flooring may not be a good choice for those with bad ankles, knees, or hips.

• Slippery: Tile flooring is slippery. Tile flooring can cause slip and falls, which could cause injury.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Solid hardwood is not suitable for concrete floors because of moisture issues. Real hardwood reacts to humidity and can absorb moisture from concrete, causing damage to the wood. On the other hand, engineered wood is an excellent option for living spaces like finished basements.

Engineered wood has a decorative layer that must be made of real wood. Unlike laminate and vinyl, whose decorative layer is printed, engineered wood has a decorative layer made of real wood with different thicknesses.

The thicker the decorative wooden layer, it provides strength and stability. Engineered wood lasts longer, and depending on the thickness, can be lightly sanded and refinished.

Below the decorative wooden layer is the core board, which is the base layer that merges with the decorative layer. This layer provides stability and strength and prevents the decorative wooden layer from breaking. Unlike real wood that does not tolerate moisture very well, the core board gives engineered wood flooring resistance to moisture so that you can place it on concrete slabs.

There are three types of engineered wood flooring: multi-ply, 3-ply, and HDF core engineered flooring.

• Multi-ply engineered wood flooring is most often used because it best mimics real wood in appearance and in feeling underneath your foot. It has several layers that protect it from moisture and give it resistance and strength. Depending on the texture and the manufacturer, a multi-ply engineered wood floor can be between 13 and 20 millimeters thick.

• 3-ply engineered wood flooring is composed of three layers and is very resistant to overexpansion. This flooring looks very realistic but not as strong as a multi-ply engineered flooring.

• HDF engineered flooring is not used very often. It is very easy to install because it has a click system that facilitates installation. It has a solid core, so it can be less thick without losing strength.

Engineered wood flooring will cost $6 to $25 per square foot, depending on the flooring’s quality. The lifespan of engineered flooring often depends on how thick the veneer is. Most engineered wood flooring lasts 20 to 50 years.

Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring

• Wide Selection: Engineered wood flooring looks elegant, and you can choose between a variety of species and colors. Engineered wood also have different finishes.

• Moisture Resistant: Engineered wood flooring is designed to be moisture resistant, making it a good choice for concrete slabs.

• Strong and Durable: The plies make for a solid and stable product that is durable and long-lasting. Some engineered wood can be refinished to extend the life of the flooring. Engineered wood is extremely durable so that you can place it in high-traffic areas of your home.

• Moisture Resistant: Engineered flooring resists swelling or warping, making it very low maintenance.

Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring

• More Expensive: Engineered wood flooring is more expensive than luxury vinyl planks, laminate plank, tile, and carpet flooring. However, engineered wood has a two- to three-time lifespan than compared products.

• Can’t be Refinished: Engineered wood has a thin veneer that prohibits opportunities to refinish the flooring. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, refinishing may not be an option.

• Fades in Sunlight: Engineered wood flooring can fade in direct sunlight.

• Not Waterproof: Engineered wood flooring veneers are not waterproof. Engineered wood flooring needs to be installed in dry areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. Engineered wood is not suited for installation in wet areas such as flooring for basement, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it mimics wood flooring well. Laminate utilizes an HD image of actual wood that’s vivid and lifelike. The HD image is glued to a core fiberboard with a moisture barrier covered by a tough clear cover that resists wearing, scratches, and scuffing.

Laminate flooring has advanced over the years from a cheap-looking alternative to wood flooring to an advanced product that offers a realistic look, a wide variety of species, and color combinations.

What flooring that looks as if you reclaimed it from an old barn, laminate has it now. Advanced versions of laminate now can even mimic stone, ceramic tile, and even metal.

Laminate flooring costs about $3 to $8 per square foot to install. Laminate flooring has improved since its inception. However, even the best laminate flooring will last about 10 to 20 years.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

• Wide Selection: Laminate flooring comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Laminate can be purchased as planks or tiles.

• Easy Install: The edges interlock for easy installation with no gluing or nailing, making laminate a great choice for do-it-yourselfers.

• Lightweight: Laminate is lightweight is over a foam underlayment that can be installed over bare concrete. Because laminate flooring floats, it hides minor unevenness and imperfections in concrete slabs.

• Low Maintenance: Laminate flooring is relatively low maintenance. Routine cleaning such as vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping is needed.

• Composite Materials: Laminate flooring is mostly made from composite materials. No old-growth or exotic trees are used to manufacture laminate flooring.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

• Not Waterproof: Laminate flooring is susceptible to moisture damage. Installation on concrete slabs and concrete basement floors need a moisture barrier to protect the laminate flooring from moisture.

• Avoid Wet Areas: It is not recommended that you install laminate flooring in wet areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms. If you install it in a bathroom, the seams need to be glued and the perimeter sealed with silicone caulking. Installing is kitchens is acceptable but special care because of the risk of water seeping through the seems.

• Can’t be Refinished: Laminate flooring contains no real wood and can not be refinished. So when it wears out, it has to be replaced. Depending on the flooring quality and foot traffic, laminate flooring can last 10 years to 20 years.

• Can be Noisy: Without good quality padding underneath, laminate flooring is noisy to walk on. It can also be hard underfoot and has an unnatural feel.

• Not Biodegradable: Laminate flooring doesn’t degrade in landfills, which is not environmentally friendly. Some laminate flooring can contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that release toxic VOCs. The EPA has strengthened guidelines to help reduce VOC content in laminate flooring production.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet remains a top flooring choice among homeowners. Despite its drawbacks, carpet is the softest flooring option. The appeal of carpet, especially over a concrete slab, is that it’s warm and luxurious to walk on.

Carpet is available in various styles, textures, and designs. Carpet has four types of fiber; nylon, polyester, olefin, and wool. Carpets made from more natural materials (such as wool) tend to have shorter lifespans than carpets made using synthetic materials like polyester fibers or nylon.

• Nylon is the most durable and stain-resistant of all carpet fibers. Nylon is the most family-friendly carpet, and it’s well suited for kids and pets in high traffic areas like hallways and stairs.

• Polyester has more of a luxurious look and feel. This makes it perfectly suited for normal traffic areas like bedrooms.

• Olefin offers excellent stain and moisture resistance, making it well suited for commercial use. Olefin generally has a low pile that resists matting.

• Wool is a premium fiber that resists dirt and can look good for many years. Wool carpets are preferred by many for their beauty and softness.

Carpeting typically costs $4-$11 per square foot. However, some premium carpeting, like wool, can cost more. Carpeting will last about 5 to 15 years. For more on how long carpet lasts, check out How Long Carpet Lasts: When to Replace & Costs.

Pros of Carpet

• Warmth: Carpet has thermal resistance, which means carpeting stays warmer in the cold months. Carpet absorbs indoor heat and retains it’s warmth longer than other floorings.

• Soft: Carpeting is soft underfoot and has a luxurious feel when walked on. It’s comfortable to sit on and play with children or watch TV.

• Versatile and wide selection: Carpeting offers versatility in style and materials to fit nearly any budget. There is an ocean of color and style combinations. Carpet can be used to create both a casual or formal look and feel.

• Safety: Carpet is safe for children and adults. It softens slip and falls, meaning they are excellent for families with small children.

• Noise Buffering Properties: Carpeting is an excellent noise buffering material. Carpet can absorb sound from TVs, radios, etc. Paired with a good quality padding, carpeting is very quiet when walked on, making it a great choice for busy families.

Cons of Carpet

• High Maintenance: Carpet requires a higher maintenance level, including routine vacuuming and occasional shampooing or deep cleaning. Spills and pets are particularly harsh on carpeting.

• Attracts Dirt and Allergens: Carpet can negatively affect people with allergies. Carpet can hide pet hair, dander, dust, dirt, and other allergens deep into the carpet fibers.

• Not Suitable for Wet Areas: Carpet is not well suited for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Flooring for basement floors should be limited and dependent on living conditions.

• Shorter Lifespan: Carpet has a shorter lifespan than other flooring types, particularly in high traffic areas. Carpeting can last on average 5 to 15 years.

Epoxy Sealed Concrete Flooring

Looking for an affordable option that isn’t flooring at all? Consider sealing your concrete slab with decorative epoxy. As an honorable mention, we want to discuss these options because they are affordable, durable, and can offer in-depth beauty and character in the right hands.

Epoxy sealed concrete flooring can be a clear, solid color or layered free-flowing creation only limited by your imagination. Epoxy finishes are low maintenance, affordable, and can be a great DIY project.

You can apply epoxy over paint, stain, or bare concrete. The epoxy is applied in coats over several days and can last over 20 years. Epoxy flooring costs about $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot.

Pros of Epoxy Sealed Concrete

• Waterproof: epoxy sealed concrete is a waterproof finish. Water can easily be removed with a towel, mop, or wet vacuum.

• Protection: epoxy offers protection from cracks and is stain-resistant. Because epoxy is waterproof, stains can generally be easily cleaned up.

• Unique Look: epoxy offers a unique look that is only limited by your imagination. Epoxy can be made to look like natural stone, wood, or anything else you can dream up. Every epoxy floor is a one-of-a-kind design that can’t be duplicated.

• Low Maintenace: Epoxy is easy to clean and only needs routine sweeping, vacuuming, or wet mopping to clean. Also, epoxy is allergen and mold-free, making it a great choice for those with severe allergies.

Cons of Epoxy Sealed Concrete

• Cold: Epoxy floors are cold. Epoxy sealed concrete doesn’t provide the thermal protection of other flooring types.

• Hard: Epoxy sealed concrete is hard because it’s finished concrete. Falls could cause injuries, which means it’s not family-friendly. Like tile, it’s also hard on people with joint conditions in their ankles, knees, or hips.

Rubber Flooring

The benefits of rubber flooring are that it can be installed quickly, easily, and affordably. It is durable, easy to clean, noise-reducing, helps to insulate rooms from the outside temperature, has anti-slip properties (though this might not be very important for your pet), and is aesthetically pleasing. The downsides are that it is pretty easy to scratch, the flooring can damage your concrete slab if you don’t take proper care of it, and other pets might chew on the rubber.

Pros of Rubber Flooring

• Softness: Gives a softer, more comfortable surface to work out on. Rubber tiles are great for kid’s playrooms or home gyms. It’s also good for your knees by reducing stress when walking.

• Easy to Clean: Rubber tile is easy to wipe clean and is hypo-allergic.

• Slip-Resistant Surface: Clients have less chance of slipping. Rubber tile is doesn’t get slippery when wet.

• Low Cost: Cheaper initial cost over other types of flooring. Best for just starting out, if you have the money to spare.

• Long Lifespan: Rubber floors can last 20+ years in some cases!

• Easy Installation: Can be glued down for a small extra cost. Most rubber flooring is designed to lay over concrete with no glue or adhesive needed.

Cons of Rubber Flooring

• Can be Noisy: Increased noise when working out on them. Some rubber flooring absorbs too much noise, making it hard to hear the TV or music. If you don’t want your neighbors to know what kind of music you like to work out to, this could be a problem. Joints between pieces can make loud noises when people walk on them. Some clients are not bothered by this. Others are quite annoyed by the noise it makes.

• Temperature Fluctuations: Rubber flooring will expand and contract with temperature changes. This can lead to cracked seams over time if you live in a place that gets very cold in the winter or very hot in the summer. Not much you can do about this besides lay more rubber down if needed. Or pick a different type of flooring, if it bothers you that much.

• Avoid Heavy Objects: Not recommended for use with heavy objects or equipment. Rubber tile flooring will dent easily when heavy objects sit on them for a long time.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a concrete slab and need new flooring, there are many options to consider. It’s essential to go over the pros and cons of each type before making your decision for cost-effectiveness purposes.

Many factors dictate price, from material quality to installation costs. If you have a large area or need quick installation, vinyl is your best bet. But if you want something more natural with less maintenance required overtime, Luxury vinyl plank is a great choice that you can use in any area.