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Blog > March Flooring Madness: The Ultimate Basement & Rec Room Showdown

March Flooring Madness: The Ultimate Basement & Rec Room Showdown

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Wednesday, March 12, 2025


When it comes to basements and rec rooms, picking the ideal flooring is a game-changer—literally. You need something that handles moisture, heavy foot traffic, and all the fun that happens in these spaces.

So, in the spirit of March Madness, we’re putting eight top floors contenders head-to-head in a bracket-style battle, where only one will be crowned the Ultimate Basement & Rec Room Flooring Champion.

Who will take home the trophy? Let the games begin.

The Bracket: Let the Showdown Begin

Round 1: The Elite Eight

Floors USA - March Madness Blog Round 1

Matchup 1: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) vs. Tile


LVP: The reigning champ of basement flooring. It’s waterproof, durable, stylish, and easy to install.


Tiles: A strong contender, water resistant and with a polished look, but can feel cold underfoot.

Winner

LVP – Its warmth, ease of installation, and softer underfoot feel push it to the next round.

Matchup 2: Carpet vs. Engineered Hardwood


Carpet: The ultimate in coziness and warmth, great for playrooms and home theaters.
Engineered

Hardwood: A stunning, high-end look with better moisture resistance than solid hardwood.


Winner

Carpet – While hardwood is a stylish flooring option, basements need softness and warmth.

Matchup 3: Rubber Flooring vs. Laminate


Rubber Flooring: The MVP for home gyms and high-impact play areas, offering cushion and durability.


Laminate: A solid option for those who want wood looks at a lower cost.


Winner

Laminate – Rubber is a great idea for workouts, but laminate is a more versatile choice for multipurpose spaces while being economical.

Matchup 4: VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile) vs. Indoor/Outdoor Carpet


VCT: The industrial, minimalist powerhouse—incredibly durable, low-maintenance, and timeless.


Indoor/Outdoor Carpet: Everything you love about carpet, but designed to handle moisture and spills.


Winner

Indoor/Outdoor Carpet – The perfect recommended blend of comfort and practicality for basement living.

Round 2: The Final Four

Floors USA March Madness Blog Round 2

Matchup 1: LVP vs. Carpet


Winner: LVP – While carpet is cozy, LVP offers the best mix of water resistance, durability, and style.

Matchup 2: Laminate vs. Indoor/Outdoor Carpet


Winner: Indoor/Outdoor Carpet – Laminate is stylish, but it’s not as moisture-friendly as indoor/outdoor carpet.

The Championship Round: LVP vs. Indoor/Outdoor Carpet

In the final showdown, two heavyweights battle it out.

Floors USA March Madness Blog Round 3

Luxury Vinyl Plank: Waterproof, stylish, easy to clean, and works in any space.


Indoor/Outdoor Carpet: The comfort king, perfect for home theaters, family rooms, and play spaces.

The Ultimate Winner: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Floors USA March Madness Blog Winner

Why? LVP is the best all-around flooring for basements and rec rooms. It handles moisture, spills, heavy traffic, and still looks amazing while being affordable. Plus, it’s easy to install and maintain—making it the ultimate champion for any basement space.

Contact us to get started!

No obligations — let’s discuss your project and see how we can help!

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