Why Basement Floors Require a Specified System
Basement slabs in Toronto and the GTA are often bare, stained and dusty, or covered with a coating that was never properly prepared. Below-grade concrete also draws moisture from the ground, so a slab that appears dry can still transmit moisture vapour. For this reason, floor paint rarely performs in basements. A properly specified epoxy system creates a clean, finished surface for recreation rooms, gyms, laundry rooms and workshops. Request a free estimate to discuss your basement.
Moisture Comes First
Moisture is the leading cause of basement coating failure. Before recommending a system, we inspect the slab, look for signs of past water infiltration and test for moisture vapour where required. Where readings are elevated, we apply an epoxy moisture vapour barrier (MVB) base coat beneath our three-coat flake polyaspartic system, a four-coat system that includes a 10-year warranty, or we recommend an alternative system. We do not coat over an unresolved moisture problem.
How the System Is Built
Prepared, Repaired Concrete
Diamond grinding opens the surface. Cracks, pits and joints are repaired to provide a sound, level substrate.
Moisture Vapour Barrier, Where Required
If testing shows elevated moisture, an epoxy moisture vapour barrier (MVB) base coat is applied to control moisture coming up through the slab.
Flake or Solid-Colour Finish
For most basements we recommend our three-coat flake polyaspartic system. Solid-colour finishes are also available. See epoxy flake flooring.
Protective Topcoat
A clear topcoat adds wear and stain resistance. Where it suits the room, we use polyaspartic for a fast-curing, UV-stable finish.
Finishes for How You Use the Room
- Rec rooms and living areas: light or mid-tone solid colours and fine flake blends
- Home gyms: darker, hard-wearing finishes rated for weights and equipment
- Theatres: deep, low-glare colours suited to low-light rooms
- Playrooms: bright, easy-to-clean finishes with light texture for traction
- Laundry and utility: seamless floors resistant to water and detergents
See the epoxy colour chart or ask for samples at your site visit so you can judge colour in your own basement lighting.
Doing the garage too? We also coat garages, so the basement and garage can be done in one booking with matching floors.
Timeline and Pricing Factors
Basement timelines depend on the area, the condition of the slab and the moisture test results, so the schedule is confirmed at the site assessment. Every client receives a written quote. The main pricing factors are:
- The area in square feet
- Concrete condition, cracks and old coatings
- Moisture mitigation if the slab needs it
- The finish and topcoat selected
- Extras such as cove base, stairs and floor drains
Our epoxy flooring cost guide covers these in more detail. For the rest of the house, see residential epoxy flooring.
Caring for Your Basement Floor
Sweep or dust mop regularly and clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft mop. Clean up spills promptly, use mats under heavy equipment and monitor humidity. If new water infiltration occurs, the source should be addressed to protect the floor and the space.