The Best Flooring for a Rec Room
Posted by Ben Garelick (@BlueShirtBenny) on 13th May 2025
Whether you want to use your new rec room for parties, gaming or working out, an important consideration is selecting the right rec room flooring. As with any other room, its purpose and location will help you choose the most suitable flooring solution.
The Best Flooring Options for Your Rec Room
One of your main priorities is choosing versatile flooring that works for relaxation and fun. Whether you are building a game room, home theater, indoor gym, or a kids' playroom, the best flooring for a rec room should be durable, comfortable, easy to clean and suited to the activities you plan to enjoy. Let's look at a few of the top options and what makes them great.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors are versatile and popular choices for rec room flooring. They are available in various colors and styles that realistically resemble wood, tile and stone while providing a soft and comfortable surface underfoot.
Luxury vinyl flooring is durable and can resist scratches, stains and moisture with ease, making it an ideal choice for rec rooms that experience a lot of activity or elevated moisture levels, such as rooms located in the basement. The soft nature of vinyl also helps with noise reduction — this is especially useful in busy rec rooms with heavy foot traffic, such as kids' playing areas. Additionally, luxury vinyl floors are affordable and easy to install, making them a great all-around solution for a rec room.
Carpet
If your rec room is mainly meant for relaxation, carpet can create a warm and cozy feeling. There's nothing like enjoying a movie under a blanket with a plush carpet underfoot.
Carpeting is available in various colors, textures and pile heights. You can also explore carpet tiles to make your room visually appealing and unique. Whatever design, color or pattern you choose, carpet tiles will make your rec room an inviting place to hang out or host get-togethers with family and friends. If you need to do repairs, replacing individual tiles will be easier than replacing the entire carpet.
Sound insulation and noise reduction are further benefits of carpet flooring. This is great for noisy rec rooms in houses with multiple levels. Carpet works best in low-traffic areas, such as a home theater room, with minimal moisture exposure and limited activities involving eating and drinking. You'll likely want to refrain from installing this flooring option in basement rec rooms or kids' playrooms, as these areas often experience heavier foot traffic and more frequent spills and stains.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is also a great option for your rec room. Similar to luxury vinyl flooring, laminate floors are available in various finishes and styles and are an affordable way to imitate the natural look of hardwood or stone.
Laminate is also a durable option that can handle frequent foot traffic and offers resistance to scratches and dents. While it's not typically fully waterproof, it does possess water-resistant properties, making it ideal for rooms where an occasional spill may happen. These floors are also easy to install, clean and maintain.
Tile
Tile flooring can make any rec room look clean and fresh. It's great if you're looking for basement rec room flooring ideas, as it's highly durable and water-resistant. Tiles are also easy to clean and work well in rooms with a lot of activity, such as yoga rooms, game spaces or art rooms.
The color and texture options are endless. If you want a sleek look, you may want to consider tile flooring with a glossy finish. Alternatively, matte tiles may be a better choice if the room has a certain degree of moisture exposure.

Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood
Hardwood floors remain a timeless and classic choice if luxury and elegance are high on your priority list. Both hardwood and engineered hardwood floors offer the warm appeal of wood and are available in different finishes, colors and species.
If durability is important to you, hardwood is a good option that will last and develop a lot of character over time. Engineered hardwood may be better suited for rec rooms that are exposed to a certain degree of moisture, as they have moisture-resistant properties.
While wood requires a higher upfront investment, it also allows you to add timeless value and beauty to your rec room. The high-end feel associated with hardwood floors is very popular, and it yields a good return on investment in the long term.
Area Rugs
Area rugs are a great and versatile way to add softness and visual appeal to any of the above flooring options. You can use rugs to create visual interest and define certain spaces within your rec room while establishing comfort and enhancing noise reduction in the room. Area rugs are also easy to replace when they get old or when you are keen for a new and refreshed look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Rec Rooms
Whether you are renovating or starting fresh with setting up a rec room, you may want to consider the following factors during your decision-making process:
- Budget: Consider material and installation costs and the final return on investment to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Durability: You will never regret investing in strong and durable flooring. The level of durability you need depends on your lifestyle and what the rec room will be used for. A kids' playroom with a lot of hustle and bustle may require flooring that can handle wear and tear, while a less durable floor may be suitable for a rec room with less activity, such as a home theater room.
- Maintenance: Rec rooms are often activity hubs that involve frequent movement, eating and drinking. Floors that are easy to clean and maintain will likely be a preferred choice. Flooring options that allow for seamless repairs are also a plus.
- Appearance: A floor has a big influence on the overall appearance of any room. Whether you opt for a natural and earthy or comfy and cozy look, you have creative freedom to choose a floor that sets the tone for your rec room.
- Location and conditions: Consider where your rec room will be located. Locations with high moisture conditions, such as basements, may require water-resistant flooring that can withstand damp conditions.
Visit Your Nearest Carpet & Tile Mart to Find the Best Flooring for Your Rec Room
Visit your nearest Carpet & Tile Mart to experience our wide selection of flooring solutions. Discover various styles, textures, colors and finishes to find flooring for rec rooms that suits your space, lifestyle and budget. Whether you are starting fresh or renovating, our friendly expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way to make the flooring selection process seamless.
Prefer to connect online? Simply contact us through our website's online submission form. We are excited to assist you!
