Humps and dips in your subfloor make vinyl plank and hardwood installations costly. Before you pour expensive self-leveler, consider cushion vinyl which offers modern stone & wood looks
, minimal prep (no glue necessary)
and a softer, warmer feel underfoot
. It’s a great alternative if you are looking to reduce costs and enjoy a clean, modern look.
The Best Flooring for Uneven Basement Floors in Coastal New England
Basements we measure across the Newport and Middletown area often look smooth at first glance. But when you actually walk the slab, you feel what the eye misses—subtle dips and humps running through the concrete. These irregularities are common.
So if your basement (or another room) isn't perfect flat, what is your best option? Sometimes, it's modern cushion vinyl flooring—similar to sheet vinyl.
Why Floating Floors Struggle on Imperfect Concrete
Floating floors like luxury vinyl plank (LVP), modular linoleum, and engineered wood are popular throughout Newport County because they’re durable and visually appealing. But they come with a major installation requirement: the subfloor must be both firm and flat.
Yes, even subtle high and low spots can lead to multiple issues down the road like: Clicking sounds, gaps forming between boards, movement underfoot, premature joint wear, visible telegraphing of the slab.
So what are your options? Well, you can pay for expensive self-leveler. But for many homeowners, the prep cost doesn't make sense—especially in a secondary living space.
Cushion Vinyl: A Basement Flooring Solution That Works With the Subfloor You Have
Unlike floating floors, modern cushion vinyl (also called sheet vinyl with a cushioned back) is FAR more forgiving when the substrate isn’t perfectly flat. Newer generations are thick and durable, warm underfoot, more comfortable, moisture-resistant, and available in modern stone, wood and tile looks.
Because sheet vinyl comes in wide continuous rolls—often 13' wide—you often eliminate seams entirely. They also don't need to be glued down—these loose-lay installations are clean, and cost-effective.
When Self-Leveler Is Worth Considering & The Bottom Line
Vinyl plank and hardwood are excellent flooring choices, and if you're set on one of those options, you may want to pay for self-leveler.
Just be aware: There is another option available that provides a modern look. Modern cushion vinyl is a durable, attractive, and cost-effective flooring solution that stands up to uneven floors, humidity, salt air, and foot traffic.
If you have any questions about cushioned vinyl, give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.
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