For years, our Markham basement was little more than a concrete box—a forgotten space filled with storage bins and unrealized potential. We dreamed of transforming it into a vibrant, functional extension of our home. Our vision included a sophisticated entertainment area, anchored by a statement-making bar, and durable, stylish flooring. We wanted a seamless transition from our main floor, starting with custom match stain stair treads leading down to a warm beige vinyl flooring with DMX 1-STEP floor underlayment. The goal was a bright, welcoming lower level that felt like anything but a basement. This is the story of how we brought that vision to life.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Full Basement Finishing
- Location: Markham, ON
- Category: Basement Renovation
- Key Features: Custom wet bar, full 3-piece bathroom, open-concept recreation area
- Project Date: May 2025
- Duration: 2 weeks
Our Design Vision: A Moody, Modern Entertainment Hub
From our very first conversation, we knew we wanted to avoid the classic “rec room” feel. Our vision was more ambitious: a sophisticated lounge where we could host friends for game night, watch movies with the family, or simply unwind with a drink after a long week.
The centrepiece of this vision was the bar. We didn’t want a small, tucked-away kitchenette; we wanted a destination. We imagined a bold, dramatic feature wall and decided on a stunning, deep green colour for a 10-foot bar, designed to be both functional and a work of art. To complement this, we envisioned a matching wooden floating shelf to display our favourite glassware and spirits, creating a clean, modern aesthetic.
For the main living area, comfort and durability were key. We have kids and pets, so the flooring needed to stand up to daily life while feeling warm and inviting underfoot. This led us to a high-quality beige vinyl plank, which provides the look of hardwood without the worry.
The bathroom was another critical element. It needed to serve as a convenient powder room for guests and a functional full bathroom if we ever needed an extra wash-up space. Our goal was an elegant, spa-like feel within a compact footprint. We pictured a 40” stone top with an elegant floating double drawer bathroom vanity to maximize floor space and create an airy feel, paired with modern black fixtures for a touch of contrast and drama.
Finally, we wanted the basement to feel connected to the rest of our house. The transition had to be perfect. That’s why we insisted on custom-staining the new stair treads to perfectly match the hardwood on our main level, making the journey downstairs feel like a natural continuation of our home.
Materials & Specifications: The Building Blocks of Quality
Choosing the right materials was about balancing aesthetics, durability, and long-term performance—especially for a below-grade space in Ontario. Every selection was made with purpose.
Flooring and Foundation
The foundation of the entire project was the floor. We chose a beautiful beige vinyl flooring for its waterproof properties, scratch resistance, and warm appearance. But what lies beneath is just as important. We used DMX 1-STEP 2.0 floor underlayment, a critical choice for any basement in Markham. This dimpled membrane creates an air gap between the concrete and the vinyl, protecting the floor from moisture and mold, preventing that cold feeling from seeping through, and making the floor significantly warmer to walk on.
The Bar: A Showcase of Style
The bar is where our design vision truly came to life. The dramatic 10-foot green bar serves as the room’s focal point. For the countertop and backsplash, we selected a durable and non-porous LQ quartz. We extended this stunning quartz in a full wall backsplash behind the bar, creating a seamless, high-end look that’s incredibly easy to clean. Subtle but effective LED strips underlight the floating shelf, casting a warm glow on the counter and highlighting the feature wall. Tucked neatly under the counter is a 24” bar fridge, ensuring cold drinks are always within reach.
The Bathroom: Compact Luxury
In the bathroom, every element was chosen to maximize the sense of space and luxury.
- Vanity: The 40” stone top with an elegant floating double drawer bathroom vanity is the star. Its wall-mounted design keeps the floor clear, making the room feel larger.
- Mirror & Lighting: A 36” LED mirror provides perfect, shadow-free lighting for getting ready and adds a modern, high-tech touch.
- Fixtures: We opted for matte black fixtures—from the faucet to the shower head—to create a bold, contemporary contrast against the lighter tiles and vanity.
- Toilet: A high-efficiency Toto toilet completed the space, offering top-tier performance and a sleek design.
The Process: A Seamless Transformation
While seeing the final result is thrilling, we were equally impressed by the structured and transparent process. A basement renovation involves many moving parts, and having a clear roadmap made all the difference.
The journey began with framing and planning. The crew laid out the new walls for the bathroom and storage area, ensuring every inch of space was optimized. They paid close attention to Ontario Building Code requirements, particularly regarding insulation. Proper insulation was installed on all exterior walls, creating a thermal break that keeps the space comfortable year-round and helps lower our energy bills.
Next came the mechanical rough-ins. This is the critical, behind-the-walls work that ensures everything functions perfectly. The licensed electricians ran all the wiring for our pot lights, the bar’s LED lighting, the bathroom’s LED mirror, and all the outlets, ensuring everything was up to code and would pass the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection. Simultaneously, the plumbers installed the plumbing for the new three-piece bathroom and the wet bar, including proper venting, which is crucial for preventing sewer gas odours.
Waterproofing is non-negotiable in a basement. Beyond the DMX underlayment, the team inspected the foundation walls and sealed any potential problem areas before the drywall went up, giving us complete peace of mind.
Once the inspections were passed, the space began to take shape. Drywall was installed, taped, and mudded to a smooth finish, ready for paint. The deep green for the bar wall was applied with precision, and a complementary neutral tone was used for the rest of the space to keep it bright and airy.
The final phase was all about the beautiful details. The beige vinyl flooring was laid, the custom-stained stairs were installed, and the bar and bathroom were fully assembled. From the quartz countertop installation to the final placement of the black fixtures, every step was handled with care and craftsmanship.
The Final Look: A Dream Realized
Walking down the new custom match stain stair treads for the first time was a surreal experience. The transition is so flawless that the basement no longer feels like a separate, forgotten part of the house; it feels like an integral lower level.
The main area is vast, bright, and incredibly inviting. The beige vinyl flooring grounds the space with a natural warmth, and the strategic placement of pot lights ensures there are no dark corners. It’s the perfect multi-purpose zone—spacious enough for a large sectional, a movie screen, and a play area for the kids.
But your eyes are inevitably drawn to the bar. The 10-foot green bar is even more spectacular than we imagined. The rich colour, paired with the veining of the LQ quartz countertop and full wall backsplash, creates a sense of drama and luxury you’d expect to find in a high-end lounge. In the evening, with the LED strips underlight casting a soft glow, the space is simply magical.
The bathroom is a small sanctuary. The floating double drawer bathroom vanity is a brilliant design choice, making the room feel open and uncluttered. The soft, even light from the 36” LED mirror is a revelation, and the sleek lines of the Toto toilet and matte black fixtures provide that perfect modern edge. It’s proof that you don’t need a massive footprint to create a luxurious and highly functional bathroom.
Design Takeaways for Your Own Renovation
Going through this process taught us a few valuable lessons that we hope can help other homeowners planning a basement project.
- Don’t Fear Bold Choices: The green bar was a risk, but it paid off immensely. A strong feature wall or a unique material choice can define a space and elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Invest in What’s Underneath: We can’t see the DMX underlayment or the upgraded insulation, but we can feel them. A warm, dry, and comfortable basement is the result of investing in the right foundational materials and waterproofing measures.
- Lighting Creates the Mood: A single overhead light won’t cut it. We used a layered approach: ambient light from pot lights, task lighting over the bar, and accent lighting from the under-shelf LEDs. This flexibility allows us to change the room’s atmosphere instantly.
- Details Bridge the Divide: The custom-stained stairs were a relatively small detail in the grand scheme of the project, but they have a huge impact on how the whole house feels. Don’t overlook the transitions between spaces.
Simple Maintenance Tips
Keeping our new basement looking its best is surprisingly easy.
- Vinyl Flooring: We sweep or vacuum regularly and use a pH-neutral cleaner for deeper cleans. The waterproof nature means we don’t have to panic about spills.
- Quartz Countertops: A simple wipe-down with a soft cloth, water, and mild soap is all that’s needed. Quartz is non-porous, so it resists staining and doesn’t require sealing.
- Fixtures: We use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the matte black fixtures to prevent water spots and keep them looking sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Markham?
Yes, in almost all cases. A building permit is typically required for a basement renovation in Markham, especially when you are adding new walls, altering the structure, or adding new plumbing (like a bathroom or wet bar). It ensures that all work, including framing, insulation, and electrical, meets the Ontario Building Code, which is crucial for your family’s safety and your home’s resale value.
What are the most important considerations for a basement bathroom in Ontario?
The three biggest factors are plumbing, ventilation, and electrical. The plumbing must be properly connected to your home’s main drain stack, which can sometimes require breaking up the concrete floor. Proper ventilation, usually an exhaust fan vented directly outside, is mandatory to control moisture and prevent mold growth. Finally, all electrical outlets near the sink or shower must be GFCI-protected, as required by the ESA.
How do you make a basement feel bright and not like a basement?
This was one of our main goals! We achieved it through three key strategies. First, a smart lighting plan with plenty of pot lights to provide even, overhead illumination. Second, using light-coloured finishes for the largest surfaces, like our beige vinyl flooring and the neutral paint on the main walls. Third, incorporating reflective surfaces, like the LED mirror and the polished quartz backsplash, which help bounce light around the room.
Our basement is no longer just a space; it’s our family’s favourite place. It’s a testament to thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. If you’re dreaming of unlocking the hidden potential in your own basement, we can’t recommend the experience enough.
Ready to transform your own underused space? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote today!