After living with foldable tables in two basements, one finished and one barely conditioned, I can tell you the single best table tennis table for basements is the JOOLA Inside Professional with its 15mm MDF top, alloy steel frame and 3-inch lockable casters. It folds flat in about half a minute, it rolls through a standard basement door, and its 4.5-star rating across 8993 reviews is the deepest owner history in this group.
That matters more than it sounds. A basement is the hardest room in most houses for a table tennis top. The air is still, the concrete slab sweats in the seasons the rest of the house is dry, and the usable footprint is usually measured in feet rather than yards. Owners on table tennis forums consistently name humidity, not price, as the number one cause of failure down there, and frames and hinges tend to give out before the playing surface does.
Below I compare eight tables across the four things that actually decide whether a table survives a basement: top thickness and core material, folded footprint, moving weight, and warranty length. I have also included the sizing math for the 6-inch rule and end clearance, plus a note on getting a basement under control before you set the table up.
Top 3 Best Table Tennis Tables for Basements in 2026
JOOLA Inside Professional
- 15mm MDF top
- Alloy steel frame
- 3 inch lockable casters
- Single player playback mode
STIGA Advantage Series
- 13mm top with steel apron
- 2 inch lockable wheels
- 10 minute assembly
- Playback mode
JOOLA Rally TL Professional
- 15mm MDF regulation top
- Leg height adjusters
- Four wheel trolleys per half
- Playback mode
Best Table Tennis Tables for Basements in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Inside Professional |
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| STIGA Advantage Series |
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| JOOLA Rally TL Professional |
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 Butterfly Junior 3/4 Size |
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 STIGA Space Saver |
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 GoSports Mid-Size 6 x 3 ft |
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 JOOLA Quadri 15mm |
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 Best Choice Products 6 x 3 ft |
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How We Picked Basement Tables
We read every specification listing line by line and then cross-checked it against what owners actually report after months of use. Marketing thickness claims are treated as unverified until owner reports line up with them, which is the same standard table tennis forum regulars use.
Four things decided the ranking. First, top thickness and core, since a thin particle-board top absorbs basement moisture and swells. Second, the folded footprint, because a table you cannot park against a wall is a table you will not fold. Third, moving weight, since basement stairs punish anything heavier than one person can carry. Fourth, warranty length, which is the only real signal of how a manufacturer expects its table to age in a damp room.
We also tracked what is in the box. Four of the eight tables here arrive with a net set, and two include paddles and balls, which changes the real cost of getting started more than any single feature does.
1. JOOLA Inside Professional – Best Table Tennis Table for Basements Overall
Pros
- Consistent rebound across the full 15mm MDF surface
- Quick fold in about 30 seconds
- 3 inch lockable casters roll through a standard door
- Quick clamp net is easy to level
- Single player playback mode
Cons
- Roughly 165 lb so it needs a two person move
- Paddles and balls are not included
- Occasional freight damage and misdrilled holes on arrival
This is the table I would put in a basement without hesitating. The 15mm MDF top is the same construction used on club tables, and the multi-layer paint holds a consistent rebound corner to corner. Across 8993 reviews it holds a 4.5-star average, and the complaint that shows up most often is weight rather than play.
The 108 by 60 inch playing surface is full regulation, so rallies look and feel like the real thing. The alloy steel frame does not flex noticeably when two adults lean on the surface, which matters in a basement where the floor is uneven and players tend to brace themselves.
Setup is the part that surprises people. It arrives 95% assembled and takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes to attach wheels and brackets. The two halves roll independently on 3-inch lockable casters, and the fold takes about half a minute once you learn the quick-clamp mechanism.
Owners frequently pair it with a separate paddle set and report daily use in finished basement rec rooms without complaint. If you have a playroom layout elsewhere in the house, our basement shelving guide covers storage that leaves the folding wall clear.
What to check before it reaches the basement
Measure your stairwell and door before ordering. At 165 lb this is a two-person move, and you want to know the tightest turn on the route in advance. Removing the casters and separating the halves makes the job much easier than trying to wrestle one folded slab down a carpeted staircase.
Check the top and frame the day it arrives. Freight damage and misdrilled predrilled holes are the two recurring first-week complaints, and both are far easier to photograph and return before assembly than after.
Where it is not the right buy
Skip it if your basement is unconditioned and you cannot control humidity. A 15mm MDF top tolerates swings far better than a thin board, but it is not a sealed outdoor surface, and long-term damp exposure still shortens its life.
Skip it if a single adult has to move the table regularly on their own. There is no wheel kit or tabletop-topper alternative that keeps regulation play and drops the weight at the same time.
2. STIGA Advantage Series – Best Value Foldable Table for a Rec Room
Pros
- Arrives 95% preassembled for a 10 minute setup
- Light enough for family play and kids
- Independent halves on 2 inch lockable wheels
- Includes a basic 72 inch clamp net
- Safety latch playback mode
Cons
- 13mm is the thinnest top in this group
- Frame flexes more than heavier MDF models
- Only 90 day warranty
- Basic net rather than a full tournament net
The STIGA Advantage is the entry point most families land on, and for a conditioned basement rec room it makes a lot of sense. It holds a 4.5-star average across 7326 reviews, and owners treat it as a genuine step up from lightweight aluminium tables rather than a toy.
The 13mm top is reinforced with a 0.75-inch steel tube apron, which is what keeps the bounce dependable at this thickness. Recreational rallies feel predictable, and the surface is explicitly marketed for basements, rec rooms and garages.
Assembly is close to nothing. It arrives 95% preassembled and the 10-minute Quickplay setup means you can be playing the same afternoon it is delivered. Each half rolls independently on 2-inch lockable wheels, so parking it against a wall takes one person.
The playback mode works by folding one half back with the safety latch engaged, which turns the table into a solo practice surface. It is a genuine reason many buyers add a ball machine later.
How much thickness you actually need
The 13mm top is the thinnest in this roundup, and it shows once players move from family rallies to sustained competitive exchanges. Owners upgrading from this table usually step up a size, which is worth knowing before you buy for a teenager who plays seriously.
Thicker variants in the same STIGA line run 15mm, 18mm and 25mm, so the frame and hardware stay familiar if you outgrow the base model. Check which variant you are actually ordering, because the thickness is not obvious in the listing title.
What could go wrong
The 90-day warranty is the shortest on the two large MDF tables here, and it is the reason we do not put this one first. On table tennis forums, owners of entry-level 15mm-class tables report frame twist and corner dead spots appearing somewhere in the 6 to 8 month window when humidity is not controlled.
The 141 lb weight is also lighter than a full MDF table but still a two-person job through most basement stairwells. Plan the move before delivery day.
3. JOOLA Rally TL Professional – Best for Daily Training Play
Pros
- Level playing surface thanks to leg height adjusters
- Only 8 bolts for a 15 minute setup
- Four wheel trolley systems with anti tilt locks
- Four corner ball holders and magnetic scorers included
- Competition grade 9 by 5 ft surface
Cons
- 154 lb makes repositioning a two person job
- Paddles and balls are not included
- Costs more than entry level MDF tables with similar cores
If your basement is a training room rather than a rec room, the JOOLA Rally TL is the one to look at. The 15mm multi-layer painted MDF top gives the even, tournament-consistent bounce serious players notice, and it carries a 4.5-star average across 2179 reviews.
The detail that separates it from cheaper MDF tables is leg height adjusters. On an uneven concrete slab they are the difference between a flat table and a table that rocks, and they save you from shimming legs with scraps of cardboard.
Setup is among the simplest in the full-size MDF category. The table arrives 95% preassembled and takes about 15 minutes with only 8 bolts total, which is a meaningful difference when you are assembling it in a basement rather than a garage.
Both halves sit on 4-wheel trolley systems with automatic anti-tilt locks, so playback mode is stable and the halves nest flat for storage. Four corner ball holders and two magnetic abacus scorers come in the box, which is unusual at this level and saves wall storage.
Why leg adjusters matter in a basement
Basement slabs are rarely flat, and a table sitting on four fixed feet will rock under a hard rally. The Rally TL’s thick steel legs with height adjusters let you dial the surface level in minutes, which removes the single most common complaint about lighter tables.
It also means you can place the table in a finished room with a slightly uneven finished floor without modifying anything. That is harder to do with the compact and portable options later in this list.
Where the money goes
At 154 lb it is heavy, and that weight is the point. Owners who came from lighter consumer tables report the stability difference more than the surface difference once the rally gets fast.
The trade-off is that the core construction is similar to cheaper MDF tables, so you are paying for hardware, adjusters and included accessories rather than a thicker top. If your players are beginners, that premium is hard to justify; if anyone trains regularly, it is not.
4. Butterfly Junior 3/4-Size – Best Compact Table With a 3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Longest warranty in this roundup at 3 years
- Arrives fully assembled with a net set
- Each half weighs 35 lb with internal wheels
- Consistent bounce and good spin response
- Corner protectors keep the box damage free
Cons
- The two halves have no mechanical latch
- No leg height adjusters on uneven floors
- Bounce shifts near the edges over the steel frame
- Highest cost for a compact table
The 3/4-size format is the reason this table exists and the reason it works in basements most full-size tables would not. At 81 by 45 inches it is larger than the common mid-size tables while still fitting a rec room that has to double as a storage space.
Butterfly is a tournament equipment brand, and buyers moving up from aluminium tables consistently report a step up in bounce and spin response. It holds a 4.3-star average across 393 reviews, and the review spread is mostly about price rather than function.
It arrives fully assembled, so you only unfold the legs and attach the net. Packaging includes fibreboard corner protectors, and owners report units arriving undamaged more often than with the MDF competitors.
Each half weighs 35 lb and contains two internal wheels, which makes this the easiest table in the roundup to carry down a basement staircase. The included tensioned net has strong clamps that also help hold the two halves aligned when set up.
What the 3-year warranty really tells you
This is the longest warranty coverage of any table here, and in a damp basement that is a meaningful signal. A manufacturer willing to cover a 3/4-size board for three years is telling you the panel and frame are built to outlast a typical household.
Long-term owners also note that a good indoor table covered between sessions lasts five years or more. Warranty length does not protect against a warped top, but it does give you recourse if the frame or hardware fails.
Where the compromises are
The two halves are not mechanically latched together, so the net clamps are doing alignment work as well as net work. If you swap the net, the halves can drift apart during play.
There are no leg height adjusters, so pick a level spot and check it with a straightedge before you set up. Bounce also changes near the edges where the steel frame sits underneath, which is normal for this size class. If you can dedicate one level corner of the basement to it, that is worth more than a table you have to keep repositioning.
5. STIGA Space Saver – Best for Small Basements and Dorms
Pros
- Compact footprint built for tight rooms
- No assembly required
- Halves separate into two multi purpose tables
- Regulation 30 inch playing height
- Vertical storage frees the floor when not playing
Cons
- Smaller surface means shorter rallies
- Only a 30 day warranty
- Halves are separate pieces rather than one hinged top
This table has the highest average rating in the roundup at 4.6 stars across 974 reviews, and the rating spread is the tightest of the group. Owners almost never report a functional problem, because there is very little to this table to go wrong.
At 71 by 40.5 inches with a regulation 30-inch playing height, it is sized for the basements where a full-size table simply will not unfold. The space saver format is why it shows up in apartment, dorm and small rec room recommendations so often.
There is no assembly at all. You unpack, unfold, attach the net and play, which matters if the only route to your table is a narrow stairwell. The MDF top and alloy steel frame give it a more substantial feel than the 6-foot aluminium sets.
The storage design is the standout feature. It folds into a vertical position to free up the floor, and the two halves separate completely into standalone tables for cards or board games, so the surface is not wasted when nobody is playing.
When a smaller table is the right answer
If your basement has a support column, a low ceiling or a stair landing that eats floor space, surface size is the constraint that decides this purchase. A table that fits beats a table that does not, and this one fits in a footprint most full-size tables need twice.
The woodgrain finish also reads as furniture rather than gym equipment, which matters in a finished basement where the table stays set up. Because it plays at regulation height, younger players do not develop a cramped stroke.
What you give up
Expect shorter rallies. A 71-inch surface is roughly a quarter less playing area than a 9-foot table, so competitive exchanges end earlier and spin has less room to develop. That is a real limitation for anyone who plays seriously.
The 30-day warranty is also the shortest here, so inspect on arrival. And because the halves are separate pieces, you carry two panels rather than one folded unit. Both are manageable, just worth knowing in advance.
6. GoSports Mid-Size 6 x 3 ft – Best Portable Table for One Person
GoSports 6 ft x 3 ft Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set – Indoor/Outdoor Portable Table Tennis Game with Net, 2 Table Tennis Paddles and 4 Balls
Pros
- Net paddles and 4 balls included in the box
- 30 lb with built-in carrying handles
- One person can set it up and move it
- Aluminium frame suits indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Aluminium surface is less consistent and less spin friendly than MDF
- Surface scratches and dents over time
- No height adjusters so level play depends on the floor
- Shorter rallies than a full size table
This is the easiest table in the roundup to live with, and the 30 lb weight is the reason. One person can carry it, fold it, and set it up again, which changes how often a basement table actually gets played on.
It holds a 4.4-star average across 1859 reviews. Reviewers describe it as the best value portable table for casual play and note that the included accessories are a large part of that value.
Everything you need is in the box: the 6 by 3 foot table, a net, two paddles and four balls. It folds out for play and folds up in seconds, with built-in carrying handles on the frame.
The heavy-duty aluminium frame keeps it steady for its weight class, and the same table works in a basement, a garage or a covered patio. For doubles and family game nights it holds up well.
Aluminium versus MDF in a basement
An aluminium top does not absorb moisture the way a dense MDF or wood core does, which is a genuine advantage in an unconditioned room. It also will not swell and delaminate when the air gets heavy.
The cost is play quality. Owners comparing it to MDF tables describe the aluminium surface as thinner and less spin heavy, and the bounce is less consistent over time as the surface picks up scratches and dents. Casual players will not notice; a club player will notice within a session.
What to know before buying
There are no height adjusters, so level play depends entirely on the floor. On a basement slab that is out of level by a fraction, you will see it immediately in the ball trajectory. Put it on the flattest area you have or shim one corner.
Long-term durability of the aluminium playing surface is the recurring concern in reviews. Treat it as a table you will move and use often rather than a permanent installation, and it will keep its character for years.
7. JOOLA Quadri 15mm – Best Nesting Four-Piece Storage Design
JOOLA 15mm Indoor Ping Pong Table with Quick Clamp Table Tennis Net Set – Single Player Playback Mode – Regulation Size Compact Storage Set
Pros
- Full 9 by 5 ft regulation surface
- Four piece design nests flat for storage
- Separate 4 wheel trolleys on each half
- Playback mode for solo practice
- Heavy packaging protects the top in transit
Cons
- Extensive assembly with poorly described instructions
- Predrilled holes frequently misaligned
- Seam down the middle can deflect the ball
- No leg height adjusters on uneven floors
The Quadri gets the storage problem better than most full-size tables. Its four-piece design nests completely flat, which in a basement means a storage footprint of a couple of boards leaning against a wall rather than a folded slab you have to angle around.
It holds a 4.0-star average across 1320 reviews. The rating reflects real friction at setup rather than a bad playing surface, because the 15mm top does deliver a solid regulation bounce once it is together.
Each half sits on its own 4-wheel trolley system, so you can roll the table into position alone. A 4.0-star average is the lowest in this roundup, and the gap between that and the 4.5s comes almost entirely from assembly, not play.
Owners report the box is heavily packaged, which matters when a table is being delivered to a basement. The single-player playback mode works for solo practice when the other half is nested away.
Budget for the build, not just the table
This is the most assembly-heavy table here. Buyers describe many screws and poorly described instructions, and predrilled holes are frequently reported as misaligned, which means re-drilling before the table will sit square. Set aside an evening in a space where you can spread out.
The four-piece layout also creates a groove or fault line down the centre that can deflect the ball. That is inherent to the design rather than a defect, and it takes some getting used to during the first few games.
Why the 4.0 rating is a humidity warning
The top is a wood-based particle board style core, and owners in humid and unfinished basement settings report the need for shims and replacement edge trim. If your basement runs damp, this is the single most important fact about the table.
There are also no leg height adjusters, and the gravity lock on the folded half is reported as unreliable by some owners. Buy it if your basement is conditioned and your storage wall is short on depth. If either of those is not true, step up to a table with adjusters and a steel-supported apron.
8. Best Choice Products 6 x 3 ft – Budget Starter Set
Pros
- Lowest moving weight of the full sets at 34 lb
- Net two balls and two paddles included
- Adjustable feet and leg locks help on uneven floors
- Folds flat enough to slide under a bed or into a closet
- Carrying bag included
Cons
- 6 by 3 ft surface is small and better for kids
- Only rated for 2 players so doubles is cramped
- Lighter build than the MDF competition tables
- Shortest warranty coverage at 60 days
This is the table to buy when the basement is a kids’ play space rather than a practice room. The included net, two balls, two solid wood paddles and carrying bag mean it is playable the moment it is unfolded, and it holds a 4.3-star average across 309 reviews.
The adjustable feet and secure leg locks are more useful than they sound. Owners in uneven garage and patio settings specifically call them out, and basement slabs are rarely perfectly level.
At 34 lb it folds flat enough to slide under a bed or into a closet, which is how most buyers store it. Built-in carrying handles make setup and breakdown fast enough that it gets used weekly instead of once a year.
The engineered wood top and aluminium frame make it usable indoors and on a covered patio. For a first table in a home with young players, the completeness of the set is the argument.
Who this table suits
It is rated for 2 players on a 6 by 3 foot surface, and many reviewers say the size suits children and casual play more than adults. If your basement hosts family game nights with mixed ages, that limitation rarely comes up.
Adults who want to develop a proper game will outgrow it quickly, and the same reviewers note lighter build quality relative to the MDF competition tables. Treat it as a starter set you might replace in a few years.
What to watch
The 60-day warranty is the shortest in the roundup, so inspect the top and hardware the day it arrives. A small table like this is easy to replace, but a damaged top in a damp corner is a hassle to return.
Because the surface is small, keep it away from the dampest corner of the basement if you can. Even a well-covered table is better off standing in conditioned air, and that is true of every pick in this guide.
How to Size a Basement for a Table Tennis Table
A regulation 9-foot table needs about 15 by 30 feet of clear floor to play properly, and most basements do not have it. That is the single reason compact and mid-size tables exist, and it is why measuring before you buy saves more money than any feature comparison.
Start with the 6-inch rule: leave at least 6 inches of clearance beyond the edges of the table on all sides. Behind each end, leave 2 feet so a player can step back and swing without hitting a wall. A 6-foot table needs roughly 12 by 20 feet with that clearance applied, while the 71-inch compact models can work in a space closer to 10 by 16 feet.
Then check the storage position, which is where basement tables usually fail to fit. A table folded flat against a wall needs its folded depth plus a few inches. A table that stores vertically needs your ceiling height to clear the folded height of the top, which on a regulation table is the same as its playing height of 30 inches plus the frame.
Measure the stairwell and the door swing as well. If the table cannot physically reach the basement, none of the specs on the page matter, and that rules out several full-size MDF models before you even consider the price. If you are planning the room around the table, our basement shelving roundup covers storage that keeps a folding wall clear.
Humidity, Core Material and Unconditioned Basements
Moisture is the number one cause of table failure in basements. Owners name it before price every time, because a swollen particle board top cannot be repaired and a warped frame cannot be re-torqued back into true.
Aim to keep relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent in the room. A dehumidifier is the cheapest insurance in this entire guide, and running it in the same room as the table matters more than running it elsewhere in the basement. Our dehumidifier guide for basements covers the sizing for the square footage you are working with.
Core material tells you how a table handles swings. MDF is dense, painted and consistent, which is why every regulation table in this roundup uses it. It is also porous at the edges, so a sealed edge and a cover between sessions matter in an unconditioned room. Plywood and aluminium are more tolerant of moisture but trade away some consistency or spin response.
Covering the table when it is not in use is the habit that separates a five-year table from a two-year one. Owners with indoor tables report five years or more when the table is covered, and noticeably less when it sits uncovered through a humid season.
One practical note if the basement is finished and the table is permanent: a floor-level drain or sump area nearby is worth knowing about before you pick a spot. A table parked next to a damp corner will age faster than the same table ten feet away, regardless of core material.
Moving a Table Down Basement Stairs and Storing It
Nothing on a product page tells you whether a table fits down your stairs, so plan the move before delivery. Measure the narrowest point of the stairwell, the ceiling above the stair bottom, and the door into the room.
For anything over 100 lb, the move works best as a three-person job with one person at each end of the table and one on the far half. Rolling a folded table down stairs is rarely safer than separating the halves and carrying them one at a time. Removing the casters and folding the legs up before the move reduces the awkwardness considerably.
For storage, flat against a wall beats folded on end for anything with an MDF top, because a half-folded table is the position where a twisted frame becomes a warped one. Owners report cheap tables twisting when folded and the twist persisting as a permanent warp after they are unfolded again.
Playback position is a third option, with one half folded back and latched, but only use it on tables with a proper safety latch. The STIGA Advantage and both JOOLA models in this roundup all have one; the gravity lock on the JOOLA Quadri is reported as unreliable by some owners. If your basement ceiling is low, check the folded height against your measurement before choosing a vertical storage table such as the STIGA Space Saver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 6-inch rule in ping pong?
The 6-inch rule means leaving at least 6 inches of clearance beyond the edges of the table on every side, plus about 2 feet behind each end for players to move and swing. In a basement that usually adds 1 to 1.5 feet of total width and length to the table’s playing dimensions, and it is what keeps the ball from striking a wall after a wide return.
How big does a room need to be for ping pong?
A full 9-foot regulation table needs roughly 15 by 30 feet of clear floor to play properly. A 7-foot table needs about 13 by 25 feet, a 6-foot table around 12 by 20 feet, and a compact 71-inch model can fit closer to 10 by 16 feet. In most basements a mid-size or compact table is the only size that leaves room to move around it.
How much space do you need behind a table tennis table?
Allow about 2 feet behind each end so a player can step back from the table and swing freely without touching a wall. On the long sides, 6 inches is the minimum. In a basement, measure from the table edge rather than from the wall, because the folded storage position usually needs that same clearance in front of the table when it is open.
What is the best table tennis table for a garage?
For a garage, an aluminium-top table is the most moisture tolerant because it will not absorb water or swell the way an MDF or particle board top does. A sealed-surface indoor table is the better choice if you want consistent play, but only if you control humidity. Keeping relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent protects either type, and covering the table between sessions makes a large difference.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive ping pong tables?
The main differences are top thickness, core material, frame stiffness and warranty. Budget tables use thin tops and light frames that flex and warp, and often come with a 60 or 90 day warranty. Mid-range and premium tables use 15mm or thicker MDF or aluminium tops on steel frames, add leg height adjusters for uneven floors, and carry one to three year warranties. Paddles and balls are usually extra on the larger tables.
Which Basement Table Tennis Table Should You Buy?
The JOOLA Inside Professional is the best table tennis table for basements because it balances the three things a basement demands: a 15mm MDF top that tolerates humidity swings, a folding frame that parks flat against a wall in seconds, and 3-inch casters that clear a standard door. Its 4.5-star average across 8993 reviews is the deepest owner record in this group, and the fold-and-roll design is what keeps it in daily use rather than in the corner.
Buy the STIGA Advantage instead if your budget matters more than competitive depth, and you can live with a 13mm top and a 90-day warranty. Buy the JOOLA Rally TL if anyone in the house trains, because leg height adjusters are the feature that makes an uneven slab workable. Buy the Butterfly Junior if you want a compact surface and the longest warranty here at three years. Choose the STIGA Space Saver when floor space, not play quality, is the binding constraint.
Whatever you pick, measure the room and the stairwell first, keep the humidity between 30 and 50 percent, and put a cover on the table between sessions. Those three habits do more for a table’s life than any spec on the box.
Our full guide to the plumbing upgrades that make a basement livable in every season is in the upflush toilet roundup for basements.