Carpet

• Tightly woven carpet.
  
  Choose a carpet that is not made from natural fibers such as wool. This type of carpet tends to be more prone to absorb moisture and odors.
  
  Even if the basement appears to be completely dry, concrete wicks a certain amount of moisture into the basement. Before installing carpet it pays to go to the expense of installing plywood subflooring over a moisture barrier. This will significantly add to the lifespan of the carpet and deter the possibility of mold.
  
  A tightly woven carpet such as Berber works well in a basement with heavy traffic. This carpet cleans easily and doesn't show wear as quickly as plush.
  
  

Laminate Flooring

• Laminate Flooring.
  
  Engineered laminate flooring is an excellent choice for basements. This type of flooring is more resistant to moisture damage than natural hardwood flooring, plus the cushioning that is built into it feels better under the feet.
  
  Laminate flooring can be laid directly over a smooth and even concrete floor. Install a layer of moisture film before starting to snap the flooring together. Leave a small gap at the walls because this type of flooring expands and contracts with the temperature. This gap can be covered with baseboard or trim.
  
  

Vinyl Tile and Linoleum

• Vinyl tile.
  
  Vinyl tile is a very popular choice for basement floors. Choose a better grade of tile for the basement. The thicker the tile is, the better it will endure heavy wear and the less it will be affected by moisture.
  
  If the basic concrete of the floor is rough or uneven, laying a subfloor of plywood will increase the longevity of the new floor.
  
  Tiles that are applied with an adhesive tend to be less affected by moisture than the self-stick tile.