Hi mnmr44,

I find that tiles (with underfloor heating) are easy to clean and very versatile, but for some reason my clients always end up preferring engineered timber floor, mainly for the natural and cosy feeling it provides. You can get the tiles that look like timber too which I have seen used successfully and not so successfully in the past!

Are the two spaces connected? If so a hardwearing finish on timber is really necessary.

Alternatively I have seen some gorgeous "concrete effect floors recently that just sparkle! Epoxy Resin terrazzo, there are so many fun variations and will be hard wearing for the basement (which can also be specified as reflective too, to help light bounce deeper into the room.

Mixed with a great interior design scheme you can warm everything up, or cool everything down, so the possibilities are endless. I would recommend choosing something you love and then seeing what options exist with the material or look you are going for. I am a sucker for terrazzo and engineered timber myself!

I hope this helped give you some ideas!

Have a great day.

Jo

Hi mnmr44,

We find that luxury vinyl (such as Amtico and Karndean) are popular choices for basements. They are ideal for high traffic areas or kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms where water can often come into contact with the floor. You can get all the look and texture of natural wood or stone, but with the added benefits of durability and minimal maintenance.

This photo is a basement gym and swimming pool where we recently installed Karndean wood plank.

Good luck with your project, do let us know if we can help in any way.

Helen