Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Carpet and basements don't mix. I'd look at the new linoleum planks that look like wood - we had just installed cork when I found out about the planks and wish we had gone with them. Sure enough, leaves covered the drain at the bottom of the basement steps and water seeped in, destroying our new cork floor.

That's a design issue, your drain is too small and you need to cut down trees

You don't need to cut down trees. Trees actually help retain rain water so we would get less flooding in this area if nitwits didn't cut down so many trees.

You just need to keep the drain clear and use a raised drain cover, e.g.,:
http://thingiverse-production-new.s3.amazonaws.com/renders/21/c5/dc/5b/4d/NewDrain2_preview_featured.jpg

If you must use carpet, go with carpet tile. It doesn't look terrible and you can replace patches of it if they get wet.

I agree to go with a hard surface and area rugs if you can. Our basement floor was too wonky, so we had to replace carpet with new carpet. We used a berber style that had some plushness/design to it. I thought it was beautiful. We also had ceramic tile for the small hallway leading to the outside door and laundry room, to reduce tracking and a filthy carpet, per the PPs comments.

I really dislike carpets. Especially if your basements is a walk out basement. Carpet is just so filthy.

IF you are in a new house the basement is dry and I like carpet best.

Anonymous wrote:Carpet and basements don't mix. I'd look at the new linoleum planks that look like wood - we had just installed cork when I found out about the planks and wish we had gone with them. Sure enough, leaves covered the drain at the bottom of the basement steps and water seeped in, destroying our new cork floor.

That's a design issue, your drain is too small and you need to cut down trees

yea don't carpet your basement... I would tile it and then put a rug over or foam where your kids will play.

Carpet and basements don't mix. I'd look at the new linoleum planks that look like wood - we had just installed cork when I found out about the planks and wish we had gone with them. Sure enough, leaves covered the drain at the bottom of the basement steps and water seeped in, destroying our new cork floor.

Or Pergo. Many in DC tend to have water issues at some point so keep that in mind if you are new to the area.

are there existing hardwood floors? For a basement, I wouldn't install carpet in case you get issues with dampness. Go for a rug or carpet squares.

Wondering which carpet to use - have young kids. Basement ceiling would become too low if we put in anything that needs thigh insulation. Any carpet recommendations? What brand/type of carpet would you want to see in a house?