Option

Advantages

Installation

Comments

Health

Resilient (vinyl) flooring

Easy to clean.
Built-in "cushion" makes it easier on the feet than a hard surface.
Comes in sheet flooring or tiles.

Usually cemented to the subfloor.
Some sheet vinyl flooring can be simply laid in place, eliminating adhesive and its fumes.

Good for areas subject to spills and hard wear.
Can be laid over concrete, but a subfloor is preferable.

Adhesive fumes can be a health hazard; use water-based adhesives. Vinyl releases emissions; hard tiles preferable to sheets.

Linoleum

Made of linseed oil mixed with wood flour, cork flour and jute.
Returning to widespread use.

Usually cemented to the subfloor.
Can be installed without adhesives.

Good for areas subject to spills and hard wear.
Can be laid over concrete, but a subfloor is preferable.

Healthier choice than vinyl; gives off fewer emissions.
However, linseed oil can irritate some people.

Carpeting

Soft on the feet, helps create a warm feeling.

Laid in place over underpad or directly on floor.
Avoid glued applications.

High embodied energy, limited durability.
Not recommended, especially if there is still chance of a moisture problem.

Contains chemical pollutants.
Can harbour molds and other biological irritants.

Wood

Solid hardwood is fairly expensive but durable.
Wood tile or parquet flooring less expensive but less durable.
Available in a variety of woods and shades.
Attractive, adds a comfortable feeling to room.

Strip and plank hardwood is nailed or stapled to a plywood subfloor.
Parquet is commonly glued in place.

Wood can "cup" or warp in moist conditions.
Should not be installed in a basement unless you have solved all moisture problems.

Generally good.
Pre-finished hardwood preferable to unfinished to avoid emissions while finish is applied.
Glued applications can release volatile gases.

Ceramic tiles

Long-lasting, attractive, easy to clean.
Variety of colours and patterns available. Tiles come glazed and unglazed.

Glued to a plywood subfloor
or underlay, or set into a
bed of mortar laid on top
of concrete floor or subfloor. Can be installed over a concrete floor, but an insulated subfloor makes warmer surface.

Have a hard surface, can be cold; this limits use in some basement areas.
Unglazed tiles are less slippery. Can chip, hard to repair.

Healthy choice but adhesive can give off volatile chemicals.