ᐅ Possible flooring options for a basement with an anhydrite screed?

We want to start with the flooring in the basement and are currently considering which type of floor covering to choose.

At the moment, there is exposed anhydrite screed, which obviously cannot remain exposed. Cement screed would probably have been better, but we didn’t know that at the time, and unfortunately, it was not mentioned to us. So, that’s how it is now.

In the hobby/guest room, we will use rigid vinyl flooring, which we have also installed on the other floors. For the other utility rooms, we would like something more durable and, above all, significantly more affordable.

What options do we have that are inexpensive and easy to lay or apply?
Additionally, the question has come up whether we need to waterproof under the flooring in the utility room, due to the washing machine, water softener, heating system, and potential water damage.

fitsch84 schrieb:

What options do we have that are affordable and easy to install/apply?

Tiles, vinyl, laminate – there are options available that are even very inexpensive.

nordanney schrieb:

Tiles, vinyl, laminate – there are options all the way to very inexpensive.

To be honest, tiles are too much hassle for me.
When you say vinyl, do you mean rigid/SPC? Because I can’t find anything that is really affordable in that category.
Isn’t laminate questionable, especially for the utility or technical room because of moisture?

Would leveling the floor with a self-leveling compound and then sealing it be an option, or is that also a problem due to the moisture-sensitive screed?

fitsch84 schrieb:

When you say vinyl, do you not mean rigid/SPC or

No, simple vinyl flooring from 5€/sqm (5 USD/ft²). Or laminate at a similar price. It’s all basically "plastic".

fitsch84 schrieb:

Isn’t laminate questionable,

Material-wise, yes – plastic.

fitsch84 schrieb:

especially for the utility/technical room because of moisture?

If you’re concerned about real problems, with that screed the laminate is the least of your worries.

fitsch84 schrieb:

Would applying leveling compound and then sealing be an option, or does that not work because of the moisture-sensitive screed?

You can apply leveling compound. But it’s just leveling compound, not a floor. If you really want to rule out moisture problems, then you seal the floor (like in bathrooms) and tile over it.