Your original idea of vinyl planks plus heated floors is so much better than carpet. A quality LVP will be easier to keep clean and should last longer than commonly sold “family room” carpet. We’re on year 15 of our LVP in very busy family room and recommend installing it.

Thank you for you response. That would be my preference but the underfloor heat will push me $3000 over my budget.

Monkey, there is more to buying carpet than the fiber or pile cut. You also have to look at the density and the twists per inch. The internet has good resources on how to buy carpet.

Yes, basment floors do get cold in the winter. Even with a well heated basement you can feel the cold permeating up. My last house had vinyl on the basment floor. When I started to work from home my work area was down in the gameroom. I had to purchase a large thick rug to put into my desk area to keep my feet warm. Someone may say carpet squares, but they won't be thick enough. You will need a pad and carpet for max warmth.

Thank you! I’ll look for tools online to figure out density.

Might want to consider industrial or commercial carpet. It’s what they put in hotel lobby’s, movie Theaters. We used it on our stairs with 1 dog and 2 cats, stairs take a beating. This commercial carpet has been on these stairs going on 20 years. Regular carpet stores will carry commercial carpeting.

Oh wow it looks like new! Thanks I’ll look into that.