• Many different types of flooring can be laid over concrete.Frank Gaglione/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Many houses have a concrete floor slab on the ground floor, which--in new homes, especially--is level and smooth. This means that you can lay a wide range of flooring onto the concrete, with just a few additional items required.
  
  

Carpet

• When laying carpet over concrete, it is almost certain that you will need to lay an underlayment to provide a cushioned feel. Lay your carpet gripper strips around the perimeter of your room, and then lay the underlayment (fixing it to the concrete using an adhesive). Your carpet can then be laid on top of the underlayment to create an attractive floor finish.
  
  

Vinyl

• Vinyl flooring can also be laid over concrete if required--especially useful in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, as spillages can be easily wiped away. Sweep the concrete floor to ensure it is clear of all dust and debris, then lay your vinyl (pre-cut to size) over the concrete, securing it with vinyl adhesive. Your floor is now ready to use.
  
  

Ceramic Tile

• Because it doesn't move with changes in moisture content, concrete is an ideal surface for ceramic tiles to be laid on. Again, clean the area, and spread tile adhesive directly onto the concrete--enough to lay around ten tiles at a time. Lay your tiles on the floor and grout the gaps between them once the adhesive has dried. Your tiled floor is now ready to use.
  
  

Wood

• Wood is one of the more difficult floor coverings to lay on concrete, but it can be done. Cover the floor with a moisture-resistant barrier to prevent the floor warping, and then put 2x4 boards around the perimeter of the room. Space further 2x4 lengths of lumber at 16 inch intervals across the room to provide a basis for fixing your wooden flooring.