2 points for you:

>I can count on one hand the number of times in the past 10 years a basement shower would have been used

You are completely changing your basement, basically turning it into an apartment. I would be thinking about this design from the perspective of a future "In-law" suite. To be used in the future by an older family member, a Teen child gaining independence, or simply for the resale to the next owner.

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For the flooring, Luxury Vinyl Plank all the way. Get some with a good base padding and its really nice to walk on and looks amazing too. Super easy to install.