Hi Mical, when I built my current studio, nearly 10 years ago, it
required pouring a new concrete floor. As a surface covering I
decided to use an economical commercial grade of carpeting (Home
Depot) which I glued down directly to the floor, no padding
underneath. I chose a grey color which easily shows dropped stones
and metals with the help of a lamp or flashlight.
Aside from benchwork, during a typical day in the studio I do spend
a fair amount of time on my feet; pouring ingots, using the rolling
mill, drawing wire, forging, casting, etc. My previous studio was
covered in hard linoleum tiles (like a typical grocery store floor)
which caused far more discomfort to my legs and feet. It was much
harder to clean and maintain and it tended to wear badly under the
benches.
After 10 years my carpet is still holding up well. It hasn’t worn
excessively under the rolling chairs at my two benches or in the high
traffic area to the sink and kiln. Granted, it does have a few burn
marks here and there and a minor stain or two. But, if and when I
have to replace it I would use carpet again without hesitation.
(aesthetically I would prefer a wooden floor but from an cost
standpoint it wasn’t practical when I built this studio, oh well,
maybe in my next studio 
Michael David Sturlin
https://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/sturlin1.htm