Best recommendation for flooring to use in a basement?

In general, carpeting, hardwood floor and laminate floor are not recommended for basements. Variations in humidity, which are common in basements, warp hardwood and laminate floors and encourage mold growth in carpets. Even basements that are treated for moisture related problems can have seasonal trouble with moisture or during excessive rain. Engineered floor is an excellent alternative to hardwood floor in the basement. Engineered floor is flooring constructed from three to five layers of different hardwood materials with either a hardwood or high density fiberboard core. Another option is laminate floor. Laminate floors are composed of a moisture resistant wood based core, a backing, and a resin based melamine or aluminum oxide decorative surface with a clear layer of aluminum oxide, like a finish on traditional hardwood floors, which strengthens the surface and protects against staining and scratching. Laminate floors are floating floors, meaning they are not attached directly to the sub floor, which makes installation directly on the concrete or putting a vapor guard down easier. I would recommend using Engineered Hardwood Flooring for you basement. There are great colors and styles available to suite any decor.