• Area rugs can warm your basement floor, yet are removable for cleaning.Carpet image by big from Fotolia.com
  
  Basements can be damp environments even without active leaks or flooding. If you want to finish off your basement floor, make sure the area is as waterproof as possible so you are only dealing with minimal dampness from moisture that absorbs up from the ground through the concrete, rather than active water intake. If your basement tends to flood with visible water, fix all leaks and seal the area before installing any flooring type.
  
  

Concrete Paint

• Concrete paint is available in the form of a two-part epoxy that seals and protects the floor so moisture doesn't seep up from underneath and spills from above won't mar the painted surface. Concrete paint can be tinted in a variety of colors, and you can add style with faux finish textures or stenciled patterns. To brighten the feel of your damp basement, opt for warm colors like creams, yellows, oranges or burnt sienna tones.
  
  

Tile

• Ceramic tile can add beauty to your basement while avoiding the mildew and mold problems that can accompany wood and carpet floors in damp areas. Make sure the area is free of as much moisture as possible before you install the tile, and use a tile grout that is intended for damp areas such as bathrooms or pool areas. Follow all manufacturer's instructions to apply the grout properly and seal it afterward. Make sure you clean the floor regularly to stop mildew from forming, and treat any mildew that appears with a solution of three parts water to one part bleach.
  
  

Carpeting

• Once your basement is sealed, wall-to wall carpeting can be a good choice for flooring. The Sound Home Resource Center staff recommends installing carpeting with double-sided tape rather than standard carpet tack strips. This allows for easy removal to clean and dry the carpets as needed. Be sure to include a good padding beneath the carpet (also removable for air drying) to help insulate the floor and keep it warm.
  
  

Mixed Solutions

• Add room-sized area rugs over concrete paint or tile to add insulation and warmth for bare feet, yet keep the dampness minimized. Check the rugs and the flooring beneath them regularly for signs of mildew, and clean or replace the rugs as needed.