[truckthree]

My question is what are the top 3 best flooring options (excluding carpet) for a basement to be used as a family room? Now its bare concrete. Based on the problems below, is there any floor type I should NOT use?

Background = We are more than half way into a 1400 sq basement gut remodel job and have been told by my contractor that we need to get a flooring pro. Hes great at everything else and I applaud him for saying the floor should be addressed by a pro. We are open to most flooring choices except carpet (I know it's the best solution, you tell my wife!) For cosmetic reasons we want a floor to look like wood. Nice large tiles is our second choice.

So, here's the issues that concern me and him:
a) the ceiling height is already too low for my liking below the soffits measuring 6' 6".
b) the floor approaching 3 drains is properly pitched about 3" over about a 6" wide circle radiating out from the drain in the center.
c) other areas level variations of half inch to 1 inch.

Lastly, it is important to note the concrete is pretty flat; its just not LEVEL. Also, the walls are already up throughout. Thanks!

ps - I'm interested in what Bljack has to say...