Wood isn't suitable below grade. You could do wood look tile with a heated floor underneath. Warmly Yours is one brand I've dealt with. It adds extra expense to the installation and extra expense to operate. Be sure to consider that. Rugs are a lot cheaper on the wallet.

Cork floating floor = $2-$4 per square foot = same "warm" feeling the laminate + electric heating mats offer. The heating mats should run $500 (for a bathroom) up to $5,000 for a full basement. A cork floating floor = thermal insulation + soft/quiet.

In Canada, I've had so many clients use this in basements, I could just throw myself off a bridge (I won't...but you get the idea). I have several clients remark at how much warmer the ROOM becomes...not just the floor.

www.corkfloorsales.com (Canada) or www.icorkfloor.com (USA). Mention you saw us on Houzz and we will waive the small shipping fee for samples.

Shaw's Engineered Hardwoods can be installed in basements - and they are compatible with radiant heat. Shaw products are excellent, and widely available.

See: http://shawfloors.com/tips-trends/natural-hardwood/hardwood-solid-engineered

In general cork floors may not be a good fit with radiant heating, and many cannot be installed below grade. You'll need to check with the manufacture of each flooring type to be sure it can be installed below grade, and that their product is compatible with radiant floor warming.

Cork floating flooring can be installed below grade and is the "go to" cork floor over in-floor radiant heat. Like any floating floor system, a vapour barrier must be used with concrete slabs that are at or below grade.