Basement Refinish: What are my flooring options?

The house is 40 some-odd years old.

Previous Owner framed-off and installed non-insulated wood paneling (sheet type) with accordian doors to seperate the "main" area with a utility area.

Basement is a walk-out, with poured concrete and the half-cement wall coming up from the floor on the exterior facing wall.

All the basement really needs is some thick carpeting and baseboard heating, which I am planning on having installed.

Basement does not appear to be prone to leakage, there is no staining on the floors (unpainted) and the sump is located away from where the carpeting would go near the utility area.

My question: What are my flooring options?
I'd like to keep the floor from being freezing, but I'd definately want carpeting.

How does one go about installing this....padding on the bare floor and carpet on top? Or do I need to lay down some form of runners with plywood over them for an air-barrier?

Finally, would it be beneficial to spend the money on a liquid basement sealent to hedge against any future water seepage?

Thanks!

 

Installing a subfloor is an option, but not necessary. The key is getting a top quality, dense pad. I used a commercial grade 8-pound pad directly on the concrete. The floor is comfortable and warm.

I didn't seal the floor.