Is a basement subfloor worth it?

Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don't plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.

What is the best subfloor for a basement?

Wood panels, such as plywood or oriented strand board, are common subfloor choices. However, because wood is a naturally porous substance that will absorb moisture, when used as a basement subfloor, these materials are often installed on mini-joists known as "sleepers," which allow it to sit above a concrete pad.

Does concrete need a subfloor?

Do I Need a Subfloor Over a Concrete Slab? While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you'll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: Dampness control.

How important is subflooring?

The subfloor makes a stable surface, not only for floor coverings but also for all of the heavy "live-load" in the living space elements, such as people, kitchen and bath cabinets, furniture, showers, and tubs.

Should you replace subfloor?

“Adequately protected from moisture, most subfloor materials can be expected to last for the lifespan of the home.” However, if the subfloor is consistently exposed to moisture, you may need to replace it after 20 to 30 years or sooner.

My Basement Subfloor System That Is Better and Cheaper than Dricore

Do I need a subfloor over plywood?

Plywood underlayment is typically needed when a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface. For example, if you install resilient tiles or sheet flooring over a subfloor, any bumps, dips, or voids in the subfloor may be evident in the finished flooring.

What is the warmest flooring for a basement?

A cork floating floor is an excellent insulating product for cold basements. It is the best flooring for basement. Add in a cost effective 6mm cork underlayment and you will have built an “insulated” floor.

Can I put a subfloor over concrete?

You need a dry, clean and flat surface before you can install finished flooring in a room built on a concrete slab. One of the simplest options is a sleeper-based subfloor. The result is a subfloor that protects finished flooring from cold and damp concrete-based floors.

What is the best way to finish a basement floor?

What is the cheapest subfloor?

Rarely, a prospective homeowner may recognize that OSB is the cheaper subfloor material.

Can I replace my own subfloor?

If your subfloor is in need of replacement, the damaged portion will need to be completely cut out. This also requires the removal of all floor covering over the problem area as well as the accompanying underlayment materials. The process for this portion of the job will vary based on the type of flooring you have.

Should I put a vapor barrier on my basement floor?

As a rule of thumb, if there is any hint of moisture in your basement then installing a vapor barrier below grade is recommended. The price you pay for your vapor barrier will increase in line with the thickness and quality to your chosen barrier.

Do basement floors need to be insulated?

The basement walls and floors of older homes are generally uninsulated. In these homes, the basement accounts for one-third of the home's heat loss. Adequate basement floor insulation can reduce this heat loss, improving comfort, conserving energy, and lowering your utility bill.

What is a floating subfloor?

Floating floors are flooring installations in which the flooring material "floats" over the subfloor and underlayment. How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring. Due to its ease and simplicity, floating floor installation saves money and helps installation go a lot faster, making it a favorite method for DIYers.

Can you put plywood directly on concrete floor?

Plywood can easily adhere to concrete. Plywood is often used as a sub-flooring. It can be installed on top of concrete before hardwood flooring or another type of material is installed. One way to attach plywood to a concrete surface is to screw it into place with concrete fasteners.

What is a floating sub floor?

A floating floor is one that is not screwed or nail or fixed to the sub floor, instead the floor covering (usually chipboard, gypsum or cement fibre boards) floats on top of the insulation layer.

Why is my basement floor so cold?

Why Are Basement Floors So Cold? Basement floors tend to be at least a few degrees colder than upper level flooring, mainly due to the below grade location. The presence of moisture on your concrete subfloor also maintains a lower temperature, and that cold is transferred into the flooring above.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?

Should you carpet a basement?

Carpeting is one of the best flooring materials to use in basements. Besides making cold basements feel warmer and more welcoming, carpeting actually can dry out quickly, even when flooded. Like any other basement flooring, vigilance is crucial to maintaining the product over the long-term.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it's a superior material for use on the subfloor.

Do I need 2 layers of subfloor?

That's the usual approach. Almost no one puts down double-thick subfloor in residential applications (for cost and handling reasons), and both layers need to be fastened to joists. Only thin underlayment can be fastened just to the subfloor.

Do you need vapor barrier under subfloor?

Subfloor Material

You'll typically need a vapor barrier if you're installing flooring over concrete. Therefore, in high-humidity areas, moisture will move to a relatively low-humidity area, even through concrete.