
The thickness for the subfloor of Dricore and OSB
Oriented strand board
Oriented strand board (OSB), also known as sterling board, sterling OSB, aspenite, and smartply in British English, is an engineered wood particle board formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands (flakes) in specific orientations. It was invented by Armin El…
How much does dricore® subfloor cost?
DRICORE® Subfloor costs about $6 to $9 per 2×2- square foot panel. DRICORE R+ costs higher, at around $10 to $15 per 2×2-square foot panel. Prices may vary depending on which store you buy them from. The good news is there aren’t any hidden costs.
What is the difference between dricore and dricore R+?
DRICORE R+ is over 30% more expensive than the original Dricore subfloors. DRICORE® Subfloor costs about $6 to $9 per 2×2- square foot panel. DRICORE R+ costs higher, at around $10 to $15 per 2×2-square foot panel.
How much weight can a dricore floor hold?
Compatible with all types of finished flooring, can be used with laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), engineered hardwood, carpet, and tile. Strong enough to support gym equipment, and large furniture, DRICORE ® Subfloors are rated to support up to 3,153 lbs. per sq. ft.
Why choose dricore® flooring?
DRICORE ® has been designed with Air Gap Technology that encourages air flow to help protect against moisture emitted from concrete floors, as well as small water leaks. DRICORE ® Subfloor panels elevate your finished floors to create a thermal break from the cold concrete floors.
Do you need underlayment with DRICORE?
A 1/4" plywood underlayment approved for use with sheet vinyl or adhesive-backed vinyl tiles should be fastened to the DRICORE® panels. We do not recommend lauan plywood as an underlayment. Use 5/8 flooring fasteners that do not penetrate the moisture barrier on the underside of the DRICORE® panels.
Is Dricore subfloor good?
DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panels are an excellent product. I used... DRICORE Subfloor Membrane Panels are an excellent product. I used these panels in previous remodeling projects, and I was familiar with their installation.
Do you frame on top of DRICORE?
DRIcore® panels can be installed where there is an existing wall frame or a concrete foundation wall. Where only a concrete foundation exists, it is best to install wall framing directly on top of DRIcore® panels to elevate the floor and wall framing away from direct contact of potentially damp concrete.
Should I screw down DRICORE?
Remember that DRIcore must be installed as a floating floor. Normally it is not recommended to nail, glue or screw DRIcore panels to the concrete surface. In some instances, we suggest minimal fastening of the panels to the concrete surface.
Does DRIcore need vapor barrier?
On basement floors without a moisture barrier, similar water vapour problems can occur. To prevent this, DRIcore's Subfloor product is the correct material to use with DRIcore SMARTWALL. This subfloor is comprised of 2-foot by 2-foot tongue-and-grooved engineered tiles.
What is the best subfloor for a basement?
Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring....Rigid Foam Insulation Subfloor.Foam SubfloorTopFinish flooringMiddlePlywood screwed down through the layer below Rigid foam insulation—1 1/2-inch thick2 more rows•Jul 7, 2022
How do you shim DRICore?
0:495:22How to Install DRICORE Subfloor with Bryan Baeumler & Danielle Bryk 🛠️YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat will give you a bit of extra for pipes. And obstacles around the edges. Then you'll need oneMoreThat will give you a bit of extra for pipes. And obstacles around the edges. Then you'll need one pack of leveling shims for every 60 panels. Used make space sweep and vacuum to remove debris.
Is DRICore water resistant?
DRICore levels uneven subfloors while providing a breathable, waterproof barrier between it and concrete slabs.
How do I start DRICore?
2:053:43How-To Install DRIcore Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo get started you install a quarter inch spacer on the starting two walls if. Possible. Use a fullMoreTo get started you install a quarter inch spacer on the starting two walls if. Possible. Use a full panel. To begin with the tongue. Going. Towards the wall. It.
How do I level my floor for DRIcore?
6:128:39DRIcore Subfloor Installation Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck each completed role for leveling. And use the stackable leveling shims as required staggeredMoreCheck each completed role for leveling. And use the stackable leveling shims as required staggered panel seams of alternating rows by using cut-offs from the previous row.
What can you put over DRIcore?
0:161:15What Finished Floors To Use With DRICORE Subfloor ✔️ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBuild a solid sturdy structural foundation which avoids separation of floorboards or panels.MoreBuild a solid sturdy structural foundation which avoids separation of floorboards or panels.
Can you seal DRIcore?
FINISHED FLOOR OPTIONS NOTE: If panels are to remain unfinished for a period of 2 weeks or longer it is recommended to seal DRIcore® panels with two coats of polyurethane to protect from moisture.
Is Dricore subfloor waterproof?
But if you don't keep it quiet and protect it from moisture you're going to have a dissatisfied customer,” said Kim Liemkeo, marketing manager, Pak-Lite. DRICore levels uneven subfloors while providing a breathable, waterproof barrier between it and concrete slabs.
Is Dricore and barricade the same?
DRICORE Subfloor covers cold, damp concrete to protect and insulate your floor (R-Value of 1.4). BARRICADE Subfloor Air Plus softens finished floors to cushion against the hard concrete.
How do you lay Dricore?
2:123:43How-To Install DRIcore Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo get started you install a quarter inch spacer on the starting two walls if. Possible. Use a fullMoreTo get started you install a quarter inch spacer on the starting two walls if. Possible. Use a full panel. To begin with the tongue. Going. Towards the wall. It.
Can you make your own Dricore?
DRICORE: Basics of Construction. You can create your own subfloor using materials found at your lumber yard or home improvement store: 2×4 sleepers, plastic vapor barrier, rigid foam insulation, and exterior grade 5/8″ plywood. Homeowners and contractors have been creating this system for ages.
How much weight can a DRICORE subfloor hold?
Strong enough to support gym equipment, and large furniture, DRICORE ® Subfloors are rated to support up to 3,153 lbs. per sq. ft.
What is DRICORE ®?
DRICORE ® has been designed with Air Gap Technology that encourages air flow to help protect against moisture emitted from concrete floors, as well as small water leaks.
What is the R value of DRICORE?
Designed with a layer of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), DRICORE ® R+ delivers an R-value of 3.0. The secondary layer of oriented strand board (OSB), provides a solid foundation that can support any type of finished floor and furniture.
How much weight can a sandbox hold?
Strong enough to support up to 3,153 lbs. per sq. ft.
Is concrete floor hard?
Concrete floors are hard and unforgiving on your body over time. DRICORE ® Subfloors help soften finished floors for a greater level of comfort.
Does DRICORE subfloor make floors warmer?
All the benefits of DRICORE ® Subfloors but with more than twice the insulating strength, so floors feel even warmer!
How to tell if a dricore subfloor is good?
The best way to check if you did a good job installing Dricore subfloors is by bouncing around the newly installed subfloors and testing for movement.
How easy is it to install dricore?
Dricore is very easy to install thanks to the tongue-in-groove subflooring panels that lock together without using glue or tape. Even a single person can perform the installation in a single afternoon. If you’re busy, this is a perfect weekend project. A 500-square foot floor space can be done in an hour, as long as you follow these expert tips:
What is a DRICORE PRO?
DRICORE PRO Concrete Repair: This kit supports DIYers to the core. It lets users fix cracks in concrete walls and floors without adding square footage. The kit comes with super-thin carbon fiber and the epoxy-and-polyurethane crack injection kit, which you can also buy separately.
Does Dricore require maintenance?
There is no maintenance needed since you’ll be placing your preferred flooring on top of the Dricore subfloors. If the subfloors get destroyed, they are backed with a 25 year limited warranty.
Does Dricore R+ soften floors?
Overall softer floors: Regardless of the type of flooring you decided to finish with, installing Dricore subfloor or Dricore R+ softens the floor and improves overall comfort.
Is Dricore good for gyms?
Durability: Both models are advertised as ideal for home gyms and music rooms since Dricore is strong enough to handle gym equipment, pianos, pool tables, and other heavy furniture.
Is Dricore Worth Your Investment?
Dricore is marketed for the DIY homebuilder. Installation is a breeze and doesn’t require special tools.
How big is a dricore?
DRIcore's true dimensions are 23-1/2-inch by 23-1/2-inch. This means that a DRIcore square foot is about 96-percent of an actual square foot. But part of this lost 4-percent is once again given back in the form of the 1/4-inch spacer board that you run around the room's perimeter.
How much does a DRIcore floor raise?
DRIcore will raise the floor no more than 1 inch. Self-built plywood systems always are thicker. Scratch-built plywood subfloor systems can raise your basement flooring between 2 1/4 inches to 5 1/4 inches. This is a huge jump when dealing with a basement with a low ceiling.
What is a dricore?
What We Don't Like. DRIcore has been around since the mid-1990s and it is one of many brands of subfloor systems. Instead of using large 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of plywood, these panels are 2-foot by 2-foot, making them easier to haul, handle, and install.
How much does a dricore panel cost?
Panels are approximately 2-foot by 2-foot square. This means that DRIcore costs about $1.56 per square foot. DRIcore estimates that 205 squares are needed to cover a space of 675 square feet. The total DRIcore cost to cover that space is $1,283, not including tax and shipping.
Is it necessary to keep a basement floor dry?
Keeping a bone-dry floor is essential when finishing your basement. Being below grade, basements may potentially have water coming in from all directions. Groundwater may seep up through the floor or through the foundation walls. It may drip or gush from plumbing pipes. Services in the basement such as the water heater or the washer may begin to leak.
Is it cheaper to build a subfloor or a self built basement?
Plywood System. A self-built basement subfloor will always be cheaper than a subfloor system. In this example, building your own subfloor will cost from $750 to $1,000. This price is malleable and can be raised or lowered by purchasing different materials.
What is a DRICORE subfloor?
A subfloor system that combines all of those functions in a single unit. DRICORE, which has been around since the early-2000s, is one such brand of subfloor system. Instead of using large 4’x8′ sheets of plywood, you handle smaller panels that are close to 2′ by 2′.
How many panels are needed for a dricore?
DRICORE estimates that 205 panels are needed for this space. Total DRICORE cost is $1,281, not including tax and shipping.
What is the best material to subfloor a basement?
You can create your own subfloor using materials found at your lumber yard or home improvement store: 2×4 sleepers, plastic vapor barrier, rigid foam insulation, and exterior grade 5/8″ plywood. Homeowners and contractors have been creating this system for ages. Despite products like DRICORE being on the market, scratch-built is still a valid, cost-effective way to sub-floor your basement.
How much does it cost to build a basement subfloor?
In this example, I estimate that building your own subfloor will cost about $750, up to $1,000.
How big is a dicore?
DRICORE’s true dimensions are 23.25″ x 23.25″, not 24″ x 24″. This means that a DRICORE square foot is about 94% of a real square foot.
Is it necessary to keep a basement floor dry?
Keeping a bone-dry floor is essential when finishing your basement. Being below grade, basements have water potentially coming in from all directions: seeping in from foundation walls, dripping from plumbing, pouring from services located in the basement (water heater, washer, etc.), and wicking up from the concrete floor.
Is scratch built basement flooring good?
Basement subfloor systems like DRICORE are all about convenience and shaving down subfloor height. Scratch-built is all about saving money. The function is not the matter here; both can adequately protect basement flooring. It all comes down to your desire for convenience and for saving costs.
What is a dricore subfloor?
Dricore subfloor and Dricore ® R+ (high-density floating basement subfloors that solve moisture issues and water leaks). The main difference between these two products is that Dricore® R+ has an extra layer of oriented strand board (OSB) and polystyrene foam (XPS), which results in improved insulation and a higher R-value of 3.0.
How to acclimate a Dricore subfloor?
Acclimating Dricore subfloors by bringing them out of the box and letting them chill in your basement.
How long does an Amdry subfloor last?
Amdry basement subfloors have longer lifespans (up to 30 years), mainly because of the heavy-duty subfloor connectors with moisture-resistant protective High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) film and drainage channels.
What is the R value of Amdry subfloor?
With the highest insulation R-values (R5 or R7) in the subfloor panel market, Amdry subfloors can be used with most top-flooring like engineered or solid hardwood, laminate, carpet, vinyl and tile. The subfloors were designed with ventilation channels and deep drainage, which let moisture and air to move freely and dry under the surface instead of affecting the top flooring and causing unwanted odors, mildew and mold.
What is the difference between Amdry and Dricore?
The only advantage Amdry has over Dricore is that the Amdry subfloors are rectangular 2x4s (Dricore subfloors are 2x2s), which means you’ll need fewer Amdry panels to cover your basement and they will take less time to install.
Which is better, Dricore or Amdry?
When it comes to comparing cost, Dricore wins the round hands-down. Even the more premium Dricore ® R+ is more affordable to Amdry.
Does Dricore have air gap?
Both the original Dricore subfloor and its newer R+ model are equipped with Air Gap technology. The underside of Dricore works as a physical barrier to moisture which could have possibly risen up to the concrete flooring and then up your finished flooring. With Air Gap, water vapor and moisture is controlled just within the Dricore subfloor level.
Overview
Pros & Cons of DRIcore® Subfloor and DRIcore® R+
- Benefits: 1. Air Gap Technology: Both the original Dricore subfloor and its newer R+ model are equipped with this technology. The underside of Dricore works as a physical barrier to the moisture that would have risen up from the concrete foundation into your finished flooring. With this technology, the water vapor only wicks up to the Dricore level, resulting in warmer and dryer …
Price, Costs, and Hidden Costs
- DRICORE® Subfloor costs about $6 to $9 per 2×2- square foot panel. DRICORE R+ costs higher, at around $10 to $15 per 2×2-square foot panel. Prices may vary depending on which store you buy them from. The good news is there aren’t any hidden costs. Since Dricore was created and marketed for the do-it-yourself homeowner, you will no longer need to pa...
Installation
- Dricore is very easy to install thanks to the tongue-in-groove subflooring panels that lock together without using glue or tape. Even a single person can perform the installation in a single afternoon. If you’re busy, this is a perfect weekend project. A 500-square foot floor space can be done in an hour, as long as you follow these expert tips: 1. Fix cracks on your concrete floors – Start your pr…
Care and Maintenance
- Dricore uses an engineered wood core, which is very resilient to peeling, warping, or splitting, even if the wood core expands. The underside may get wet, but since that side uses water-resistant polyethylene, it’s supposed to serve as a barrier and not let water or moisture from going up the top flooring. There is no maintenance needed since you’ll be placing your preferred flooring on t…
Is Dricore Worth Your Investment?
- Dricore is marketed for the DIY homebuilder. Installation is a breeze and doesn’t require special tools. Compared to plywood, the original Dricore subfloors win in reducing moisture absorption. They also come cheaper to direct competitors like Andry, Tyroc, Warmboard, and Barricade. However, if you compare Dricore R+ to these products, Dricore R+ wins hands-down in providing …