what is basement subfloor

A basement subfloor is a layer that is built below the floor covering (carpeting, laminate, etc.) and above the bottom-most basement floor, usually concrete. Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed.

Full Answer

Do I need a subfloor in my basement?

Subfloors are not always necessary. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. Concrete or tile-over-concrete are acceptable floors for uninhabited basements. One may also ask, what flooring should I put in my basement? Flooring Choices for basements: Engineered Vinyl Planks or Tiles.

What type of subflooring should I use 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.

What are the different types of basement subflooring?

Basement Subfloor Options. Many basement flooring materials–like paint, epoxy, tile, and rubber flooring, for example—can go down directly over the basement’s original poured concrete floor, as long as the concrete is in good condition. But this direct installation will result in a floor that’s cold underfoot.

What flooring is best for basement?

The Best Basement Flooring

• Vinyl. Vinyl is and always has been a great choice for flooring in basements and other areas where you don’t want to install pricey hardwoods or carpet.
• Rubber Flooring. When you want something durable and easy to clean, it’s hard to go wrong with rubber flooring. ...
• Tile. ...
• Concrete. ...

Is basement subfloor necessary?

Basement Subfloor Explained The subfloor creates a gap between the concrete surface below and the floor finish above. This gap helps to manage moisture and assist in insulating the space. A basement subfloor is only necessary if you wish to turn your basement into a livable space with proper floor finishes.

What should I put under my basement floor?

7 Best Basement Flooring OptionsPaint. (Under $10/sq. ... Epoxy. ... Tile. ... Rubber tile or rubber sheets. ... Vinyl planks or tiles. ... Sheet vinyl. ... Engineered wood flooring.

How much does a basement subfloor cost?

Subfloor Replacement Costs by RoomRoomAverage SizeAverage Materials Cost (Plywood)Kitchen175 – 200 square feet$263 – $300Bathroom115 – 220 square feet$173 – $330Living room220 square feet$330Basement1,500 square feet$2,2501 more row

Can I use plywood for basement subfloor?

For the most part, plywood is cost-effective and used in a wide variety of applications include cabinet-making, basement sub-floors, boat building, and more.

Does concrete need a subfloor?

A subfloor will help insulate against a concrete floor that becomes overly cold in winter. The concrete slab must be clean, sound, and level, with any serious cracking repaired, before you install your subfloor. — Always check your local building code before choosing a particular subflooring material or design.

How do you subfloor a basement?

6:429:06Easiest DIY Basement Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have your heart set on carpet in your basement. And i don't recommend. It you'll need to putMoreIf you have your heart set on carpet in your basement. And i don't recommend. It you'll need to put down a layer of plywood or osb on top of the insular armor first followed by underlay and carpet.

How do I know if my subfloor needs to be replaced?

Signs That Your Home's Subfloor is DamagedLoud Squeaks. The squeaking of the flooring material is common and often happens, albeit unnoticeably. ... Weak Subfloor. ... Cupping Floorboards Due to Moisture. ... Cracked and Popping Tiles. ... Musty Smell. ... Bouncy Floor. ... A Loose Toilet. ... A Leaky Ceiling.

Is it expensive to replace subfloor?

Damage to the subflooring typically involves water in some form and can often occur as a result of leaks (think appliances or plumbing), cracks in the flooring or your home's exterior, and high humidity. The cost to repair subfloor runs between $500 and $700 per room. Replacement costs closer to $2,500.

What is the best floor for a basement?

The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.

How thick should basement subfloor be?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation.

What is the cheapest sub floor?

Oriented strand-boardOriented strand-board is the cheapest option for subfloor and functions similarly to plywood. You can purchase it in heavy, thick panels that can be just as strong as plywood.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?

Concrete. Concrete flooring can be the least expensive choice in a basement because it's already there. You might be able to give it a good cleaning, maybe grind down some rough spots, and call it good. You can always use throw rugs or carpet tiles (see below) to add warmth and softness to specific areas.

What type of flooring is best over concrete?

Laminate is highly water-resistant, making it ideal for installing over concrete as well as in areas susceptible to moisture like basements and kitchens. We recommend placing a vapour barrier underneath laminate flooring for an extra layer of protection.

Do you need a vapor barrier for basement floor?

For a dry, mold-free finished basement floor, always install a vapor barrier before laying a wood subfloor or carpet pad. See what goes into waterproofing a basement, too. Any kind of persistent moisture will allow mold to get a foothold and soon ruin carpet or wood flooring.

What is the best flooring for a wet basement?

Vinyl flooring is your best friend when it comes to basements. It's waterproof, mold-resistant, durable, and comes in a variety of designs that mimic the natural look of hardwood and stone. While it is most comparable to tile in benefits and appearance, it is much less expensive and easier to install.

What is the best moisture barrier for concrete floor?

The most commonly used vapor barrier under concrete slabs is polyethylene (poly) plastic sheeting with a thickness of 10 mil or 15 mil.

What is basement subfloor?

A basement subfloor is a layer that is built below the floor covering (carpeting, laminate, etc.) and above the bottom-most floor, usually concrete. 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 ...

How does a basement subfloor affect the ceiling?

So, the basement subfloor and the basement ceiling relate to each other. Raising the subfloor has the effect of lowering the ceiling. Even an inch or two in elevation for your subfloor will make a noticeable difference.

What is the least expensive subfloor?

Floating Plywood Subfloor. As the least-expensive subflooring option, floating plywood's only barrier between the concrete and the plywood is plastic sheeting. The advantage of this type of basement subfloor is that it is thin and easy to install. Finish flooring. Plywood.

How high should a basement ceiling be?

Height of Basement Ceiling. An unusually high basement subfloor in the range of 8 to 10 inches would allow your basement to stay dry above most moisture that comes its way. But this is not practical. Basement ceilings tend to be low.

What kind of flooring is required for a subfloor?

But to install any kind of floor covering—engineered wood, laminate, carpeting—basement subflooring is highly required.

Does subflooring need to be level?

Not only should subflooring provide a flat, level surface for the finish flooring, but it must also keep moisture in check and insert a thermal break to control temperates in the basement. If the basement does happen to flood, the subfloor should be able to dry out easily and quickly.

Is rigid foam good for basement subfloor?

Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring.

What is the underside of a basement floor?

The underside of a basement subfloor tile, showing the raised ribs that provide an air space between the tile and the concrete floor. Subfloor tiles started to become popular in the late 1990s and they make it much easier to create moisture-resistant, comfortable finished floors in basements.

What is OSB subfloor tile?

Currently, OSB-type subfloor tiles come in two versions. The kind with the raised plastic layer is the most common, but there’s also a version with extruded polystyrene foam instead of the plastic.

What is the best insulation for a basement?

Rigid sheets of extruded polystyrene foam make great basement insulation. Put the foam on the floor, then fasten a plywood subfloor on top with screws driven down into the concrete.

Is subflooring wood free?

A less common version of basement subflooring is entirely wood-free, and the idea makes good sense. Instead of a raised plastic layer underneath OSB, the raised part of the profile and the body of the subfloor tiles are both made of the same synthetic material.

Is a basement a hole in the ground?

After all, basements are essentially just fancy holes in the ground. Basement floors are always at risk for liquid water leaks as well as condensation of airborne water vapour and water vapour coming through the walls and floor. And as I’ve explained before, liquid water and water vapour are two different things with different dynamics.

Can you put a subfloor in a basement?

Subfloors are also about comfort. A basement that makes your feet cold all winter isn’t a good thing. And while it’s entirely possible to install a warm, comfortable finished basement floor that doesn’t encourage mold growth, you need to get intentional about making it happen. The challenges are greater than with above-ground floors because of that old moisture danger again. After all, basements are essentially just fancy holes in the ground.

Can you put carpet under concrete?

In the interests of making basement floors warmer and more comfortable under foot, it’s not unusual to install carpet and underlay directly on concrete without the use of a subfloor. This seems like a good idea, except for the hidden danger of condensation within the carpet itself.

What is basement subfloor?

Basement subfloor panels are an all-in-one solution: a ready-made sandwich of materials instead of making your own from scratch. One company, Barricade, offers a product that is 2-foot by 2-foot by 1.25 inches high. Each piece is a tile with OSB wood on top and closed-cell polystyrene insulation.

How much does a basement subfloor cost?

A product similar to Barricade, Dricore, currently prices out at $7.65 per panel, or $3.83 per square foot, uninstalled. For a 1,000 square foot basement, that's $3,830, excluding sales tax and delivery. After purchasing the subfloor panels, you'll still need to purchase the floor covering itself.

What is the difference between plywood and subfloor?

By contrast, subfloor panels are much smaller and thinner and can bridge only minor cracks and holes in the floor. Grinding down high spots and bringing up low spots (with a liquid self-leveling floor level product) is necessary before using subfloor panels.

What are the pros and cons of subflooring?

Basement Subfloor Panels Pros and Cons 1 Easy to install 2 Predetermined thickness 3 Materials already put together for you 4 Fast installation

Which is better: subfloor or plywood?

Basement subfloor panels win for convenience. But looking at panels vs. plywood in terms of cost, the plywood system clearly wins. Estimating with an 800 square foot basement:

What is the most important thing to do when finishing a basement?

Whenever you want to finish a basement or install an apartment in a basement, the most important priority is to keep the basement floor dry. Being located below-grade, basements tend to collect moisture from all directions

Is subflooring bad for basement ceiling?

One downside of building your own subfloor system is that it reduces your basement ceiling height. Rigid form insulation with plywood screwed on top is another method that works with some success. But again, height is an issue.

What is subflooring?

Subflooring covers the joists. Usually, it’s nailed to them. Together, the joists and subfloor distribute all the weight your floors take from above—running for the phone, flopping onto the heavy couch, dance parties with your dog (we don’t judge), your kids’ wrestling matches, etc.

What is the best material for a subfloor?

Subfloors (sometimes called the substrate ) can be made from many different materials. As we mentioned, the purpose of a subfloor is to provide stability and integrity to the finished floor. A level, smooth, and dry subfloor also makes for easier installation of nearly all types of flooring .\

Why do you need an underlayment?

There are many reasons for adding underlayment: it can reinforce the subfloor for a heavy material like tile; it can act as a sound barrier for a second-floor room; perhaps most importantly, it can serve as a vapor barrier .

When should you replace your subfloor?

No matter how careful you are when maintaining your new floors on the surface, if your subfloor is compromised , it can ruin them from the bottom up.

How thick should a subfloor be for hardwood floors?

Typically, the subfloor for this type of installation is plywood or OSB. And should be at least ¾ of an inch thick.

What are the parts of a floor?

Basically, most floors have 3 parts: Joists are the structural ribs of your floors. These heavy-duty beams run under the floors of every room in your house. In an old house, you can go into the basement, look up, and see the joists. Subflooring covers the joists. Usually, it’s nailed to them.

Can floating floors be used as subfloor?

There are some disadvantages of floating floors, but when it comes to subfloor and underlayment requirements, you won’t find many. Just use the underlayment specified by your floating product and you’ll be ready to go.

What is the Basement Subfloor?

A basement subfloor is a layer built below the floor covering, and it is responsible for transferring weight to the load-bearing walls. It also serves as an insulation layer between the ground and inside your house.

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Basement Subfloor

Is the basement exposed to water coming from outside? If it is, make sure that there are no cracks in the foundation. It’s also advisable to install a waterproof membrane over the walls before starting construction. Moisture can invade your basement in many ways, even if you don’t expect catastrophic events such as flooding.

Vinyl Tile or Planks

Vinyl tile is a waterproof option that can hold all manner of spills and be put directly over concrete floors. It can handle foot traffic, and some higher-end emulates the appearance of wood and stone, which can give your basement floor a luxury look at a low cost.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made to look like wood planks but is made out of fiberboard. This basement subflooring option is resistant to water damage and can resist spills that warp wood. To install laminate flooring, you’ll need to glue down or float it into place.

Carpeting

The carpet gives the basement a cozy feel, and it helps with soundproofing. Carpeting can hide many flaws in a concrete floor and is relatively easy to install. It’s important to choose a type of carpet that can withstand moisture, as basements often have high humidity levels.

Concrete

If you want a subfloor that will never warp or rot, concrete is the way to go. However, it can be quite a challenge to install concrete on your own, which can be expensive. You’ll also need to seal the concrete to prevent moisture damage.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Many people choose engineered wood flooring for their basements. This material is easy to install, affordable and looks great. Engineered wood flooring captures moisture, so you don’t have to worry about warping or rotting boards.

Why Do You Need A Basement Subfloor?

Basement subflooring has a more significant job to do than the subflooring used on any other level of your home. A basement subfloor has to perform all the usual functions of a subfloor along with several more.

Basement Subfloor Explained

A basement subfloor is essentially a layer built below the floor covering. A basement subfloor is used whether the floor covering is carpeting, laminated wood, or any other type of floor finish. The basement subfloor is placed on the bottom floor layer, primarily made of concrete.

Roles Of The Basement Subfloor

Subfloor installed above grade has less required of it than a basement subfloor. Firstly, a basement subfloor must provide a level surface for installing a finished floor. A level surface is important whether you’re installing carpeting or ceramic tiles. When it comes to ceramic tiles, the level subfloor surface will ensure that tiles do not crack.

Two-By-Fours & Plywood Subfloor

This type of subfloor, as the name suggests, consists of two by four sleepers installed underneath a plywood surface. This subfloor type is a great low-cost option; however, it is relatively high when compared to other types of subfloor systems. This is due to the size of the structural timber that is used.

Floating Plywood Subfloor

A floating plywood subfloor is by far the cheapest option for a basement subfloor. This subfloor type consists of a simple plastic sheet barrier between the concrete floor and the plywood above it. This makes for an exceptionally thin subfloor that performs its function relatively well while remaining low in price.

Rigid Foam Insulated Subfloor

A rigid foam insulated subfloor is a great option because it creates a proper thermal break between the concrete and the flooring above. In order to install a rigid foam insulated subfloor, rigid foam insulation is placed on the concrete basement floor.

Specially Designed Pre-manufactured Subfloor Systems

There are several manufacturers who produce subfloor systems that remove much of the work associated with installing an ordinary subfloor.

Why do you need a subfloor in a basement?

Basements are especially prone to developing pockets of unwanted water. This is because a lot of utility tools typically rest near the basement: Water heaters, washing machines, and so on.

What is a Subfloor?

A subfloor is a sort of floor cover for your basement, which elevates the floor itself and creates a strong and sturdy shield to prevent water from seeping through. Think of it as an impenetrable barrier that keeps your basement floor dry. The subfloor definition is professionally listed as “the foundation for a floor in a building”.

What is the Cost of DRIcore Subfloor?

Since the DRIcore system is a newer and more branded model, it can cost about $6.43 per panel or tile. While each tile measures 2’ x 2’, this means that each square foot of DRIcore costs $1.61.

What is Tongue and Groove Subfloor?

Tongue and groove boards are specially cut pieces of wood that can be found at your local hardware store. They are used to fit to the mold of your home, setting nicely under the floor as a solid foundation that will never wear or tear.

What is plywood subfloor?

Plywood is a viable option for those looking to keep renovations cheap and install a hearty and durable subflooring. Subfloor plywood is considered the more traditional method of subflooring. This method allows you to create your own subfloor using cheap wood materials.

How much does it cost to install a subfloor?

Typically, installing a from-scratch plywood subfloor can cost anywhere from $700 to $1000. However, these prices may drastically change depending on the state and nature of your basement.

When was the DRIcore subfloor system invented?

DRIcore subfloor systems are one of the newer systems in the industry, invented in the 1990s to more easily cover flooring that has obstacles or hidden nooks. DRIcore floors typically come in panel shapes that are smaller than the plywood sheets available.

What is subflooring in a basement?

Subflooring is the material that lies beneath your basement floor, providing stability and durability.

Why do you need to insulate a basement?

Insulating subfloors are a welcome addition to basement spaces because they typically help to improve the warmth of the flooring that will be placed over it. These subfloors, which can be made from both synthetic and natural materials, are highly resistant to moisture.

Can you put carpet on a wood subfloor?

Some experts also recommend coating the panels with a waterproof sealant for extra protection. Once a wood subfloor is installed and waterproof, you can install carpet, laminate and vinyl floors right on top.

Can you put a wood floor on a concrete pad?

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. Some experts also recommend coating the panels with a waterproof sealant for extra protection. Once a wood subfloor is installed and waterproof, you can install carpet, laminate and vinyl floors right on top.

What Basement Subfloor Panels Are

• As long as there have been basements, homeowners and contractors have been experimenting with ways to keep basement flooringdry. Some methods work better than others. Sandwiching plastic vapor retarder, two-by-four sleeper boards, and a layer of plywood is one such method. This method does work well, plus it's cost-effective and the materials are e...

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Cost of Subfloor Panels vs. Plywood System