Basement refinishing, which subfloor is best?

AlBhandy

I am starting to finish my basement, and would like to get some opinions regarding the various types of subflooring products. I plan to use Pergo type, or similar, finished flooring. Moisture retention and mold prevention are important. DriCore looks interesting, but if it gets wet could it be a problem? Would I be better off using something like Tyroc, or DeltaFL, products that are inorganic and thus won't absorb water? I read an article in Fine Homebuilding #169 pages 78-83 that suggested laying 1" EPS rigid foam directly on the concrete floor, then sealing it, followed by 2 layers of plywood. This doesn't seem to allow adequate air circulation between the concrete floor and the subfloor. Also, what would be the best way to wall over the poured concrete walls? That article also recommended installing 2" EPS directly on the walls, then putting up wood studs. Also, should I do floor first, then walls? Any advice for this newbie would be appreciated.

canoes

I just had my basement done. My concrete was pretty smooth though a little "wavy" per the flooring guy. I sealed the minor cracks with a self leveling compound prior to install. They just used a pad with a vapor barrier under the laminate. I obviously don't know how it'll work out but I did check with a few flooring stores, also expressing my concern about moisture, and they were consistent in recommending the same thing.

Good luck!

princelake

dricore is the way to go. i wouldnt recommend putting vapour barrier on the floor

Gary in WA

You don't want air getting to the slab: fig.10: http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...ms?full_view=1

Photo 3: http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...g-your-basment

I personally would not recommend OSB anything around water or moisture.

Gary

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jayinwww

dricore? osb? concrete acid stain? I wish I knew what to use!!!!

vcheez

I was planning on using Dricore but chose acid stain instead. The cost per square foot is much less, it's not going to be damaged by water, it's easy to repair, it doesn't reduce ceiling height and looks really cool. The prep. however was very labor intensive but for a buck per square foot, it was worth the effort.