Basement subfloor options

DSEIBEL1

Hello All,

I am trying to determine what to do for a basement subfloor. I have considered many options. Basically the wife wants to make sure when we install carpet/tile that the floor is warm. Same would apply to the tile floor in the bathroom....here are my options.



Bathroom tile floor (I know this wont be the warmest...just want to see what you think about the Ditra for a thermal break)
-Install thinset on concrete then tile (no underlayment)
-Install thinset - Ditra underlay - thinset - tile (natural stone)

Recroom (carpet)
-Install sleeper style subfloor with rigid foam insulation, the 5/8" OSB
-Install rigid foam then 5/8" OSB on top without sleepers
-Install Delta FL system, then 5/8" OSB. This one appears best for moisture control but unsure of the insulative qualities.

Delta FL - http://www.cosella-dorken.com/bvf-ca...roducts/fl.php

Concrete floor is in fairly good shape...about 20 year old house. Minor foundation crack staining at a few points on the wall that we will get fixed. Level is good also.

Thanks

Dave

Rory Read

Consider a click together floating laminate floor system. There are some decent looking ones now.

1. Use a leveling compound to make the basement floor flat.
2. Vapor Barrier
3. T&G 250psi XPS insulating sheathing, as much as you have room for, seams well taped.
4. Floating floor right on top. Consider spending more on a heavier, thicker flooring.

You could run it throughout. No issues with sleepers or osb doing any of the funky things that wood will do if/when it gets wet!

If you do put down OSB, I would be sure to use a product designed as decking, and I would be very careful to seal any cut ends. Don't forget a vapor barrier under this assembly either.

Have fun,

Rory

RDG Read Development LLC
Portand, OR

WestEndReno

I have found that a carpet with a decent underpad does a great job of being warm. I have also installed many floating laminates and it's fine. I always try to keep the basement height and I hate the feel of the 2x2 plywood with the attached plastic squares. Even with a perfectly level floor (rare in a basement), you can still feel it give when you walk. Yes its a good idea if your basement leaks but that should be resolved before spending money on the finishings. Carpet and laminate are great because they will lay tight to the floor.

After the basement is insulated/new windows and better air circulation it will make the floors warm. Tiles in a basement are cold!!! think about vinyl.

good luck

ctkeebler

Dave
I was wondering what you decided and what the results were. Im in the safe boat now and deciding between your three choices for the recroom

Thanks

Tom

seavlad

What did you decide for your space? I have a very similar need with a basement that half is below grade in Seattle, WA with a currently dry, but cold basement.

I'm looking at the Barricade subloor 2' x 2' panels but concerned about rasied floor height in the bathroom and laundy room that have existing floor plumbing. The manuafcturer also expressed concern about putting 16" square tile over these panels even with cement backer board due to give in the subfloor panels. It's only for a small mudroom connected to the laundry room and also a small full bathroom, the rest of the basement will be carpet.

I have a real push to insulate the floor as the basement will act as the master bedroom, thus the Dricor panels lack of insulation is out unless I use that for wherever I'm putting tile.

any feedback would be greatly appreciated.