How to Install a DRIcore Subfloor in Your Basement

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Before finishing any basement project

   If you have asbestos tile, see the Environmental Protection Agency website for details.,, This is most important if installing a wood floor finish., For subfloor panel quantities, take the square footage of your room and divide by
   3.3.
   
   This equals the number of subfloor panels required.,,,,, Measure to include the ¼ spacer material.
   
   Adjust the starting panel of each row to accommodate for the end of row panel width.,, If your starting corner is not at a 90-degree angle into the room, then the wall edge of your first row of panels will require cutting.,,, Repeat until the row is complete., Use the pull bar to pull the last panel into place., Allow for 6�? away from the wall side edge of the panel to start this opening.,,, Alternating rows #2 and #4 are staggered., This will make adjusting panels or shimming for leveling easier., Leave 1/4" spacing for pipes, stairs or other affixed obstacles in the room.,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: check for moisture issues - leaks

3. 3

   Step 3: excessive moisture

4. 4

   Step 4: mold/musty spots

5. 5

   Step 5: staining on concrete

6. 6

   Step 6: bugs & spiders that thrive in damp areas

7. 7

   Step 7: foundation cracks

8. 8

   Step 8: window leaks

9. 9

   Step 9: exterior drainage issues etc.

10. 10

    Step 10: Remove any existing flooring material that will trap

11. 11

    Step 11: block or absorb moisture such as vinyl

12. 12

    Step 12: carpet or wood flooring.

13. 13

    Step 13: Make repairs

14. 14

    Step 14: fill cracks and seal concrete where necessary.

15. 15

    Step 15: For any low spots in the floor greater than 1/4"

16. 16

    Step 16: level with self-leveling liquid compound.

17. 17

    Step 17: Determine the quantity of subfloor panels

18. 18

    Step 18: leveling kits

19. 19

    Step 19: and 1/4" spacer material for the project.

20. 20

    Step 20: Prepare tools and materials necessary to install the subfloor panels (see the "Things You'll Need" section below).

21. 21

    Step 21: Acclimatize the subfloor panels and wood flooring if applicable

22. 22

    Step 22: to the temperature and humidity in the room where they will be installed.

23. 23

    Step 23: Sweep or vacuum floor to ensure a smooth surface.

24. 24

    Step 24: Install 1/4" temporary spacers along wall edges.

25. 25

    Step 25: Start at the longest wall and pre-measure the length and width of the floor area to ensure the last panel pieces in each row end are greater than 6" in width.

26. 26

    Step 26: Cut panels and spacer material outside or in a well ventilated garage.

27. 27

    Step 27: Check your starting corner for squareness.

28. 28

    Step 28: In your starting corner

29. 29

    Step 29: lay the first panel with the groove sides flat against the 1/4" spacer material.

30. 30

    Step 30: Slide the next panel against the starting panel by press-fitting the groove of the second panel into the tongue of the first panel tightly in place.

31. 31

    Step 31: Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure a snug fit.

32. 32

    Step 32: Cut the last panel of the row to fit into place

33. 33

    Step 33: allowing for the 1/4" gap.

34. 34

    Step 34: Cut an opening the size of the inside measurements of the register cover into 1 panel every 10’ in panels that line exterior wall edges

35. 35

    Step 35: to allow for airflow.

36. 36

    Step 36: Check each row for leveling and use leveling shims where required.

37. 37

    Step 37: Stagger panel seams of alternating rows by using off-cuts from previous rows as starting panels for these rows.

38. 38

    Step 38: Rows #1 and #3 look the same.

39. 39

    Step 39: Only work with 2 rows at a time.

40. 40

    Step 40: Continue to install panels

41. 41

    Step 41: staggering seams until the room is completed.

42. 42

    Step 42: Finish with your choice of finished flooring including openings for the vent covers.

43. 43

    Step 43: Install vent covers in the openings along outside wall edges every 10'.

44. 44

    Step 44: Remove temporary spacers.

Detailed Guide

About the Author