Basement floor

1/24/2017 at 12:22:35 PM

If your going to lay laminate down, then you should use 6 mil poly underneath. This acts as a vapour barrier. If you are using vinyl plank I would make sure the concrete is flat and smooth. And if it's unlevel in areas that will be quite noticeable, I would use a self leveller.

I hope this helps.

1/24/2017 at 12:35:09 PM

Is the subfloor better compare to any other materials ?

1/24/2017 at 12:37:54 PM

Sub floor is better of course. But ultimately the floor needs to be flat for it to look proper and for snap lock flooring to work proper. Depending on busget and if your floor is nice and flat you can use an underlayment that has taped/sealed joonts and vapour barrier built into it.

Chris

1/24/2017 at 12:55:23 PM

Use VCT tile.

1/24/2017 at 1:08:27 PM

Hi, this is Jeff Shea from All-In renovations. Calgary AB.

A subfloor is always good to put on concrete but not always necessary. You could get some self-leveling product and pour it right over the bad spots in the concrete then install laminate right over the concrete without a subfloor. Laminate flooring has an underlayment which you would need to get one with Vapor Barrier built in. The best way is to build a 2" 4"subfloor "level" then insulated it with SM blue rigid insulation then apply 6 mil Vapor barrier(plastic) over that then plywood 5/8 tongue and groove. It all depends on the budget.

Jeff

1/24/2017 at 2:43:26 PM

Hi Dimas,

Actually you do have an option to put a layer of sib floor on the concrete beneath laminate.

I build basements and in every basement I install this product. It provides air movement upto 3/8".

Regards

Vincent James

James Renovations

1/25/2017 at 7:24:50 AM

Use a sub floor. It's the only way. You can use rolls of DMX (100sq ft) and Lay ply T&G flooring or OSB. Both are 8 x 4 sheets or the 2ft x 2ft sub floor tiles Dricore.

They both provide a vapour barrier and a gap if you have a water leak. They will stop mould as it also has an air gap. You can lay what ever flooring you choose on top. It's the best way. You don't need anything on top of the concrete. The sub floor does it all for you.

Some Dricore are also available with insulation on.

I would rather spend money on the sub floor than the floor it's self.

1/25/2017 at 8:54:23 AM

The big advantage for WPC over laminate is that it is waterproof and suitable for environments in which laminate shouldn't normally be used typically bathrooms and basements that have potential moisture infiltration. In addition, WPC products can be installed in large rooms without an expansion gap every 30 feet, which is a requirement for laminate floors. The vinyl wear layer of WPC provides cushion and comfort and also absorbs the impact sound to make it a quiet floor. WPC is also suitable for large open areas (basements and Main Street commercial areas) because it doesn't need expansion moldings.

As far as you are concerned with the cost, laminate option would work better for you witha good quality of under-pad.

1/25/2017 at 9:10:12 AM

Thank you. So I put subfloor Dricore first, and I put WPC planks on top of it, in case of flooding, would I need to take it all a part and put a new one ? or it can dry up and be as good as new ?