Install Subfloor Panels
Install DRIcore or raised subfloor panels to create a moisture barrier, add insulation, and provide a level surface for your finish flooring. This critical layer protects your investment.
Why Subfloor Panels Matter
Installing finish flooring directly on concrete is asking for problems. Concrete is cold, hard, and can transmit moisture that damages flooring. A proper subfloor system like DRIcore creates an air gap between concrete and flooring that allows moisture to dissipate harmlessly. It adds insulation (making floors noticeably warmer), provides cushioning for comfort, and creates a level surface that makes flooring installation easier. While it adds $1,200-2,500 to your project, this investment protects thousands in flooring materials and prevents the nightmare of tearing out moldy, damaged floors.
Tools & Materials Needed
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Plan Layout and Starting Point
Proper planning prevents waste and ensures best appearance:
- •Measure room dimensions accurately
- •Calculate how many full panels and partial panels needed
- •Plan layout to avoid narrow strips (less than 6 inches) along walls
- •Start from longest, straightest wall for best results
- •Mark chalk lines to keep rows straight
- •Account for 1/2 inch expansion gap around entire perimeter
Prepare Perimeter
Set up for proper installation:
- •Ensure concrete is clean, dry, and level
- •Some systems require vapor barrier tape along wall edges
- •Use 1/2 inch spacers along walls to maintain expansion gap
- •Remove or cut off doors that will hit raised floor
- •Identify any floor drains or utilities to work around
Install First Row
The first row sets the pattern for the entire floor:
- •Place first panel with tongue side toward wall (or cut tongue off)
- •Maintain 1/2 inch gap from wall using spacers
- •Align first row perfectly straight - use chalk line as guide
- •Lock panels together end-to-end for first row
- •Cut last panel in row to fit, leaving 1/2 inch gap at wall
- •Use cutoff piece to start second row (if longer than 12 inches)
Critical: The first row must be perfectly straight or the entire floor will be crooked. Double-check alignment before proceeding to row two.
Continue Installation Row by Row
Build out the floor systematically:
- •Stagger end joints by at least 12 inches between rows
- •Insert tongue of new row into groove of previous row at 45° angle
- •Lower panel flat and tap gently with rubber mallet to lock
- •Ensure panels are fully seated with no gaps
- •Work across the room, completing one row before starting next
- •Check for level periodically - add shims under panels if needed for high spots
Cut Final Pieces and Finish
Complete the installation with precision cuts:
- •Measure carefully for final row - may need to rip panels lengthwise
- •Use circular saw or table saw for straight cuts
- •Make cutouts for pipes, posts, or obstacles using jigsaw
- •Use pull bar to seat last row if too tight to tap with mallet
- •Walk entire floor checking for loose panels or squeaks
- •Remove spacers from perimeter - baseboard will cover gaps
- •Clean surface thoroughly before installing finish flooring
Pro Tips
- ✓Let panels acclimate in the basement for 48 hours before installation to prevent expansion issues
- ✓Buy 5-10% extra panels to account for cuts and potential damage during installation
- ✓Work from multiple boxes - panels can vary slightly in thickness and this prevents noticeable differences
- ✓Save cutoffs longer than 12 inches - they can start subsequent rows and reduce waste
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DRIcore and do I need it?▼
DRIcore is a raised subfloor panel system designed for basements, consisting of OSB panels with plastic dimpled underlayment. It creates an air gap above concrete for moisture protection, provides thermal insulation (R-value of 1.2), and creates a level, floating surface for finish flooring. While not absolutely required, it's highly recommended for basements as it protects against moisture, makes floors warmer and more comfortable, and extends the life of your flooring.
Can I install subfloor panels over existing floor paint?▼
Yes, DRIcore and similar systems can be installed over painted concrete as they're floating systems that don't require adhesion to the concrete. However, the floor must be clean, dry, and level. Remove any loose or peeling paint first. The plastic underlayment creates a moisture barrier regardless of what's on the concrete surface.
How much height do subfloor panels add to a basement?▼
DRIcore panels add approximately 1 inch to floor height (5/8 inch OSB panel plus 3/8 inch dimpled underlayment). Other systems range from 3/4 inch to 2 inches depending on the product. Factor this into your ceiling height calculations - code requires 7-foot minimum ceiling height in habitable basement rooms after all floor and ceiling finishes are installed.
Do I need to glue or fasten subfloor panels to concrete?▼
No, quality subfloor systems like DRIcore are designed as floating floors that lock together but don't attach to the concrete. This allows the floor to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. The weight of the flooring and furniture holds the system in place. Never glue or nail subfloor panels to concrete as it prevents proper expansion and can trap moisture.