The traditional solution is to build your own subfloor from scratch, layer by layer, from plywood, plastic, and wood sleepers. While this is still a perfectly acceptable route, a newer and easier solution is the subfloor system. Subfloor systems translate the basics of the homemade subfloor into smaller tiles that are dry and insulated, faster to lay down, and require less construction know-how.
Subfloor Systems
Subfloor systems are often composed of individual tiles, each approximately 24 inches by 24 inches. Each tile is a sandwich consisting of a moisture barrier at the bottom, an elevating surface in the middle (usually no more than an inch high), and a composite wood top, usually OSB board. Some subfloor system brands eliminate the OSB top altogether and are composed entirely of plastic. Finally, other subfloor systems are flexible and come in rolls, similar to carpeting or underlayment. It is important to note that subfloor systems are not the same as subfloors that are built on top of wood joists. Subfloor systems are less a structural device and are more like an underlayment which must be built on top of another, more stable base, typically concrete.
Uses
Due to moisture, elevated subfloors in basements are vitally important. Subfloor system tiles ensure moisture protection and do not require you to learn construction techniques. Because subfloor tiles are shock absorbent, they are ideal for home gyms and yoga or dance studios.
Cost
When priced against subfloors that are hand-built from scratch, subfloor systems tend to be four or five times more expensive. While subfloor systems are an excellent and fast way to create a smooth underlayment for your floor covering, the steep cost is often an obstacle for many homeowners. Your local home center will nearly always stock subfloor systems, but quantities of tiles may be limited. To obtain enough for a full-scale project, you usually need to special order from the store or purchase tiles online and have them shipped to your house. Each DRIcore tile is a raised high-density polyethylene moisture barrier base that is bonded to an engineered core. This allows air to flow underneath the subfloor system. The airflow inhibits mold and mildew and helps keep the floor covering warmer and drier. In fact, DRIcore system tiles will help raise the temperature of the floor covering by at least 6 degrees F. Each DRIcore tile is 7/8-inch thick and measures 2 feet by 2 feet. Tiles attach to each other with a tongue-and-groove system. The top of DRIcore is OSB and the bottom is a cleated, raised design. Delta-FL is a roll-out polymer that is 5/16-inch high with a dimpled pattern to promote airflow. Since each roll is 5 feet wide by 65 1/2 feet long, installation is fast. If your finish flooring is a hard surface, such as laminate, you can install it directly on top of Delta FL. The main difference is that SpringStep is much higher than other subfloor systems: either 2 3/4 inches or 1 1/2 inches high. It is built out of two layers of up to 100 half-inch foam cubes or blocks. SpringStep is a do-it-yourself product. Even though it is a niche item, its price is competitive with that of other subfloor systems.
