A sound subfloor is needed when you’re laying carpet, vinyl, laminate or engineered hardwood on a cement basement floor so the surface is warm, dry and resilient. DRIcore is a modular system of 2-foot square engineered wood panels bonded to a rigid moisture-resistant polyethylene sheet with molded-in dimples. These dimples create airspace between the cement and subfloor to prevent the transfer of cold air and help dry up condensation. These panels are installed as a floating subfloor and press-fit together without nails or glue.
A carpenter will install a subfloor in an 18-by-20-foot basement room for $1,035, which includes the labor and material. If you have carpentry experience, you can do the job for $650, the cost of the panels and leveling squares designed to slide under the panels to adjust for uneven areas. You’ll pocket a 37 percent saving if you do it yourself. You’ll need basic tools, including a power saw, power drill, carpenter’s square, level, hammer, pry bar, measuring tape and scrap wood as a tapping block. For more information on where to buy the material and how to install it go to
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Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$1,035 — $650 — 8.6 — 13.0 — $385 — 37 Percent