Does TikTok's Budget-Friendly Method For A DIY Subfloor Actually Save Money?
Installing a subfloor ahead of laying down new flooring is not cheap, so homeowners often search for tips to make the project more affordable. If you have been on the hunt for ways to lower the cost of this installation yourself, you may have come across a TikTok video posted by user @homerenovisiondiy in which the content creator shared affordable alternatives for basement subfloor materials. In the video, @homerenovisiondiy laid down DuraFoam, and followed that up with a layer of Oriented Strand Board. While speaking exclusively to House Digest, Adam Sartain, Senior Marketing Manager at TotalWorx, revealed that this method might actually lead to damage. Although these alternative materials are affordable, it might be safe to say that they will not save you money in the long run due to this expensive risk.
"The concerns expressed in the TikTok comments about water, mold, and rot are valid," Sartain said of the subfloor installation clip posted by @homerenovisiondiy. "Basements are prone to moisture issues, which can lead to mold growth and wood rot, especially if the subfloor materials are not moisture-resistant. If there's any water infiltration from the concrete or through the walls, the materials can trap moisture, leading to the problems mentioned." The expert went on to share that the makeshift subfloor can also raise the height of the flooring so that it interferes with the ceiling and door clearance. The materials the content creator used may even result in an uneven subfloor surface that is spongy.
The importance of a basement subfloor and better materials to use
The method featured in the TikTok video shown above should be avoided, but it is still important to lay down a proper subfloor before installing flooring for a basement for a number of reasons. "The main purpose of adding a subfloor to a basement is to create a thermal and moisture barrier between the cold, potentially damp concrete and the finished flooring material," Sartain explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "It also provides a smoother and more stable surface for flooring installation, improving both comfort and durability."
Basements require extra moisture protection, so Sartain recommends using subflooring materials that can handle this in these spaces. He shared a few materials that fit this requirement. The first option the expert suggests is 6 mil Poly Film. This can be used on top of all grade levels of concrete substrate. "Featuring recycled content, it's an eco-friendly choice that includes self-sealing tape at seams for effortless installation," Sartain said of the material. "Ideal for floating laminate, hardwood, and luxury vinyl floors, it's a reliable option for any flooring project."
The second material recommended by Sartain is PET PERFECT Resilient Underlayment. "PET PERFECT thermally insulating underlays are used for a variety of floating floor installations including luxury vinyl planks," he explained. "The fine-celled, extruded polystyrene foam offers excellent impact (transmitted) and in-room (reflective) sound insulation." He went on to share that this material's strength prevents the seams of non-glued luxury vinyl planks from becoming damaged under heavy pressure. It also has an advanced metalized protective moisture barrier.
Subfloor adhesives you can use in basements and other rooms
If you need to replace your subfloor or install a new one, you might want to review a few of the adhesives Sartain recommends using as well. While speaking exclusively to House Digest, the expert shared that the Kwik Flash Resilient Adhesive is a great option. "Kwik Flash is a firm-setting transitional acrylic adhesive that quickly develops a strong bond that limits floor movement," Sartain explained. Kwik Flash is completely compatible with and will not stain solid vinyl flooring. Use Kwik Flash to install solid vinyl plank and tiles.
Lastly, Sartain shared that DP99 Multi-purpose PSA is another good pick. This adhesive is water resistant, super strong, and great for those who expect their subflooring installs to take a bit longer than usual. "It provides extended working time, making installations smoother and more manageable," Sartain explained. It can be used with a variety of flooring materials, including LVT, LVP, fiberglass sheet goods, VCT, and PVC-backed carpet tile.