DIY Network

Finishing Basement: Sub-floor Panels From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-401

Paul sets in snap-together sub-floor panels. The end panels are cut to fit and temporary spacers are set in against the wall. Leveling squares are added where needed.

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	A weekend of work can take an unfinished space...
	that has a concrete floor and not much else...
	and turn it into a cozy family room just waiting for fun.
	Just look at the floor now!
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Time: 18 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 2 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

Drywall

Safety glasses
Drywall
Drywall saw
Drill
Drywall screws
Lipstick
Pencil
Straight edge

Plyboo Paneling

Safety glasses
Drill w/ spade bit
Jig saw
Pencil
Heavy-duty construction adhesive
1/8" u-notched trowel
Rail-guided circular saw with an 80-tooth carbide blade
Hole saw
Shims

Railing

Safety glasses
Pencil
Tape measure
Laser level
Compound miter saw (blade set at 45 degree angle)
Impulse nailer
Sealer
Rubber gloves
Roller

Sub-floor Panels

Sub-floor
Safety glasses
Table saw
Tapping block
Mallet
Leveling squares
Level

Carpet Panels

Utility knife
Tape measure
Marking pencil
Straight edge
Vacuum

Sub-floor Panels

1. Bring in sub-floor panels to space at least two days prior to installation so they climatize to the relative humidity of the room (figure A).

2. Dryfit sub-floor panels to see how it lays out (figure B). You don't want a small sliver at the end. To adjust, cut some inches off the starter row using a table saw. Cut in a well-ventilated area.

3. Add temporary 1/4" spacers between wall and the sub-floor panels to allow room for expansion and contraction (figure C). These will be removed after floor is installed.

4. Use tapping block to ensure a tight seam (figure D).

5. Stagger seams for a more stable floor (figure E).

6. If you have a deflection in the floor of less than 1/2", use leveling squares (figure F), stack up as many as you need and check level. If deflection is more than 1/2", do some concrete repair.

Figure E

Figure F

RESOURCES :

Veneer Bamboo Paneling
Brand Name: Plyboo
Model Number: BP-V1896N
Style: Neutral Vertical, 1/8" x 48" x 96

Manufacturer: Smith & Fong Company
375 Oyster Point Blvd., Suite 3
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Telephone: 1-866-835-9859
Website: www.plyboo.com

Modular Sub-floor System
Brand Name: DRIcore

Manufacturer: DRIcore
2311 Royal Windsor Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5 Canada
Telephone: 1-866-976-6374
Website: www.dricore.com

Carpet Panels
Color: Magnolia (Inset Color)
Model Number: 545502
Color: Green Marble (Border Color)
Model Number: 545502
Brand Name: Legato
Website: www.Legatocarpets.com

Manufacturer: Milliken Carpets
201 Lukken Industrial Dr.
LaGrange, GA 30240
Telephone: 1-800-241-8666

GUESTS :

Dave Murray, Director of Marketing
Telephone: 1-866-976-6374

Scott Schwasnick, National Acct Mgr.
Telephone: 1-800-241-8666