I have a question about DRIcore subfloor systems. They use 2’x2′ panels with plastic feet applied to the bottom. You can also buy leveling kits which contain 24 5″x5″ squares that are of same material as what is applied to the 2’x2′ panels made by DRIcore. Why can’t I buy a 4×8 sheet of tougne and groove OSB, seal the bottom and apply the plastic squares 16 inch on center. Would’nt this give enough support for the subfloor, allow more space for air movement and be cheaper. In Menards you can buy a 2’x2′ panel made by DRIcore for $5.99 each. For 32 square feet it would cost $47.92. If you bought a 4’x8′ sheet 3/4″ of OSB for $24.95 ( the price at Menards the last time I checked) and 4 boxes of the leveling kits @ 3.49 per box of 24 which gives me $38.91 plus a little sealer paint for 32 square feet. A $9 saving per 32 square feet of floor. If you are doing a whole basement (24′ x 32′) the saving would add up. I just want to make sure this will perform the same as the 2×2 system produced by DRIcore.
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Your calculations show a $9 savings for every 32 SF of basement area. If we were to assume that your basement is 1,000 SF, that's approximately a $270 savings. Now figure out the time it takes to seal the faces of 30 sheets of 3/4 T&G, spread them out to dry, and seal all the edges as you cut it to fit. Add in the risk factor of not knowing if the sealer is adequate. If $270 divided by the labor hours is enough for you, go for it.
Personally, the money isn't worth it to me- it works out to about 3 hours the way I value my weekend time. Plus I'd rather carry 2x2 panels down the basement, and have the ability to open up a section of floor without having to rip the tongues off of a 32 SF sheet of ply. It's your basement, though.
Bob