Before subflooring systems were common, turning a basement into a warm, dry, and cozy space wasn’t an easy feat. Doing so required a good basement finishing system and subflooring in order to keep the place from accumulating moisture which leads to issues like mold growth and musty odors.
But thanks to prefabricated finishing systems and engineered subflooring, homeowners can now turn their basements into a functional living area today without the worries of whether the system is efficient or durable.
Dricore and Platon, for example, are among several manufacturers known for their cost-effective basement subflooring system. And while both brands serve the same purpose, it is important for any potential buyer to know how they differ.
All About Dricore and Platon
Dricore
Known for its large collection of floor and wall products, Dricore has engineered a subfloor system designed specifically for basements. And just like any prefabricated finishing system, Dricore subflooring guarantees a dry, warm, and comfortable basement. Its subfloors also feature several mildew protectors including the industry standard Air Gap Technology.
Dricore’s basement subfloors offer up to a 25-year warranty too.
Platon
Platon Flooring Protector (also known as Platon) is a subflooring solution manufactured by Armtec, an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of infrastructure and construction materials based in Canada.
Essentially, it is an alternative to Dricore used to cover concrete in basements and to add an underlayment beneath wooden floor coverings like hardwood and vinyl. It serves as a solution to keep a room warm, dry, and cozy.
Moreover, Platon comes in two options: Platon underlayment and Platon Foundation Wrap. The latter is used specifically for buildings, while the former is for residential spaces.
Dricore and Platon Comparison
Now that you have an idea of what Platon and Dricore are, let’s talk about each of their features and how they differ from one another.
Durability Comparison
Durability is a crucial factor that builders and homeowners look for when picking and assessing their construction materials. And for a basement—which is inherently prone to moisture due to its location—the flooring materials must be up to par. Otherwise, you will shell out more money replacing the damaged products.
Here’s how Platon and Dricore make their subflooring system durable.
- Dampness protection. The key to a warm and dry basement is a subflooring system that can protect your floor from accumulating moisture. Having damp basement walls and floors, however, is inevitable as the rooms are built underground and therefore prone to moisture.
So, how do you keep your basement dry?
This is where basement subflooring systems like Platon and Dricore can help you.
Engineered subfloors, unlike custom-built flooring systems, are efficient in protecting your floors from water and moisture that can cause structural damage, musty odors, and mold growth.
Platon Floor Protector, for example, is designed with a moisture-proof barrier and creates an “air gap” between the concrete and floor. As a result, it allows the concrete to vent off the moisture and, at the same time, protects the floor covering from getting damp.
The same is true for Dricore, although they call the feature the “Air Gap Technology.” Essentially, the brand subfloors are designed with raised panels, creating a gap between the floor and the concrete. Attached to the panel is a high-density polyethene membrane which serves as a protection against the water.
- Weight Capacity. Whatever it is you are planning to turn your basement into, a strong subfloor that can hold the furniture you will place is crucial. This is particularly true if you are planning to turn it into a home gym.
Platon and Dricore are both strong enough to carry heavy furniture and equipment. Dricore’s subfloor, for instance, can carry up to 7 pounds per square foot. Platon, on the one hand, can hold up to 8 pounds of furniture per square foot.
Comfortability Comparison
Durability is not the only thing you should consider when choosing a subfloor system; you should also assess the level of comfort it could provide as well. As such, Dricore and Platon also developed features that will promote comfortability.
A room with stale or moist air, for example, can often trigger or cause medical conditions. Healthy, dry air is important, especially in a place like a basement where there is poor circulation, for elderly people and children.
Platon and Dricore guarantee that its subfloors will promote healthy air. Through its anti-moisture features, the sub-flooring prevents musty odors as well as mildew and mold growth.
It further helps create a cozy atmosphere. Platon, to be specific, comes with a thermal break so that the area feels like it is above grade.
Interested in other types of flooring? Get a quote from flooring experts near you.
Installation Comparison
Aside from durability and comfortability, it is also important for a builder to consider how convenient the installation process will be. Knowing that this is one of the major reasons their product will be bought, building and construction material manufacturers ensure that their products are easy to install.
Dricore and Platon are both easy and quick to install. Both subfloors require basic cutting tools to install, such as a circle saw or hand saw, but even a beginner can snap these boards into place due to the seamless installation design.
The installation process would not take much time, too, thanks to the tongue and groove design. The same goes with Platon. Further, the sub-flooring can be used for any type of floor covering—including hardwood, carpet, vinyl, or laminate flooring.
Cost Comparison
Platon and Dricore almost share the same cost. While the all-in cost of basement sub-flooring systems tend to be more expensive than the custom-built finishing systems, the subflooring systems have more features and perks than a custom-built finishing system and will ultimately save you money in maintenance.
Having said that, below is a quick price overview:
- Platon. Platon costs about $500 for five panels at 20 linear feet.
- Dricore. Dricore’s panels cost around $6.50. If you have an estimated 675 square feet of space to cover, you will shell out approximately $1,283 to cover it.
Eco-friendly
If you are an eco-conscious homeowner, it is helpful to know that both Platon and Dricore are environmentally friendly basement finishing and subflooring systems.
Platon is made of 85% recycled materials. It is also chemically inert, meaning it contains no by-products that are potentially dangerous to the air or ground. Further, all manufacturing waste is recycled. This is all true for Dricore as well.
Warranty Comparison
While both brands guarantee that their subfloors are sturdy and can last for years, the manufacturers still provide warranties. Platon, for example, offers up to a 30-year product warranty while Dricore offers up to 25 years.
So, Is Dricore or Platon Right For Your Home?
Is either brand much more effective than its counterpart? Or are they just the same?
The answer is both subfloor solutions are efficient at what they do. From their airflow technologies to how convenient the installation is, both are excellent. The price for each subfloor is almost the same as well. As such, choosing which subfloor you want to use comes down to your personal preferences.