Best Liquid DPM for Wood Flooring: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
If you are planning to invest in a beautiful hardwood floor, the last thing you want is for it to cup, warp, or lift within six months. In my experience working on York's Victorian terraces, the culprit is almost always moisture in the subfloor.
A Liquid Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) is an essential barrier between a concrete or screed subfloor and your new timber. Whether it is a new build or a renovation of an older property, blocking residual construction moisture or rising damp is non-negotiable before laying wood.
In this review, I'll compare three liquid DPM solutions I've encountered on site: a budget option for small repairs, a rapid-drying professional system, and a heavy-duty bitumen solution for tricky substrates.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Drying Time Claims"
"Manufacturers often claim 'rapid drying' in under an hour."
In a cold Yorkshire house during winter, drying times can double or triple. Always check the moisture content with a meter before proceeding with adhesion, regardless of what the bottle says.
The Spec: "Coverage Rates"
"A 5-litre bottle covers a specific square average."
Old, porous concrete in refurbishment projects drinks liquid DPM like a sponge. Always buy 20% more than you think you need, as a thin application serves no purpose.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Resincoat Uberseal Liquid DPM – Damp Proof Membrane & Waterproof Coating
Resincoat
This 1-litre tub is ideal for small patch repairs or sealing confined spaces like a cupboard under the stairs. It is water-based and solvent-free, making it far more pleasant to use in an occupied home than traditional bitumen.
The Good
- Low odour formula (solvent-free)
- Easy to apply with a standard brush or roller
- Cost-effective for small areas where a 5L tin is wasteful
The Bad
- Small quantity (1L) not suitable for full rooms
- May require two coats on very porous surfaces
Installer Tip:
If you have accidentally chipped an existing DPM during renovation works, this is the perfect size to keep in the van for a quick, reliable patch repair before levelling.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSika SikaBond Rapid DPM Liquid – 5 Litre
Sika
Sika is a name we trust implicitly in the trade. This rapid-drying DPM is expensive, but it allows us to prime, seal, and lay a floor all in the same day. It is specifically designed to work with SikaBond wood adhesives including the elastic ones we use for solid oak.
The Good
- Extremely fast drying allows for faster job completion
- High quality - creates a very robust barrier
- Compatible with underfloor heating systems
The Bad
- Premium price point
- Requires swift application before it cures
Installer Tip:
Use a foam roller for application to ensure an even coat. Because it dries so fast, perform your preparation thoroughly beforehand—you won't have time to stop and sweep once you start pouring.
Priced at £99.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEverbuild 2 x 5 Litre DPM Liquid Damp Proof Membrane (Black Jack)
Everbuild
This is a rubber-enriched bitumen emulsion. It's the 'old school' approach—thick, black, and incredibly effective at waterproofing. It's messy to work with, but for rougher subfloors or budget-conscious projects requiring large coverage, this twin pack of 5L tins is excellent value.
The Good
- Excellent value for money (10L total)
- Very effective barrier against vapour
- Can act as an adhesive for wood blocks/parquet
The Bad
- Messy to apply and difficult to clean off tools
- Stronger odour than modern epoxy systems
- Longer drying time - not for 'same day' finishing
Installer Tip:
Be very careful using this in a finished home; bitumen stains are permanent on carpets and skirting boards. Wear old clothes and tape up everything. I usually sandwich this with a layer of sharp sand while wet if I need to screed over it.
Priced at £72.01 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why is a liquid DPM necessary for hardwood flooring?
Can I apply liquid DPM over old adhesive residues?
How many coats of liquid DPM do I need?
Is liquid DPM suitable for underfloor heating?
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