To ensure your flooring is the best that it can be, it’s essential to prepare the subflooring.

With the perfect base, you not only achieve the perfect finish – you also increase the longevity of the flooring.

While underlay can be used under carpets to give additional cushioning and insultation, this is not the same as preparing the subfloor, which sits directly on the flooring joists.

How solid is your subfloor?

Before we begin, it’s vital to clear any debris from the subfloor and make sure it’s as clean as it can be.

By simply cleaning up the subfloor, we can see more clearly what we’re dealing with. If the subfloor is made from wood, we check to see that all plywood sheets are secure and that any timber is in good condition.

It may be that some work is necessary to ensure all materials are fixed securely to the floor joists where appropriate. At this stage, we can also check the thickness of the subfloor and ensure it is adequate. The stability of the subfloor will depend on its thickness.

Level an uneven floor

The perfect flooring finish is dependent on an even surface. Subfloors should be even and flat, as any lumps or bumps will impact on the flooring installed. Any protrusions will result in additional wear and tear in that area.

In the case of vinyl, which moulds to the subfloor, any irregularities will show up.  If joists are sticking out, these will need to be ground down to ensure any high points are levelled with the surface.

Concrete surfaces may need scarifying to leave a clean, smooth surface ready for the floor covering to be fitted.

Self-levelling screeds

A smoothing compound such as a self-levelling screed can be used to level out uneven concrete or wooden floors. The compound will cover all holes and blemishes to leave a flat and smooth finish.

The subfloor should be clean before applying the self-levelling compound so that the liquid sets smoothly on the surface. Once it is completely dry, the flooring can be installed over the even subfloor.

Testing the subfloor for moisture

If moisture is present when you install new flooring, it can cause problems later on and damage the material used for the flooring.

A damp proof membrane is sometimes used when moisture is a problem. This is only required if it becomes necessary to suppress moisture from below to protect the new flooring.

Both concrete and wooden subfloors should be tested for damp. Sometimes the problem can be simply rectified and moisture and humidity removed before installation of the new floor goes ahead.

We can prepare your subfloor for the perfect flooring finish

FineLine Flooring specialises in supplying and installing flooring solutions for domestic, commercial and public sectors.

Our flooring installers are all CSCS registered and monitored to the highest standards. We meet all health and safety guidelines and are fully covered for commercial and employer’s liability insurance.

For any questions, or to receive a quote, please contact us on 01256 701569 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.