How to prepare your subfloor

When the time comes to install a new floor, it is common to forget that what you don’t see is just as important as what you do see. In other words, you should think about preparing your subfloor for vinyl before you add any new flooring. The way in which you prepare your subflooring will determine how long your new installation will last. So, keep reading to effectively prep your subfloor!

Clean the subfloor

The first step is to make sure that your subfloor has been thoroughly cleaned, which is the beginning of preparing subfloors for vinyl. It must be free from any debris and protrusions such as nails to before you can do anything else. A clean subfloor must also be levelled if it is made from concrete or sanded if it is made from wood. Ensuring your subfloor is as clean as possible is not only important for keeping it in good condition, but also to prevent uneven flooring.

Assess the structure of the subfloor

You can only install your new flooring once you are sure it will be even. This can be done by checking to see if the structure of the subfloor is sound. If your subfloor is made from wood, you can check to see if the plywood sheets are not loose or that they don’t squeak. If you find that some of them are, you will need to screw them into the floor joists to amend this.

It is also important for you to know the thickness of the subfloor. This is because the thicker it is, the more stable it will be. It is best to have subflooring that is no thinner than 20mm

Minimal moisture

If your subfloor is met with too much moisture, it could damage your new flooring once installed. Even though vinyl flooring is usually water-resistant, you don’t want it seeping in from underneath. To prevent this, be sure to install a damp-proof membrane (DPM). This is a common product for most underlays and is suitable for all flooring types.

To test the level of moisture on your subfloor, you can purchase a moisture kit. After this, it is worth speaking to your chosen flooring supplier to see if their flooring products are suitable for the level of moisture you have recorded.

Installing your new floor

Once your subfloor is ready, you can then install your new flooring! The way in which you install your new flooring will come down to the flooring style you choose. However, for the easiest install, we will always recommend vinyl flooring!

Find the perfect flooring with Floorbay

If you would like to find the perfect flooring for your home, Floorbay can help. Get in touch to learn more about our range of products that can style your home.