The Importance of a Well-Prepared Subfloor

Recently, I visited a home for a quote where the homeowner had attempted a DIY installation of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. The project quickly turned frustrating as the planks wouldn’t click together properly. As I walked on the floor, it became clear why: the concrete subfloor had a noticeable dip on one side. Each time the homeowner tried to fit the planks, the unevenness caused them to pop apart.

This experience highlights a crucial aspect of flooring installations that often goes unnoticed: the subfloor. When installing floating floors like LVP or laminate, the subfloor’s condition is just as important as the flooring itself. Here’s why addressing the subfloor is essential and how we ensure a flawless finish.

Why the Subfloor Matters

1. Foundation for Success: The subfloor acts as the base for your flooring. If it’s not level, any floating floor installed on top will suffer. Uneven subfloors can lead to gaps, buckling, and the planks coming apart, as seen in the case I described.
2. Longevity and Stability: A well-prepared subfloor helps the flooring system perform as designed. If the subfloor is uneven, the interlocking mechanisms of LVP or laminate can fail, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
3. Comfort and Performance: A smooth, level subfloor ensures that your flooring looks and feels great. An uneven surface can result in an uncomfortable walking experience and unsightly gaps.

Preparing the Subfloor: Our Approach

To prevent these issues, we take several steps to ensure your subfloor is ready for the new flooring:

1. Self-Leveling Compound: If the subfloor has minor dips or uneven spots, we use a self-leveling compound. This material spreads out and levels the surface, providing a smooth foundation for your new floor.
2. Grinding: For more severe unevenness or high spots, we use a grinder to even out the surface. This process removes high areas and prepares the subfloor for a more even installation.
3. Plywood Installation: In some cases, we may install a layer of plywood to create a more stable and level surface. This is especially useful for concrete subfloors with significant imperfections.

By addressing these issues before the installation of your new flooring, we ensure that your LVP or laminate flooring will look great and perform well for years to come.

If you’re considering a flooring project and want to make sure your subfloor is up to the task, reach out to us at Floor Coverings International of East Salt Lake. We’ll make sure that your new floor starts off on the right foot.