Subfloor Required For Wood Floor

Add more wood screws if needed to secure them.

Subfloor required for wood floor. Your customer may not see what is beneath the beautiful wood floor but what you do below determines how the floor will look above. Floating sub floors for solid hardwood installations generally consist of two layers of plywood or allowing enough wood for a 1 inch flooring cleat to hold effectively. Replace any nails with screws since nails that popped up will loosen again. Your subfloors play an integral part in the success of your hardwood flooring.

Most brands of hardwood flooring can be installed over concrete when plywood or osb subflooring panels have been installed over the concrete slab but it s wise to consult the manufacturer for any specific installation requirements. No matter which subfloor you are dealing with you need to let everyone involved know what is needed for a successful wood flooring installation. An engineered hardwood can be installed over a concrete wood tile and full adhered vinyl subfloors when installed as a floating or glue down floor. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration.

As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Subfloors such as vinyl carpet concrete or ceramics cannot support a solid hardwood installation and should be removed before you install. Forgetting to check your work.

Prior to finished floor installation walk the subfloor to check for squeaks missing fasteners improper nailing etc. The warranty may require it. They are easier to work with but still provide a solid foundation to support your hardwood floors for years to come. If the subfloor is plywood or particle board start by screwing down any loose boards or plywood sheets.

Wood subfloors are the preferred type of subfloor for solid hardwood flooring installations. If additional force is needed always use a block of wood against the groove edge to minimize damage to the panel and always allow a 1 8 inch gap between panels. Considering the fasteners are installed at a 45 degree angle or blind nailed overall thickness required runs about 5 8 of one inch. As with hardwood laminate flooring is best installed on a 3 4 inch thick plywood subfloor.

Only now is the subfloor ready for cement board underlayment. The underlayment provides many benefits including moisture protection sound and thermal insulation and a cushion to make the floor more comfortable to walk on. An underlayment is a necessity for any wood floor installation even on a plywood subfloor. Make sure to remove stray nails or staples.