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Choosing your flooring is one thing, but subflooring? That’s something you’re frequently stuck with, so it’s best to learn all about it if you’re thinking of DIYing any sort of installation—hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, you name it. Working with your subfloor instead of against it makes the installation job itself so much easier, and it also ensures the longevity of your flooring, regardless of its type.
Even if you have no idea what subflooring is, the following blog post from E Hardwoods & Flooring has got your back. Read on to discover more about this integral facet of the floor installation process and prepare for the renovation ahead.
Also sometimes called substrate,the subfloor is a specific part of what sits underneath your flooring, giving it support. It’s different from an underlayment, which is an additional product installed underneath a flooring type to muffle noise or prevent water damage. It’s actually a part of your home itself, sitting on top of long wooden beams to cushion and distribute all the weight that the room above it contains.
Subfloors come in many different materials—plywood and concrete are two of the most common. While there is no “best” type of subfloor, just like there is no “best” type of flooring, each has unique considerations that will need to be taken into account during the installation process to ensure everything goes harmoniously.
Subfloors affect everything from how sturdy your flooring feels underfoot to how easy your flooring is to lay. To know your subfloor is to know your installation methods!
The number-one concern with concrete subfloors is if they contain excessive moisture or not, as such moisture can compromise vulnerable flooring types such as solid hardwood flooring. Check out this article from The Spruce for a how-to! It’s recommended regardless to always install an underlayment as a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor, just to be on the safe side.
Plywood subfloors vary in their construction, and not all plywood behaves the same way! An older-style plank subflooring, for example, will sometimes cause gapping if the flooring above it is not installed perpendicular to it, while other plywood subfloors might not have this issue. Get to know your plywood subfloor’s subtype before proceeding with installation.
Our massive selection is sure to have something that not only works with your subfloor, but with your style and budget, too! Browse our huge online stock today.