Prepare Subfloor in 5 Easy Steps with Bestlaminate!

The subfloor is the key to a successful laminate flooring installation, and Bestlaminate is here with to teach you how to prepare subfloor for laminate flooring installation.

5 Simple Steps For Subfloor Preparation

1. Must Be Clean

Subfloor must be clean and free of any loose debris. If room is carpeted, remove the old carpeting and padding to expose the subfloor. Carpet padding is not acceptable for laminate flooring. If the room has a wood or vinyl floor that’s in in good condition, you can install laminate flooring right on it. Be sure to sweep or vacuum your subfloor very well before installation.

2. Must Be Free of Defects

Subfloor must be free of any defects such as loose boards, nails and squeaks due to improper installation of plywood joints. Any loose nails has to be removed or fixed.

3. Must Be Level

Subfloor variations should not exceed 1/8” in 8’. Use level or straightedge to check for variations. Smooth out any unevenness All high spots must be sanded or ground. Fill all low spots, cracks and depressions.

4. Must Be Structurally Solid

Subfloor must be able to support normally expected loads without deflection. If your subfloor is rotted or shifting, you should replace or repair your subfloor before installing any flooring on top of it.

5. Must Be Dry

New concrete subfloor must be check for the moisture content to insure that the concrete is fully cured. Always lay out vapor barrier on mineral subfloors (concrete, plaster, terrazzo, etc.) with infusion-inhibiting PE sheeting with a minimum thickness of 0.2mm overlapping 20cm at the edges. Do not overlap underlayment.