Don't Install New Floors Without Reading This: The Subfloor Guide You Need!

When it comes to installing new flooring, one critical component often overlooked is the subfloor. The subfloor serves as the foundational layer that supports your finished floor, providing stability and durability. Understanding the different types of subflooring and their compatibility with various flooring options can help you make an informed decision for your renovation project.

What is a Subfloor?

A subfloor is the structural layer that lies beneath your finished flooring. It provides a stable, flat surface for the final floor and helps distribute the load evenly across the floor joists. The quality and type of subflooring can significantly impact the longevity and performance of your flooring.

Types of Subflooring

1. Plywood Subflooring

   • Description: Plywood is one of the most common subfloor materials. It consists of several layers of wood veneer bonded together.

   • Advantages: Plywood is strong, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. It provides good stability and resistance to moisture when treated properly.

   • Best For: Hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and tile flooring.

2. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

   • Description: OSB is made from wood strands bonded with adhesives. It is similar to plywood but generally more affordable.

   • Advantages: OSB offers good structural stability and is cost-effective. It is also moisture-resistant, making it a suitable choice for many flooring types.

   • Best For: Laminate, engineered wood, and carpet.

3. Concrete Subflooring

   • Description: Common in basements and ground-level floors, concrete subflooring is durable and long-lasting.

   • Advantages: Concrete is incredibly strong and resistant to moisture and pests. It provides a solid, stable base for various flooring options.

   • Best For: Tile, vinyl, laminate, and carpet. With proper treatment and underlayment, it can also support hardwood flooring.

4. Cement Board

   • Description: Cement board is a combination of cement and reinforcing fibers. It is often used in areas exposed to moisture.

   • Advantages: Highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew. It provides a solid, level base for tile installations.

   • Best For: Tile and stone flooring, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.

5. Particle Board

   • Description: Made from wood particles bonded with resin, particle board is a less expensive subfloor option.

   • Advantages: It is lightweight and easy to install but lacks the strength and moisture resistance of other subfloor types.

   • Best For: Carpet and laminate, though it is not recommended for areas with high moisture.

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Subfloor

1. Plywood Subflooring

   • Recommended Flooring:

     • Hardwood: Plywood offers the necessary strength and stability for hardwood floors.

     • Engineered Wood: Provides a strong base and is ideal for both nail-down and glue-down installations.

     • Laminate: Smooth and stable, suitable for click-lock laminate flooring.

     • Tile: When covered with a cement board, plywood can support tile installations.

2. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

   • Recommended Flooring:

     • Laminate: OSB provides a stable, flat surface, ideal for laminate flooring.

     • Engineered Wood: Suitable for both floating and glue-down installations.

     • Carpet: Offers sufficient stability and is commonly used under carpet installations.

     • Vinyl: With a smooth surface, OSB is suitable for vinyl sheet and plank flooring.

3. Concrete Subflooring

   • Recommended Flooring:

     • Tile: Concrete provides an excellent base for ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles.

     • Vinyl: Works well with vinyl flooring, especially when a moisture barrier is used.

     • Laminate: Suitable with the addition of a moisture barrier to prevent damage.

     • Carpet: With proper padding, carpet can be installed over concrete.

4. Cement Board

   • Recommended Flooring:

     • Tile: Ideal for tile installations, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

     • Stone Flooring: Provides a strong, stable base for heavy stone tiles.

5. Particle Board

   • Recommended Flooring:

     • Carpet: Particle board is often used under carpet due to its affordability and ease of installation.

     • Laminate: Suitable for floating laminate floors, though not recommended in high-moisture areas.

Preparing Your Subfloor

Before installing any new flooring, ensure your subfloor is in good condition. Here are a few steps to prepare your subfloor:

1. Clean: Remove any debris, dirt, or old adhesive.

2. Inspect: Check for damage such as rot, warping, or cracks. Repair or replace damaged sections.

3. Level: Ensure the subfloor is level. Use a leveling compound if necessary.

4. Moisture Barrier: If moisture is a concern, install a vapor barrier to protect your flooring.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Moisture Control

Moisture can significantly impact both the subfloor and the finished flooring. Excess moisture can cause warping, mold, and deterioration. It is crucial to manage moisture effectively, especially in areas prone to dampness, such as basements or bathrooms.

Tip: Use moisture barriers or vapor retarders where necessary. For concrete subfloors, consider installing a plastic vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping into the flooring. For wooden subfloors, ensure proper ventilation and use underlayments designed to control moisture.

Recommended Flooring Materials:

• Vinyl: Highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

• Tile: Excellent for wet areas due to its water resistance.

• Engineered Wood: More stable than solid wood in humid conditions, suitable for kitchens and basements when properly installed.

Soundproofing

Sound transmission through floors can be a concern, particularly in multi-story homes or apartment buildings. Different subfloor materials and underlayments can significantly affect the level of soundproofing.

Tip: Choose soundproofing underlayments to reduce noise. For example, cork or foam underlayments can help dampen sound. In high-traffic areas or rooms where noise reduction is important, such as bedrooms or living rooms, invest in quality soundproofing solutions.

Recommended Flooring Materials:

• Carpet: Naturally absorbs sound and reduces noise.

• Cork: Both a flooring material and underlayment option that provides excellent soundproofing.

• Laminate: When combined with a high-quality underlayment, it can help reduce noise transmission.

Insulation

Proper insulation of subfloors can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Insulated subfloors can help retain heat in colder climates, making the floors warmer to walk on.

Tip: Use insulating underlayments for subfloors in colder regions. Materials like cork, foam, or rubber not only provide insulation but also add a layer of cushioning, making floors more comfortable underfoot.

Recommended Flooring Materials:

• Cork: Excellent insulator that also provides cushioning.

• Carpet: Adds warmth and comfort to cold floors.

• Engineered Wood: Provides a good balance between warmth and durability.

Conclusion

Selecting the right flooring for your existing subfloor can enhance the durability and performance of your floor. By matching the appropriate flooring type with your subfloor, you ensure a seamless and long-lasting installation. Whether you have plywood, OSB, concrete, cement board, or particle board subflooring, there are suitable flooring options to meet your needs and preferences. Always ensure your subfloor is properly prepared and in good condition before installing your new floor to achieve the best results.