If your flooring sounds or looks a little bit wonky, it means there might be a problem lurking underneath. In this case, you will have to replace your subfloor. Although this isn’t always a simple task, this guide will help you understand subfloor anatomy, the importance of installing it, the materials & tools required, mistakes to avoid, and steps for installing it.
Subfloor Anatomy
Subflooring is basically the horizontal layer of flooring systems. It directly rests on structural joists, which span between load-bearing walls or support beams. You will only need to make changes, repair, or replace the subfloor during construction or remodeling projects.
Typical subfloors consist of 4×12 or 4×8 foot sheets of ¾ inch or ½ inch thick A/C graded plywood screwed or nailed to a joist layer. A/C grade simply means that one side has a smooth finish, whereas the other side is rough.
Why Install Subfloor
Installing subfloors is a vital step in most flooring projects. It offers a levelled surface for new flooring materials, like hardwood, laminate, or tile.
It can help you insulate the space as well as add more stability to your home’s structure. Installing subfloors can easily be achieved by learning how to use floor adhesive and through basic tools. This makes it an effective and affordable way of improving the feel and look of your home.
Material and Tools
Subfloor installation may seem complex, but you can easily handle the job with the right tools and materials. Some of the materials and tools you will need are:
- Construction adhesive
- Safety glasses
- Nail gun
- Cement sheet packers
- Hammer
- Ear muffs
- Bituminous flashing
- Trimming knife
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Caulking gun
- Combination square
- Circular saw
Common Mistakes Made
As with most renovation projects, missing steps during installation may result in subfloor installation mistakes. Regarding subfloor installation, those mistakes may mean potential callbacks, squeaks, buckling, and movement. These mistakes may range from improper spacing between panels to gluing too far ahead and not checking the level of moisture.
Installation Steps
Once you have all the right tools in place, proceed with adding another layer of plywood over your subfloor by taking the following installation steps:
1. Start Preparing the Underlayment
Underlayment needs some acclimation. Hence, you need to store it in a room where you will install it three days before the actual installation starts. This important step helps underlayment adapt to your room’s temperature.
Neglecting this step means the underlayment can expand after installing wooden flooring and running your effort. So, ensure you keep the underlayment in the same room 72 hours before the installation.
2. Prep to Install Subfloor
Laying down a new subfloor isn’t easy. You must approach the process by dry-fitting your plywood to ensure everything fits tight. If you are installing a subfloor in your bathroom, approach the process keenly because several pipes could come through the flooring.
In this case, a hole saw will be an invaluable tool to make cuts safely and quickly. You can easily attach the tool to your drill to make it perfect for the project.
During the installation, you will notice that not all sit directly on a floor joist. You must ensure your flooring is supported properly. To remedy that, take several 6-inch wood pieces and drill them into support beams so you can create a shelf for your subfloor to sit on.
3. Consider Adding Adhesive
Use adhesive on top of the foam and add plywood on it. Make sure you use the same weight and give adhesive 24 hours to set before you proceed.
4. Add a Spray Foam around Edges
Edges are leftover spots that need protection against cold and hot air because they help to hold down your plywood. Adding a spray foam will be a great idea in this case as it works like adhesives. Just ensure you keep the weight down to keep everything in position.
During the process, use painter’s tape on your walls. Without painter’s tape, you will have splashes of spray foam everywhere, and it won’t be easy to remove them.
The Bottom Line
Subflooring is a vital part of an overall home design. Installing it is a great home renovation project that gives properties a new appearance and, at the same time, increases both its functionality and aesthetics. But during installation, make sure your subfloor can withstand any floor damage.
