Subfloor/Slab Prep & Underlayment

As a wood flooring inspector, it is my business to analyze failure. One thing I have learned is that the floor didn't fail—somebody failed the floor. The wood has no decision-making capability. A person making the wrong decision...

When I worked in New York and New Jersey, soundproofing never seemed to be an issue, but here in Miami, it's extremely common. It's usually required in high-rises, and we also do a lot of soundproofing...

Every wood floor poses its own challenges, but installing one can be even more difficult if the subfloor has peaks and valleys. In that case, knowing how...

Ask any seasoned wood flooring contractor, and he'll tell you that your final installation is only as good as the subfloor you're installing over. Before you have your bundles or boxes shipped to the job site and start racking out the floor, you should...

Every good wood flooring job starts with good subfloor preparation. If it doesn't, the installer takes a gamble. If he's lucky, nothing bad will happen, and he'll probably continue his gambling ways...

In our region of the country, installing over concrete slabs is something we do every day, no matter what kind of wood floor we're putting down. Not doing the right prep on a slab...

It can be hard to imagine that a thin layer of paper or plastic may be the difference between a successful wood flooring installation and a complete failure, but underlayments may be the miniinsurance policy a contractor needs. Technically, anything...

The construction industry has long been judged on its quality of work and ability to complete projects on schedule. One challenge often faced: a concrete slab with elevated moisture levels. The long time it takes for concrete slabs to dry...

Q: Which types of subfloors are acceptable for engineered hardwood flooring? A: This is a good question, because one of the major selling points of engineered hardwood flooring is its versatility with many kinds of subfloors. The secret behind ...

For wood floors, underlayment can be more than just padding, and understanding the features that offer benefits beyond cushioning can enable installers to recommend the best fit for their customers. First, consider the factors that play into your...