24 Sep What Goes Under New Flooring?

There are several layers to the surface that people walk upon in their home. Even if no basement is involved, it begins with the home’s framework. There are supports known as joists that are critical for stability and for laying the next element of the flooring which will be the subfloor. It’s part of a structure’s original construction.

Subfloor

The subfloor is a layer of plywood or OSB that’s attached to the floor joists. It’s called a subfloor, its part of the original structure of the home and provides strength and a rigid surface upon which other layers will be placed. The role of the subfloor is for structural integrity.

Underlayment

The next layer is called an underlayment and it rests just under the visible floor covering. It provides a flat, smooth surface upon which the flooring of choice will be installed. The underlayment can be made of plywood, cement board or hardboard, depending upon the needs of the floor covering that’s ultimately selected that people will walk on. However, in a number of instances, the underlayment may be foam padding.

The underlayment can serve other purposes, too. It can act as a barrier against moisture or to muffle the sounds of footsteps. It may also soften the feeling of the floor covering that’s eventually selected. However, its primary purpose is to provide a smooth surface. When cement board is used, it offers a better surface for adhesion if tile is being laid.

Floor Covering

This is the finished, visible layer that people actually walk on. Individuals have a number of floor coverings from which to choose, ranging from hardwood flooring, carpeting, luxury vinyl, laminate, or ceramic or porcelain tiles. Sometimes it’s possible to simply lay new luxury vinyl over old vinyl or lay carpeting over existing hardwood flooring with no new underlayment.