Floor Preparation

Project preparation can range from simple to complex, depending on the condition of your existing floor.

Providing a sound, smooth underlayment for your new flooring is a vital preparation step. This may involve only minor modifications to your existing floor, such as applying an embossing leveler, or the preparation may require complete underlayment removal and spot repairs to your subfloor. Avoid taking shortcuts because they usually result in an inferior floor.

If you're installing new underlayment, it's essential that you choose the right material. There are several types of underlayment available, so make sure to select one that's recommended for your flooring type.

Before getting started on your floor preparation project, remove all appliances and bathroom fixtures from the room to make the working conditions as efficient and comfortable as possible. This will also eliminate the possibility of damaging the appliances during the preparation process.

Be sure to take proper safety precautions and wear safety goggles, work gloves, work boots, and a dust particle mask when doing preparation work.

Options for removing old flooring

• Remove the floor covering only. If the underlayment is sturdy and in good condition, you can usually get by with simply scraping off the floor covering, then cleaning and reusing the existing underlayment.
• Remove the floor covering and underlayment. If the underlayment is questionable or substandard, or if the floor covering is bonded to the underlayment, remove the flooring and underlayment together. Taking up both layers at once saves time.

Tips for Creating Sturdy Underlayment

• Repair and prepare the subfloor. Before installing new underlayment and floor covering, fasten any sections of loose subfloor to floor joists, using deck screws. Fill in dips or gouges using leveling products.
• Use quality materials. Using a quality underlayment that's appropriate for your floor covering is critical to the outcome of your flooring project. An inferior underlayment or improper installation will result in an imperfect surface when you're finished.

How to Get Ready for a Flooring Project

• Disconnect and remove all appliances. When bringing the appliances back into the room, protect your new floor by placing cardboard or a heavy cloth on the floor and in front of the appliance locations. Before setting the appliances in place, make sure the floor adhesives are properly cured.
• Remove the toilet and other floor-mounted fixtures before installing a bathroom floor. Turn off and disconnect the water supply line, then remove the bolts holding the toilet on the floor.
• Shovel old flooring debris out of your house through an open window and into a wheelbarrow. This helps speed up the demolition work. Protect plants and landscaping near the window with sheets of plywood.
• Ventilate the project room, especially when applying adhesives or removing old flooring. Placing a box fan in an open window will help draw dust and noxious fumes from the work area.
• Cover entryways with sheet plastic to contain dust and debris while you remove the old floor.
• Cover heat and air vents with sheet plastic and masking tape to prevent dust and debris from entering ductwork.

Turn old flooring into a smooth underlayment layer for new flooring by applying an embossing leveler. Embossing leveler is a mortar-like substance that can prepare resilient flooring or ceramic tile, provided it's well adhered to the subfloor, for use as an underlayment for a new floor covering. Mix the leveler following manufacturer's directions, then spread it thinly over the floor, using a flat-edged trowel. Wipe away excess leveler with the trowel, making sure all dips and indentations are filled. Embossing leveler begins setting in 10 minutes, so work quickly. Once it dries, scrape away ridges and high spots with the trowel edge.