When you choose a beautiful new timber floor, it’s easy to focus on the finish, the grain, and the colour. However, at Town & Country Timber Flooring, we know that the most important part of your new floor is actually the part you’ll never see: the subfloor.
Before installing a single plank, proper floor preparation will give you the right foundation for all the hard work that follows. Depending on your chosen flooring and the unique "surprises" your old floor might be hiding, different prep methods are required to ensure the best result.
Here is why a little preparation now prevents a lot of regret later.
1. Achieving a Flat Surface
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A flat subfloor is non-negotiable. If your concrete or timber subfloor has high spots, they must be ground down. Without this step, your new floor can end up feeling more like a rollercoaster than a living space—uncomfortable for bare feet and unstable for your furniture. Spending a bit of extra time now to get everything level will ensure that your floor has a solid feel and looks great. |
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2. The Importance of a Clean Bond
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If your flooring is going to be directly stuck then as well as being level, the subfloor needs to clean. We need to make sure that:
If any of these remain then your new floor might end up lifting, bubbling, or failing entirely over time. |
3. Levelling the Low Points
If there are any "low points" in the floor, we use a specialised primer and a high-quality levelling compound. This will ensure a smooth surface ready for installation.
4. Fighting Moisture and Mould
| If your home has been affected by a previous flood or perhaps has problems with moisture, then a moisture barrier is extremely important. This will stop water from finding it’s way into your new timber planks, and will help prevent mould and mildew from becoming a problem, protecting both your health and your investment. |
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5. Protecting Your Warranty (and Your Peace of Mind)
Making sure your subfloor is prepared properly doesn't just improve performance; it will protect the lifespan of your floor. By making sure you have a strong, stable, and flat surface, you will prevent:
- Hollow spots.
- Lifted edges.
- Failed locking systems.
Perhaps most importantly, correct preparation keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid. Nobody wants to deal with paperwork problems on top of flooring problems!
Floor preparation isn’t just an "add-on"—it’s a smart choice. It ensures your new floor lays flat, stays bonded, and looks incredible for decades to come.
Be sure to read our companion post: The Truth About Floor Preparation: Why It’s the Foundation of Your New Floor
Ready to start your flooring journey? Visit us at 59 Wigg St, Wodonga to chat with our experts about your next project, or browse our range online.