When people think about new flooring, they usually focus on the look—the colour, the texture, the finish. And fair enough, it’s the part you see every day. But here’s the truth we’ve learned time and time again at Floors2u: it doesn’t matter how expensive or stylish your new floor is, if the subfloor underneath isn’t right, the job will never last.
What Do We Mean by Subfloor?
The subfloor is basically the surface your new flooring is laid on. That might be concrete, floorboards, chipboard, or screed. A lot of homeowners don’t think much about it, but as fitters, we know it’s the foundation of the whole job.
Put a premium vinyl or real wood floor on top of a poor subfloor, and you’ll get movement, gaps, creaks, or even damage within months. That’s why professional preparation is so important.
Why Subfloor Prep Matters
- Level Surface
Floors need a flat, even base. If your subfloor is uneven, you’ll feel dips and bumps underfoot. In some cases, boards can crack or joints can fail because of the pressure points. - Moisture Control
Bathrooms, kitchens, and ground floors are notorious for hidden damp. Without the right damp-proof membranes or primers, moisture will seep up and ruin laminate, vinyl, or wood. We’ve seen floors buckle and stain simply because the prep wasn’t done right. - Longevity
A properly prepped subfloor means your floor lasts. Skip the prep and you could halve the life of your new floor. It’s that simple.
Understanding Subfloor Materials
Different subfloors demand different approaches. Concrete floors may require grinding or patching; timber floors often need reinforcing or screwing down to prevent creaks; old chipboard or plywood might need moisture sealing.
Even subtle differences, like an old screed that’s dried unevenly, can affect how a vinyl or wood floor sits. A trained fitter can spot these issues and apply the right techniques before the new floor even arrives.
The Importance of Expansion Gaps
Floors are not static. They expand and contract with temperature and humidity. Without the correct subfloor prep and careful allowance for expansion gaps, even a perfectly level floor can buckle or split. Professional fitters know where to leave gaps and how to seal edges to prevent future damage while keeping the aesthetic flawless.
Common Issues We Fix Before Fitting
- Uneven concrete: We often use a self-levelling compound to smooth things out before fitting vinyl or laminate.
- Loose floorboards: These need to be screwed down properly, otherwise the new floor will creak from day one.
- Old adhesives: Leftover glue from old tiles can show through thinner floors if not removed.
- Moisture readings: We check for damp with the right kit—guesswork isn’t good enough.
This is the kind of detail that separates a DIY job from a professional one.
Why It Pays to Use Professional Fitters
Plenty of people try to save money by laying flooring themselves, and sometimes it works fine. But most of the “flooring disasters” we’re called in to fix come down to one thing: poor preparation.
At Floors2u, we don’t just supply flooring—we fit it properly. That means checking the subfloor, carrying out the right prep, and making sure the surface is ready before a single plank goes down. It might take a bit more time up front, but it saves years of hassle later.
Final Word
The subfloor is like the foundations of a house: you don’t see it, but if it’s not right, nothing else will be. So before you choose your new vinyl, laminate, or real wood flooring, make sure the surface beneath is sound.
If you want the job done properly, talk to the fitting team at Floors2u. We’ll handle the preparation, the fitting, and the finishing touches—so you can enjoy a floor that not only looks great but stands the test of time.
