Flooring and Subflooring
When it comes to making a house a home, flooring is one of the most effective design choices you can make. But there is an unsung hero behind every gorgeous wood floor and subfloor. Whether you’re opting for traditional oak boards, or one of the newer LVT or parquet flooring options, the subfloor that you’re going to lay on top will more than likely be conceal conditions you hadn’t anticipated.
We’ll help you understand everything flooring and subflooring in this complete primer. Material, type, installation, you name it: we cover the details alongside a narrow your search of terms that will help any homeowner searching to install the wood flooring in their property in the UK.
What Is Flooring and Subflooring?
Let’s start with the basics.
When it comes to your home’s flooring, think about the surface you actually want to see and feel beneath your feet — and there are plenty of options. It’s what makes your space look pretty and feel cozy.
The subflooring, meanwhile, is the layer that sits beneath your main flooring. He gives you a solid foundation to support all of the weight of the springs and your little ones as they bounce.
Without a flat and solid subfloor, hardwood parquet engineered wood floor is prone to becoming uneven, creaky, or damaged.flooring and subflooring
Your Subfloor Matters When it Comes to Wood Floor Fitting
The way to think of your subfloor is as the foundation of a house. If the base is not stable and level, the house of cards will all come tumbling down. Here’s why you should be paying more attention to subflooring when laying a new floor:
Stops from sagging or lumpy portions
Reduces noise and movement
Resistant to humidity and mould
Keeps the floor above longer-lasting
Subfloor concerns are the cause of many flooring failures. Even the highest-quality parquet engineered wood flooring will not perform well if the subfloor is not adequately prepared.flooring and subflooring
Types of Subfloor Materials
In the UK the most common materials used as subfloors are:
Plywood
Good option for most wood floor projects. Plywood subfloors are stable and simple to work with.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
OSB is cheaper than plywood but performs just as well in high-moisture conditions.
Concrete
Frequently in new constructions / first floors. Concrete is tough but you may need levelers or a moisture barrier before you put down wood flooring.
Old Floorboards
In some period houses the existing floorboards may act as the subfloor. These can be effective, but can often require re-securing and/or levelling.flooring and subflooring
Wood Floor Fitting: How to Prepare the Subfloor
Here’s what you need to know to ensure that your subfloor is prepared for premium materials such as parquet engineered wood flooring:
✔ Clean and Clear
Use a screwdriver to scrape any garbage, nails or staples that old floors left behind.
✔ Flat and Level
Level, checking for dips or humps with a spirits level. Acceptable tolerance for engineered flooring is a maximum variance of 3mm in a 2 metre length.
✔ Dry
Wood hates moisture. Moisture testing is crucial, especially if you’re installing on concrete subfloors.
✔ Sound and Secure
Replace or secure any loose or creaky boards. What’s a squeaky floor today could be a disaster tomorrow.
Understanding Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring
Let’s take a look at what’s become one of the chicest options in contemporary flooring: parquet engineered wood flooring.
A marriage of traditional beauty and modern performance, parquet engineered flooring emulates traditional parquet patterns (specifically herringbone and chevron) but with a layered construction. Better stability, less sensitivity to humidity, and the possibility of being suitable for underfloor heating — it is all ideal for British homes.
Advantages of Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring
Stylish: The detailed pattern adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Versatility: They can go in living rooms and hallways, and even bedrooms.
Durable: Pan is made from heavy gauge steel to prevent warping and allow even heat distribution.
Environmentally Friendly: Fewer trees are used in the production of engineered parquet while providing the same lavish appearance as solid parquet.
When properly installed over suitable subflooring, parquet engineered wood flooring can be enjoyed for generations and will add substantial value to any home or building.flooring and subflooring
Tips on fitting: Do your flooring and subflooring get along?
Ideally, your flooring and subflooring will function as a team. Here’s how to make sure that it does:
Choose the Right Underlay
Underlays can help to damp sound, improve heat insulation and ferm barriers to moisture. Engineered parquet Underlays Made especially for engineered parquet.
Acclimatise Your Flooring
Allow your engineered planks to rest in the room for 48-72 hours prior to installation in order to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room.
Secure Fitting
Glue-Down, Nail-Down, or Floated installation goes over most existing surfaces including concrete, wood and vinyl with the exception of carpet.
Account for Expansion Gaps
Engineered wood requires a bit of room to expand and contract. Ensure an approximate 10-15mm gap is left around the perimeter of the room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even people who know what they’re doing can get tripped up. The following are some common failure points:
Failure to consider moisture in concrete subfloors
Not leveling the subfloor right
The wrong adhesives or underlays provisions Being economical can also be wasteful when cheaper adhesives and underlays are used.
Refusing to let parquet engineered wood flooring acclimatise
Steering clear from these errors can make the difference between a good finish and an expensive paint job.
Flooring and Subflooring Throughout the House
Every part of your home has specific needs. This is how to think about flooring and subflooring, room by room:
Living Room & Hallways
A parquet engineered wood floor is perfect for these high traffic areas, where the distinct pattern of the parquet adds a touch of heritage and tradition to any room. Plywood subfloors do well here.
Bedrooms
Floating installation over a sound-insulating underlay creates a quiet, cosy floor.
Kitchens & Utility Rooms
Be cautious with moisture. You can dance on engineered wood, but only with a moisture barrier and perfectly tight joints.
Bathrooms
Usually not ideal for wood flooring but waterproof LVT may be available to imitate parquet desperately.
Finding a Wood Floor Fitter in for Your Job
Although do-it-yourself installation is an option we always recommend that you work with a reputable professional, especially when working with both the flooring and the subflooring.
A professional fitter will:
- Perform a thorough sub-floor examination
- Recommend the right materials
- Flawless Fitting of Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring Get the best services for parquet engineered wood flooring fitting.
- Save you time, hassle and potential additional repair costs later. flooring and subflooring
Why Subflooring Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
For many of us, the colour, texture and style of our flooring is our focus, and it’s no wonder. But when subflooring isn’t adequately addressed, even the loveliest parquet engineered wood flooring can cheesecake.
Consider subflooring the canvas that becomes your interior masterpiece. Don’t skimp here — spend the time and resources to get it right.
Conclusion: Bottom-Up Architecture
Wood flooring? The image underfoot is as significant as the view at eye level. By paying attention to both the flooring on top and the subfloor underneath, you can create long-standing, lovely, and high functional spaces.
Whether you’re re-modeling your home or building it from the ground up, don’t overlook the importance of subflooring for the perfect final touch. And when you want room-brightening looks and performance to match, parquet engineered wood flooring stands tall as one of the premier options on the market — especially over a solid foundation.
Ready to upgrade your floors? Get in touch with our team off professional tradespeople today for advice and installation that keeps on keeping on.
