Easy Steps to Install a Floating Subfloor over Concrete in Two Parts

When laying a floating subfloor over concrete, it is important to plan the project, measure the corners of the room, and have all necessary tools on hand. Once you have completed the preparation and measurement, you are ready to begin the installation.

For the actual installation, you should always start in the farthest corner of the room and work outward. Begin by laying out the first row of subflooring flush against two walls and backed into the corner. Continue to lay the entire first row out and, if required, cut the last piece to fit. After the first row is laid out, you should chalk a line onto the floor as a guide for when permanently installing the subfloor.

Before beginning to install the subfloor, pick up all but the first piece and double-check to see if the corner is a true 90 degree square. If it is not, make the appropriate alterations to the flooring pieces to accommodate the corners of the room. When installing, the subfloor should be fit together securely – ensuring the tongue and groove joints of the two pieces create a strong bond.

After laying out the first row, begin installing the subfloor by placing the first piece into the corner of the floor with two sides flush to the walls. Take your second piece and align it next to the first before tapping it into place with a woodblock and hammer. This will create a connection between the two pieces. Double-check the levelness every few pieces to ensure you remain in alignment – shims could be necessary if the row is not level.

Continue this process until the first row is finished. Cut the first piece of the second row to align with the middle of the first piece of the first row and continue installing the second row until it is complete. The seams of the second row should match the seams of the first row, creating a staggered/offset look.

Continue this process for each following row by cutting the first piece every other row and ensuring that the seams of every following row match the seams of the row before it. Throughout the installation, use a level to judge the fit between the pieces and rows and add shims if necessary to ensure the height and alignment is correct.

To ensure your floating subfloor over concrete is laid properly, the most important thing is to plan the project carefully, measure accurately, and check the levelness at regular intervals. With careful planning and execution, the installation of a floating subfloor will provide many years of comfortable use.