There a several steps to be beard in mind while getting ready for installing a new floor.
Firstly and probably the most important step is creating a list with the tools you might need when physically laid down the floor. Most of us ignores it while preparing for installation, as it is to be considered unimportant. Yet, we will highly recommend prior advising with a carpenter who physically have seen the area, as he will able to give you best pieces of advice. The lack of tools is neither money nor time wise, as well as unwise when choosing the quality of the tools in a rush.
Secondly, in order to avoid any additional cost, you might consider checking your subfloor as detailed as possible. In some cases, due to the fact that it is a hidden section, it might require some reparation work, such as levelling, sanding, or merely cleaning it circumstantially.
Following, perhaps the best way of saving money is by using the same skirting boards as had before, however it requires a very attentive way of removing it from the old floor. The skirting board has to be in good shape in order to be sanded, re-installed or painted again.
Make sure that you withdraw any article that might interfere with the underneath surface of the new floor boards. By cleaning the subfloor, you will facilitate the installation by offering a better expansion gap that is supposed to be covered by the skirting once the latter floor is laid down.
Please allow enough time for the subfloor to dry, as cleaning, fixing, or merely maintaining involves liquid substances. Hence why, according to the individual composition of the substances it might require additional time to become moisture less.
Lastly, another point to be highlighted is with regards to the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE SUBFLOORS. It is necessary that the substrate must fulfill a number of criteria to enable different types of wood floors to function for many years.
The criteria is as follows:
- When installing, the materials, substrate and site must be heated to at least 18°C. The relative humidity in the premises must be lower than 60%.
- The substrate must be clean, solid and dry and provided with the necessary protection against moisture. If you fit the floor on a concert bass, the concert humidity should be max 2%.
- The subfloor must be sufficiently level.
- The EPS foam underlay must have sufficient compression strength.
- The foam sheets must comply with the necessary thickness tolerance. Soft, springy subfloors must be rectified.
Have you any questions on these steps, leave us your comment below.
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FAQ
What is the first step in preparing to install a new floor?
The first step in preparing to install a new floor is to create a list of necessary tools for the job. It is recommended to consult with a carpenter who has seen the area to get the best advice on what tools will be needed. This step is important to save both time and money and to ensure the correct quality of tools is used.
Why is it important to check the subfloor before installing a new floor?
Checking your subfloor in detail can help avoid additional costs. The subfloor, often hidden, may require repair work such as levelling, sanding, or thorough cleaning.
Can I save money by reusing skirting boards?
Yes, you can save money by reusing the same skirting boards. However, they should be removed carefully from the old floor and must be in good condition to be sanded, re-installed, or painted again.
What should I do before laying down new floor boards?
Before laying down new floor boards, remove any items that might interfere with the underneath surface of the new floor. Clean the subfloor to facilitate installation by creating a better expansion gap that will be covered by the skirting once the new floor is laid down. Also, allow sufficient time for the subfloor to dry after cleaning, fixing, or maintenance, as these activities often involve liquid substances.
What are the general requirements for the subfloors?
The substrate must meet several criteria to ensure the longevity of different types of wood floors. These criteria include: maintaining a temperature of at least 18°C and relative humidity below 60% during installation; ensuring the substrate is clean, solid, dry and protected against moisture; having a sufficiently level subfloor; using an EPS foam underlay with sufficient compression strength and complying with the necessary thickness tolerance; and rectifying soft, springy subfloors.