Why Surface Prep Is Important When Converting From Soft To Hard Surface

Surface preparation prep is one of the most critical steps when it comes to preparing your existing floor surface before starting the new installation process. If the floor isn’t prepared correctly, many problems can arise that could have been prevented.

Unprepared flooring can lead to many problems including flooring that peels or bubbles and uneven-looking flooring. These problems can easily be prevented by proper floor prep, before starting. In this article, we will have a look at how to perfectly prepare the floor before you start the remodel.

 

What Is Surface Prep?

If you want a floor that looks great and functions well, it will need to stay flat and bonded. Before you decide if the existing floor needs to be replaced you will need to contact the flooring manufacturer and familiarize yourself with their official guidelines. Once you find out if the floor needs to be removed or can just be installed over the existing floor, you can start preparing the floor.

In either case, you will first need to clean the floor, ensure that the floor is level, and that any adhesives are removed. You will also need to test for moisture tolerances.

Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results:

• Access the job site: Call a qualified installer or estimator to assess the job site conditions to ensure your selection will be a practical fit for your particular space.
• Remove the existing flooring: The existing floor will need to be removed to see the condition of the surface and how damaged it is. If there is any visible damage this must be repaired.

The Importance Of Surface Preparation For Quality Results

The easiest way to update the look of your business is to change the existing flooring. There are so many options to consider. The same surface prep needs to be done for most types of flooring. Whether you are installing vinyl, hardwood, or laminate flooring, it’s vital to prepare the floor correctly.

Preparing the floor can be a very expensive task, that most people forget to factor into their budget. This is especially true for concrete surface preparation. Floor preparation involves leveling, scraping, grinding, sealing, and repairing the surface to bring it to the manufacturer’s requirements to install the new product.

If you don’t prepare the floor correctly it can lead to significant problems including:

• Uneven floor surface
• Poor adherence to the adhesive
• Bubbling and cracking
• Lock system failure you may also lose the warranty from the manufacturer.
• Familiarize yourself with how to prep the floor for tile.

Steps To Convert Soft Surface Floor To Hard Surface

Let’s look at a practical example, converting carpet to hardwood flooring. One of the most popular designs is replacing carpets with hardwood flooring.

1. Remove the existing carpet. Wear a mask to protect yourself from dust and debris.
2. Remove the underlying floor to reveal the subfloors. Clean and vacuum the subfloor and repair any cracks or holes.
3. Fill gaps with joint compound/ drywall mud. The baseboard should be even with no dents, or dings.
4. Lay hardwood underlayment. This will help keep the sound level controlled, this step is important, especially in high foot traffic areas.
5. Install hardwood floor. Select the type of hardwood flooring you wish to use. In this example, we used large panels of wood 80” X 50”. Try different samples until you find your best fit. Choose a design.
6. Each piece will then need to be stapled manually to the subfloor. An expert may be required to complete this step.
7. Install baseboard trim. The hardwood requires a gap between the floor and wall to allow for heat expansion. This gap will be hidden by the baseboard trim.
8. Clean and enjoy your new updated flooring.

Additional Tips For Installing Hardwood Floors

• Install hardwood floors perpendicular to the floor joists, parallel to the longest wall. Leave a ¾ inch expansion gap around the perimeter.
• Keep joints that line up at least two rows apart to avoid joints forming an H.
• Lay out the hardwood before installing it to visualize lengths, wood grain, and the overall look of the design.
• Floor surface preparation is the key to a successful installation process.

Carpet To Go: Meeting All Your Flooring Needs!

Carpet To Go is one of the leading stores for all your flooring needs. Contact us for expert advice on surface prep, installation queries, remnants, refinishing, laminating, and floor protection solutions.

We carry a full line of flooring options to suit your home or business. Your floor is one of the most important aspects of your building that will need to stand up to wear and tear so you need to ensure that it’s durable, functional, and looks appealing. That’s why surface prep is so important.

Give us a call today, don’t let insufficient surface prep be the downfall of your remodel, let us show you how it’s done.