Before a single plank goes down, the subfloor has to be firm and flat. When it is not, the low spots can show up later as gaps, squeaks, or a floor that fails before its time. Here is why the prep matters, and how a self-leveler fixes it.
The subfloor is where most plank jobs are made or lost. Here are the two ways to make sure yours is firm and flat before the plank goes down.
We handle the prep the big box route often skips. We get the subfloor firm and flat, fill the low spots with self-leveler, and put your vinyl plank down so it holds up for years. Start by browsing our plank and we will take it from there.
Putting plank down yourself can work, but the subfloor is where DIY jobs tend to go wrong. Before you start, give us a call and we can talk through what your subfloor needs, so you do not find out about the low spots after the plank is already down.
Ken Fain shows the self-leveler he reaches for and explains the two rules he never breaks when he is putting down plank flooring.
Vinyl plank needs two things under it, firm and flat. Those are Ken's two most important rules for plank flooring. When the subfloor has low spots, the plank has nothing solid to sit on in those places.
That is where the trouble starts. Low spots can turn into gaps between planks, squeaks underfoot, or a floor that fails earlier than it should.
The good news is that most of the time it is fixable. A self-leveler like Ken's favorite, Maxxon Level EZ, pours out into a smooth, flat surface. Often you do not even need to cover the whole floor, just the low spots.
At Island Carpet Tile & Hardwoods, we do not skip the subfloor. Before your vinyl plank goes down, we make sure the surface is firm and flat, the step big box stores often leave out. That prep is a big reason your floor holds up over the years.
There is a huge selection of vinyl plank out there, but only a handful are really right for a given home. Our job is helping you pick the right plank and making sure the floor under it is ready for it.
It all starts with the subfloor. Call us or visit our Middletown showroom and we will make sure your floor is prepped right and your plank is one that lasts.
