Flooring and Subfloor Preparation
Prepare for faster, smarter floor and subfloor installations
Our subfloor range provides a complete system including damp proof membranes, primers, repair mortars and smoothing compounds - all developed to help flooring contractors overcome the many challenges found on site today.
Correct subfloor preparation ensures the highest quality floor finishes. Even the best design and flooring materials will deliver poor results if the subfloor is not properly prepared. These easy-to-use solutions work together to improve and accelerate floor preparation.
Bostik products are formulated to meet the demands of the most challenging projects - whether you need a smoothing compound for floor coverings that highlight the slightest surface imperfection, substrate consolidation for durability and longevity, or a membrane to control excessive moisture.
Subfloor repair and preparation tips for a flawless install
Common issues and how to resolve them
Identification of the substrate is key in understanding the process and products to be applied.
Ineffective subfloor preparation often leads to flooring failure. Correctly preparing the subfloor will ensure a successful installation. Testing thoroughly before installation will highlight the required steps. Skipping moisture testing or failing to apply an appropriate damp proof membrane can cause new flooring to fail. Even minor subfloor imperfections will likely show through floor coverings.
Step-by-step prep checklist
After moisture testing, if readings exceed the acceptable limits for your chosen flooring type, apply a damp proof membrane. Ensure a clean, structurally sound surface free from contaminants. The use of an appropriate primer will ensure proper adhesion of smoothing compounds. Bostik's smoothing compounds create a smooth base for the adhesive and the final floor covering.
Learn more at the Bostik Academy
The Bostik Academy is our training facility where professionals learn through hands-on workshops. Our technical experts demonstrate specialist methods for working with a variety of materials.
Each session combines practical demonstrations with real-world scenarios, ensuring participants develop comprehensive skills for a wide range of flooring challenges.
Frequently asked questions
A subfloor is the structural base providing stability and support for finished the flooring. It creates a smooth, level surface for subsequent floor coverings.
There isn’t one “best” type of flooring for any subfloor. The right choice depends onthe demands of the space in which it’s being installed. Both concrete and timber-based subfloors can accommodate a wide variety of flooring types when correctly prepared. Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the subfloor meets the required standards before installation.
A subfloor provides the foundational layer in preparation to receive the floor covering, while flooring is the visible finished surface you walk on and which delivers the desired aesthetic and finish.