09 Jan How to Choose the Right Subfloor for Hardwood, Laminate, or Engineered Floors

A subfloor is the structural layer of flooring that lies between your floor joists and your visible flooring. The purpose of a subfloor is to provide an even, stable, flat, and strong foundation for your home’s finished flooring. Your subfloor prevents sagging and squeaks, provides support, and even extends the life of the flooring above it. 

When you consider all that your floor endures, from heavy furniture and appliances to constant foot traffic, a strong, stable, and supportive subfloor is essential. But not all subfloors are created equal. It’s important to the integrity of your finished floor that you use the correct type of subfloor. Whether hardwood, laminate, or engineered floors, you need the right flooring base for the job. 

In addition to your finished floor material, the foundation of your home also matters. If your home is built on a slab foundation or has a basement or a crawl space, you will need to do some prep work before you install a subfloor. 

Types of Subfloor

While you never see what’s beneath your finished floor, that base does have a very important job. The type of subfloor impacts everything from moisture resistance to durability, and even the method of installation. But what are the different types, and how do you choose the right subfloor for hardwood, laminate, or engineered floors? 

There are three basic types of subfloor. They are:

• Plywood
• Oriented Strand Board, or OSB
• Concrete

Plywood and OSB are the most common subflooring materials. Concrete requires some prep work to guard against moisture and ensure it’s level. Here are the best choices for hardwood, laminate, and engineered flooring.

Hardwood

The best subfloor for hardwood is tongue-and-groove plywood. Plywood provides excellent stability, is highly moisture-resistant, and makes a strong base that prevents the squeaking and sagging that can be common with hardwood flooring. OSB is a more budget-friendly alternative to plywood, but plywood offers better protection from moisture and makes for easier and more even installation.

Laminate

Laminate floors require a little extra cushion to perform at their peak. That’s why most flooring experts agree that plywood with an underlayment, a material that goes between the subfloor and finished floor, offers the most durable and level base for laminate floors.

You may also install laminate over concrete, but, again, an underlayment is required to prevent moisture. Concrete slabs are known to be moisture-prone, so if you’re installing your laminate in the basement or on a slab foundation, be sure to install an underlayment.

Engineered Floors

The best subfloor for engineered floors is one that provides a structurally sound base, enhanced stability, and maintains a level foundation. If you’re thinking plywood, you would be correct. But OSB is also an excellent choice and is easier on the budget than plywood. 

If you’re installing your engineered floor on top of a concrete slab, you will need to protect against moisture by treating the concrete and installing an underlayment. Some experts consider plywood or OSB as a good choice for underlayment on a concrete slab. However, these subfloors may elevate your finished floor. It’s best to speak with an installation expert or project manager at Seiffert Building Supplies.

Do Subfloors Always Need an Underlayment?

As you see, some floors do require an underlayment, if only to protect against the damaging effects of moisture. In some cases, such as laminate with attached padding, you may get by without an underlayment. But, in all cases, an underlayment is beneficial to the integrity of your hardwood, laminate, or engineered floors. It’s highly recommended that you use underlayment when the following applies:

• Concrete Subfloors
• Uneven Subfloors
• Moisture Prone Areas
• Multi-Story Homes for Noise Reduction

There are several different types of underlayment depending on your type of subflooring and finished floor. The most common are foam, cork, rubber, cement board, and plywood. Speak with an expert regarding the type of underlayment you may need.

If You Have Questions, We Have Answers

At Seiffert Building Supplies, we have expertise and experience in flooring installation throughout the Quad Cities. If you are installing a new floor and have questions regarding subfloors and underlayment, or anything else, please contact Seiffert Building Supplies.

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