How to Install a Floor Underlayment to Wood Subfloors

Installing underlayment is what is done to very damaged floors before you lay a new floor on top. Most highly damaged floors that can't be ripped up should have 1/4-inch plywood nailed down over it. For concrete and wood subfloors, the only thing needed for underlayment is an embossing leveler compound. The leveler will fill cracks and blemishes on the wood subfloor and provide a level floor to apply your new floor on to the top.

Things You'll Need

• Embossing leveler compound
• Crowbar
• Mop
• Squeegee
• Bucket
• Water

Instructions

1. Pry off all the wooden baseboards around the perimeter of the room with the crowbar.

2. Mop and clean the entire floor surface.

3. Mix the embossing leveler compound in a bucket. Follow the label; most embossing leveler compounds require a 5-to-1 ratio of water to leveler solution.

4. Pour a small amount of the solution in the corner opposite of the room exit. Spread the leveler solution out evenly with a squeegee. Continue this until you have the entire floor covered.

5. Allow the solution to level and harden for 24 hours.

References

• Apply Floor Leveler