Floor prep

Good flooring starts underneath it

Learn how to evaluate, prepare and correct the surface before installation.

Prep topics

Most flooring failures trace back to the surface underneath. These are the areas that decide how the finished floor performs.

Plywood, OSB and concrete — what each one demands before flooring goes down.

How to check flatness and what tolerance your flooring type expects.

When a leveling compound is the right fix and how to plan the pour.

Filling low spots, seams, fastener holes and small defects.

Removing high spots, ridges and old adhesive.

Testing concrete and wood, and managing moisture before install.