Step-by-step guide “Preparing the base for a subfloor”
Proper preparation of the base for a subfloor is an important stage that ensures the strength and durability of the entire flooring system. Regardless of whether your floor will be wooden, concrete, or tiled, it is essential to create a high-quality and level base to avoid installation and operational issues in the future. In this guide, you will find detailed steps that will help you prepare the base for a subfloor, taking into account all key aspects. By following this guide, you will ensure a reliable foundation for the next stage of renovation or construction.
Cleaning and surface preparation
Removing debris and dust. Before starting base preparation, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of all construction waste, dust, and dirt. Use a broom, vacuum cleaner, or industrial blower to remove small particles. This will ensure good adhesion of materials to the base and prevent defects from forming.
Leveling minor defects. After cleaning, inspect the surface for cracks, chips, or other minor defects. These areas must be filled with special construction compounds such as putty or concrete mortar, depending on the type of base. Leveling is important because it helps avoid unevenness and ensures a stable base for the subfloor.
Laying the concrete layer
Concrete preparation. For laying a subfloor, it is recommended to use concrete of grade M200 or higher. When preparing the mix, the correct proportions of cement, sand, crushed stone, and water must be observed. Ready-made mixes can be used by following the instructions on the packaging. It is important that the concrete mix is sufficiently plastic for easy placement and even distribution.
Pouring the concrete layer. After preparing the concrete, begin pouring the mix onto the cleaned and leveled surface. Use a screed rule (a long straight tool) to evenly distribute the concrete by drawing it across the surface. After the concrete has been evenly spread, check its level using a spirit level. If necessary, add or remove material to achieve perfect horizontality.
Finishing works
Concrete curing. After the concrete has been poured, cover it with plastic film to prevent rapid drying and to retain the required moisture. This will help avoid cracking and other defects. Moisten the surface for 3–5 days by spraying it with water, especially in hot weather, to ensure proper concrete hydration and improve its strength.
Checking the base quality. Before laying finishing floor coverings such as tiles, linoleum, or parquet, it is important to check the evenness and strength of the concrete base. Use a level and a screed rule to identify uneven areas. If the surface is not perfectly level, grinding or leveling compounds can be used to eliminate defects. Strength testing ensures that the base will withstand further loads and will not cause damage to the finish.
Proper preparation of the base for a subfloor is a crucial stage of construction work that ensures the durability and stability of the finished flooring. Pay attention to each step, from cleaning and leveling the surface to curing the concrete. Following these recommendations guarantees high-quality results and long-term reliability of your floor.
Instructions for using the checklist “Preparing the base for a subfloor”
- Work planning: Read the checklist in advance to prepare for all stages of the work. Make sure you have all necessary materials and tools.
- Step-by-step execution: Follow the checklist steps sequentially, completing each task one by one. This will help you avoid missing important points and prevent mistakes.
- Quality control: At each stage, check whether the completed work meets the specified requirements. If necessary, repeat inspection or adjustments.
- Completion: After completing all steps, make sure the concrete layer is level, strong, and capable of withstanding further loads.
