A wood subfloor can support engineered flooring only when the structure and surface meet the installation requirements. Prep should be evaluated before the finished plank is chosen solely for appearance.
Check the structure
Ask about panel type, thickness, joist spacing, squeaks, and vertical movement. Covering a loose or deflecting base will not make it sound.
Measure flatness
A floor need not always be perfectly level, but it does need to meet the flatness tolerance for the selected installation method. High and low areas should be mapped before installation.
Check moisture and compatibility
Wood subfloor moisture should be evaluated in relation to the engineered flooring. Any vapor retarder, underlayment, or adhesive must be appropriate for the method and product.
A practical checklist
- Inspect panels and movement.
- Map flatness against the product tolerance.
- Review moisture and underlayment requirements.
Will thick underlayment fix a squeaky subfloor?
It should not be used to hide an unsound substrate; structural or fastening issues need to be addressed first.
General planning information. Site conditions and the selected manufacturer's instructions determine the installation details.