The first thing you need to do is completely remove the existing floor covering and assess the damage below. In some cases, you’ll only need to replace a small section. Other times, you’ll need to replace the entire thing. You might also think about doing some preventative maintenance, as you probably won’t see this part of your house again for quite awhile. Remember to check existing floor joists as well. These may need to be replaced in order to properly hold up the sub-flooring and the floor covering.

Now, you need to decide what type of material you want to use. Most homeowners opt for plywood flooring, while others want something a little heavier and go with a laminated wood. Check prices at your local lumberyards and compare prices. You might find a deal you just can’t pass up. Keep in mind the area you’ll be working on, as materials used in basements might not be best for upper levels of your home. Think about the type of flooring you’ll be placing over the top of your sub-floor, when making your choice. What might work with carpeting, might not work for ceramic tiles.

When putting in your sub-flooring, make sure to stagger your wood, such as you would in building a brick wall. By not having all your seams in exact lines, you give your sub-floor more stability. Make sure all your corners are covered and check your work with a level just to make sure the whole room sets right. You might also walk across the sub-flooring first, and feel for any imperfections. Now you’re ready to add your floor covering.

If you’re going to take the time to add new floor coverings to your home, take the time to do it right. A perfect sub-flooring is essential to keeping your new coverings in good condition. Give that room the floor you’ve always dreamed of, by making sure that the sub-floor is in its prime.