The subfloor is the structural layer of flooring nailed or screwed directly to the floor joists. In most Pacific Northwest homes, it's ¾-inch tongue-and-groove plywood or OSB.
In practice
You'd see this when a homeowner in Washougal, WA has CRM Services install new LVP flooring and the crew discovers a soft spot near the dishwasher.
Why it matters
Directly relevant to any flooring project.
Common questions
Why does the subfloor matter if I'm just replacing flooring?+
If the subfloor is soft, squeaky, uneven, or water-damaged, those problems will telegraph through your new flooring.
How do I know if my subfloor needs to be replaced?+
Soft spots, visible water staining, squeaking, or springy floors are all signs.
Need this done right?
Talk to a real contractor.
Free onsite consultation and a line-item estimate you can actually read.