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FLOOR PREPARATION

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION FOR TIMBER FLOORING INSTALLATION

Exclusive to Lifewood installation projects, our in-house subfloor preparation service ensures your floor is installed on a stable, compliant foundation designed for long-term performance.

25+ Years
Industry Experience
ATFA Registered
Certified & Compliant
Full In-House Team
Delivery & Installation

 

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THE ESSENTIAL STEP BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR TIMBER FLOOR

Unlike carpet or tiles, timber flooring requires a subfloor that meets tolerances. If the subfloor is uneven or contains excess moisture, your floorboard’s structure can be affected. 

Our preparation process is designed to provide you with a stable foundation before your timber flooring is installed. 

Site Inspection
Your project begins with a detailed assessment of the condition of your subfloor to determine preparation requirements.
During this assessment, our Site Supervisor will:
  • Evaluate subfloor condition
  • Test moisture levels
  • Identify high and low areas
  • Review site access requirements
  • Determine preparation requirements
  • Assess compliance with ATFA installation standards
Moisture Testing
Moisture is one of the most common causes of timber flooring failure. We test moisture levels during assessment and again before installation.
A moisture barrier is applied to your subfloor during preparation.
Concrete Grinding & Levelling
Most concrete slabs contain minor imperfections requiring correction before installation.
  • Grinding high spots
  • Removing surface contaminants
  • Smoothing rough areas
  • Levelling uneven sections
Self-levelling compounds are used where required to achieve proper tolerances.
Surface Preparation
A clean substrate is essential for direct-stick timber flooring installation.
  • Adhesive residue removal
  • Paint removal
  • Construction debris cleaning
  • Surface contamination removal
Timber & Plywood Subfloor Preparation
Timber and plywood subfloors require a specialised approach for stability and consistency.
  • Sanding joins and edges
  • Surface flattening
  • Fibre-reinforced levelling compounds
These systems reduce movement and ensure a stable foundation for premium timber flooring.

EXISTING FLOORING REMOVAL

Where required, existing floor coverings are removed prior to subfloor preparation and installation. 

Lifewood can coordinate the removal of: 
  • Carpet 
  • Tiles 
  • Hybrid flooring 
  • Laminate flooring 
  • Other suitable floor coverings 

For projects requiring specialist demolition or additional site works, we can recommend trusted trades from our established network to ensure the project progresses smoothly from start to finish. 

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HOW MUCH FLOOR PREPARATION IS TYPICALL REQUIRED?

The extent of floor preparation varies between homes and is determined during your site assessment. 

In many cases, floor prep involves relatively minor corrective work, but subfloor condition, moisture levels, access requirements, existing flooring removal, and the overall construction of the home can influence the scope of work. 

As a general guide, our team can prepare approximately 60m² to 80m² of flooring per day, with most residential projects requiring one to two days of preparation before installation begins. 

Following your consultation, we'll provide a clear preparation plan and timeline tailored to your project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got any questions? Lifewood has you covered. Ask our friendly team over the phone or in-person. We’re happy to help out!

Does every floor need preparation?

Not always. However, because timber flooring requires strict installation tolerances, most subfloors require some level of preparation before installation. 

Can I prepare my floor myself?

We don't recommend it. Subfloor preparation requires specialised equipment, materials, and experience. Incorrect preparation can affect flooring performance, longevity, and warranty compliance. 

How do I know if my floor needs leveling?

A professional site assessment is the most reliable way to determine this. As a guide, ATFA standards require subfloors to be flat within 3mm over a 3 metre span. 

Do you remove existing flooring?

Yes. We can coordinate the removal of existing floor coverings as part of your flooring project where required. 

What happens if my floor doesn't meet ATFA requirements?

An unsuitable subfloor can contribute to issues such as movement, squeaking, adhesion failure, warping, and premature flooring wear. Proper preparation helps minimise these risks and supports long-term flooring performance.

Is floor preparation included in installation pricing?

 Preparation requirements are assessed during the site inspection and itemised within your quotation where required. 

Do you offer floor preparation as a standalone service?

 Floor preparation is generally completed as part of a Lifewood flooring installation project. If you're seeking preparation work only, our team may be able to recommend trusted local trades.