Preparing subfloor for hardwood floor installation

Manhattan · Brooklyn · Queens · Bronx · Staten Island · Nassau · Suffolk

Subfloor repair and preparation in NYC and Long Island

Demolition, subfloor preparation, and hardwood repairs so new installs and refinishes last, for homes and businesses across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk. Gemini Floor Services is a family-owned flooring company — not a franchise — and a licensed and insured flooring contractor, with a 5-year workmanship warranty. Call (718) 690-3435 for the five boroughs, (516) 209-6998 for Nassau or (631) 739-8353 for Suffolk.

30+ years in the industry Licensed & insured 5-year workmanship warranty Family owned — not a franchise

Why the subfloor comes first

Solid hardwood — classic strip and plank — is nailed or stapled to a proper plywood subfloor. Engineered hardwood can be nailed, glued, or floated, and is a better fit for below-grade, concrete, and radiant heat when the product allows.

Either way, we inspect and prepare the subfloor so the new floor goes down smooth and lasts. For floating systems we use cushioning underlayment when the subfloor is less than level.

Subfloor checks after leaks

Before we sand, we check for wet or soft subfloor, lingering moisture, and fasteners that failed when boards cupped. If the subfloor needs repair or drying time, we say so on the free on-site measure — refinishing over active moisture does not last. More on this on our water-damaged floor repair page.

What subfloor work can include

Removal

Tear-out of existing floor materials and efficient disposal.

Subfloor repairs, leveling & underlayment

Listed on every install estimate as its own line so you see the scope.

Install

Tongue-and-groove boards laid from one end of the room; nailed or glued to the subfloor. See hardwood floor installation.

Refinish

When the existing floor is sound, a dust-controlled sand and refinish after repairs.

Brooklyn apartments, co-ops & businesses

Apartments & co-ops get careful tear-out, subfloor prep, and building-friendly scheduling. We work in residences and businesses of all sizes, including offices and shops — see commercial flooring.

Available in all our service areas

Subfloor repair and prep is offered in each area we serve — call the number for yours.

What affects the cost

Subfloor work is scoped by what we find once the old floor is open: how much of the subfloor is loose, damaged or out of level, and whether sections need to be replaced or just refastened and leveled. Tear-out and disposal of the existing floor, past water damage, and the square footage involved all shape the quote. The final quote is confirmed on site; for a planning number first, get an instant preliminary estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Do you repair the subfloor before installing hardwood?

Yes. We inspect and prepare the subfloor so the new floor goes down smooth and lasts. Subfloor repairs, leveling, and underlayment are scoped on the estimate.

Can you check the subfloor after water damage?

Yes. We check for wet or soft subfloor, lingering moisture, and failed fasteners. If the subfloor needs repair or drying time, we say so on the free on-site measure.

Is solid or engineered better over my subfloor?

Solid hardwood is nailed or stapled to a proper plywood subfloor. Engineered hardwood can be nailed, glued, or floated and suits below-grade, concrete, and radiant heat when the product allows. We confirm species, thickness, and fastening on the estimate.

How do I get a quote?

Use the Instant Preliminary Estimate for a planning number; your final quote is confirmed after a free on-site measure.

See what our customers say

Get a subfloor repair estimate Primary phone for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx & Queens: (718) 690-3435. Shop: 229 Sumter St, Brooklyn NY 11233. Call (718) 690-3435 Instant Preliminary Estimate
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