Installing new floors? What about your old floors that need to be ripped out?

What’s underneath? Do you need to do additional work the underlying flooring before installing new wooden flooring or carpets on top?

Don’t forget about the need to remove the old flooring and handle the resulting debris. Proper disposal of builders’ waste is crucial, so consider how you will manage and dispose of the rubble responsibly to comply with local regulations and maintain a clean environment.

When preparing your floors for new installations such as a warm winter carpet, vinyl flooring, or laminate flooring, several essential steps need to be followed to ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting results.

First, the old flooring must be carefully disassembled, taking care to remove any adhesives, nails, or staples. Then, the subfloor needs to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared, ensuring it is level, dry, and free from any debris or residue that could affect the installation of the new floor covering.

Finally, the removed flooring materials must be properly disposed of, either through recycling or waste management services, to clear the space for the new installation.

When preparing your floors for new installations such as a warm winter carpet, vinyl flooring, or laminate flooring, several essential steps need to be followed to ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting results.

First, the old flooring must be carefully disassembled, taking care to remove any adhesives, nails, or staples. Then, the subfloor needs to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared, ensuring it is level, dry, and free from any debris or residue that could affect the installation of the new floor covering. Finally, the removed flooring materials must be properly disposed of, either through recycling or waste management services, to clear the space for the new installation.

Before choosing to appoint someone to install your new flooring, you must consider the following.

Which Sub Structure / Sub Floor:

Which base floor layer is the installation being done on top of ?

Floor Cleaning:

Does your floor need work before applying a new wooden floor or carpet on top? Ensure the floor is clean, dry, and free of any debris or previous adhesives.

Underlay:

A high-quality underlay should be installed to provide comfort and insulation, also known as an underlayment, is a layer of material placed between the subfloor and the floor covering (such as carpet, vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring). The purpose of the underlay is to provide a range of benefits that enhance the performance and comfort of the finished floor.

Check for Levelling:

Verify that the subfloor is 100% level. Any irregularities can affect the carpet’s appearance and durability.

Moisture Barrier:

If you’re installing vinyl flooring, a moisture barrier may be necessary to prevent damage.

Improving Poor Substructure If Required

If the substructure or under-layer of your floor is poor and needs improvement, there will be a process to followed to get the floor ready prior to installing a new wooden floor or carpet.

• Assessment: Identify areas that are damaged, uneven, or weak.
• Replacement / part replacement of damaged surfaces if needed.
• Reinforcement: Reinforce weak areas with additional support structures.
• Levelling: Ensure your contractor uses the correct self-levelling compound to ensure the floor is completely level. This may require considerable work and precise measurement. (please ensure this is done by a professional)

Drying Time: Allow sufficient time for any new underlayers, adhesives, or levelling compounds to dry and cure properly. This can take several days depending on the materials used.

Average Timelines and Skills Required

The average timeline for floor preparation and installation can vary:

Inspection and Preparation: 1-2 days

Substructure Improvement: 2-5 days (including drying time & subject to availability)

Floor Removal: 1-2 days (subject to size, number of rooms, scope of work and subject to availability)

Installation: This can be anything from 2-30 days + subject to size, number of rooms, type of floor, and subject to availability.

Skills and Manpower

Skills Needed: Carpentry, basic plumbing (if dealing with moisture barriers), and experience with flooring installations.

Team Size: Typically, a team of 3-4 skilled workers is required for efficient completion of the job.

Transport: You will require a large vehicle and man power to remove old flooring and dispose of it.

Why Not DIY?

Attempting this as a DIY project can take 10 times longer due to the complexity and precision required. Professional installers have the experience and tools necessary to ensure a high-quality finish, this probably ends up being less expensive and can save you and others around you a lot of stress.

Choose TLC Flooring

TLC Flooring is the preferred choice for flooring installation in Cape Town. Here’s why:

Expertise:

Our team has extensive experience in both the removal of old flooring and the installation of new materials.

Efficiency:

We complete projects swiftly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to your home.

Quality Materials:

We use only the best materials to ensure long-lasting results.

Customer Satisfaction:

Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled, ensuring you get the best service possible, read our genuine customer reviews for peach of mind,

For a seamless and stress-free flooring installation, trust TLC Flooring. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see why we’re Cape Town’s top choice for flooring solutions.