Subfloor Replacement
Remove and replace damaged sections before finish flooring is installed.
- Localized replacement
- Level preparation
- Moisture-damage scope
Subfloor Preparation • Jacksonville, FL
Subfloor Preparation & Decking Replacement in Jacksonville, FL
Get the base ready for a new floor: damaged subfloor decking is replaced and the surface is prepared for tile or LVP. Joists, beams and anything load-bearing are structural work for a structural professional.
Free written estimates · Jacksonville, FL
5.0 · 36 Google reviews- Decking replacement
- Structural items referred out
- Tile and LVP preparation
Our subfloor work exists to support the new floor we are installing. Joists, beams, engineering and load-bearing work are not part of our scope.
Written EstimateScope and price before work starts
Workmanship WarrantySee what the warranty coversFree In-Person EstimateWe measure, then put the scope in writing
5.0 · 36 Google ReviewsRated by Jacksonville homeownersOverview
Sound finish work starts with a sound base
Water, movement and age can leave a floor uneven or soft. Before tile or LVP is installed, the subfloor decking is checked and prepared so the new floor goes down on a sound, flat base.
The estimate lists which decking is replaced and what preparation is included. Framing, joist and other structural repairs are not offered by Braga.
Subfloor decking
Damaged sections replaced
Structural items
Referred to a structural pro
Finish preparation
Tile and LVP ready
Scope boundaries
Clearly documented
Signs
Signs the subfloor needs attention
A soft spot by the toilet or the tub, tile that cracks again after it is replaced, a floor that bounces or squeaks, or grout that keeps crumbling in one area usually point to a problem underneath. In Jacksonville this applies mostly to second floors and to older houses on raised floors, such as many in Riverside, Avondale, San Marco and historic St. Augustine. Homes built on a concrete slab do not have a wood subfloor on the ground floor.
The cause is often an old leak, such as a failed toilet wax ring or tub drain. The plumbing repair is done by a plumber first; Braga does not do plumbing.
Standards
How flat and stiff a floor must be for tile or LVP
Tile and plank each have their own requirements. Industry guidelines for tile call for a floor that does not bend too much under load and is flat within tight limits, tighter still for large-format tile and natural stone, which need a stiffer floor than ceramic. Most vinyl plank manufacturers publish their own flatness limit, typically a small fraction of an inch over several feet.
Replacing damaged floor decking and flattening the surface are done so the finish floor meets those limits. Cracked, notched or sagging joists, or anything load-bearing, is structural work: we stop and you bring in a structural professional before we continue.
Materials
Plywood, OSB and cement board
Replacement subfloor is usually tongue-and-groove plywood or OSB, glued and screwed to the joists. Under tile, cement backer board or an uncoupling membrane goes on top of the subfloor; under LVP, the plank goes over the flattened subfloor with the underlayment the manufacturer requires. See tile installation and LVP installation.
Repair Services
Base-building repairs within scope
When It Is Structural
Cracked, notched or sagging joists and anything load-bearing are checked and repaired by a structural professional; we replace the decking and finish the floor afterward.
- Joists referred out
- Decking replaced after
- Finish floor installed
Tile Preparation
Prepare the base for tile with attention to level, transitions and the planned layout.
- Tile-ready base
- Transition details
- Layout planning
LVP Preparation
Prepare subfloor surfaces for luxury vinyl plank installation and trim.
- Flat substrate
- Transitions
- Baseboards
Our Process
How subfloor preparation runs
01
Inspect
We review the accessible floor area and the finish planned above it.
02
Define Scope
The estimate separates repair, preparation and finish work.
03
Repair Base
Approved sections are removed, repaired or replaced.
04
Install Finish
Tile, LVP or trim work proceeds over the prepared base.
Service Areas
Subfloor preparation across Northeast Florida
- Jacksonville
- Ponte Vedra
- Nocatee
- St. Johns
- St. Augustine
- Jacksonville Beach
- Orange Park
- Fleming Island
- Mandarin
- San Jose
- Riverside
- Julington Creek
- Atlantic Beach
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FAQ
Subfloor Preparation Questions
Yes. Damaged subfloor decking can be replaced when it is part of a new floor installation and written into the scope.
No. Framing, joist repair, structural engineering and load-bearing work are not part of what Braga offers. We replace damaged decking and prepare the surface for the new floor.
Yes. Tile and LVP installation can be coordinated after the base is prepared.
Usually the floor underneath flexes or was not flat. Replacing the tile without fixing the base repeats the crack.
Not on the ground floor; the slab is the base. Slabs are ground and leveled instead. Upstairs floors are wood and may need repair.
That is structural work. We stop, you bring in a structural professional, and we finish the floor once it is repaired.
Fix the squeak first. Loose subfloor is re-fastened to the joists before plank goes down; a floating floor will not stop the squeak and may make it louder.
If the floor flexes or the toilet rocks, the subfloor is likely damaged from a slow leak. Have a plumber fix the leak, then we open the floor, replace the damaged section and reinstall the finish floor.
Often yes. Houses on piers with crawl spaces, common in Riverside, San Marco and historic St. Augustine, are checked for soft or uneven boards before any new floor; framing problems go to a structural professional.
Google Reviews
Rated 5.0 by Jacksonville homeowners
5.0 average from 36 reviews on Google
“I had a great experience with this construction company. They were honest, reliable, and did exactly what they promised. The team was professional, hardworking, and paid attention to every detail.”
“We had an overall wonderful experience with Braga Remodeling. They were responsible, professional and communicated well throughout the process.”
“Excellent service and outstanding workmanship! The crew was punctual, respectful, and very knowledgeable throughout the entire project.”
Request a subfloor preparation estimate
Tell us where the floor feels damaged or uneven and what finish you want afterward. Prefer to talk? Call (904) 520-1994 or email braga@bragaremodeling.com.
Call (904) 520-1994