What is Subflooring?

Subflooring is defined as the base flooring that is provided beneath a finished floor. Hence, this is the floor layer that supports the finished floor and provides strength and durability. It not only acts as a support system but also facilitates many facilities and features of the space which is explained below.

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The subfloor hence can be considered as a foundation that is provided beneath the flooring. For a wood-frame floor, a subflooring forms a continuous structural surface over the floor joists.  For basements and homes with slab-on-grade foundations, the subfloor forma s simple concrete slab.

Note* A subflooring system must not be confused with underlayment or tile backer or cement boards. These are used to create a layer between the subfloor and the finish flooring.

Read On: Difference between Subbase and Subgrade

Features of Subflooring for Building Floors

It is one of the important structural component that provides rigidity for the floor structure. All subflooring system supports live loads, and the weight of the floor finishes coming over it. 

Advantages of Subflooring

1. Subflooring provides support for the finished floor system.
2. Subflooring helps to prevent creaks and other noises that are heard in the floors.
3. Subflooring space can act as a conduit area for the features of the floors, heating or air conditioning ducts.
4. Subflooring can be constructed along with an electrical panel grid to provide overall floor heating.

Applications of Subflooring System

1. Subflooring can be used for radiant heat, floating floor or sprung floors.
2. They can be constructed for raised floor system also.

Also Read: Difference between Formwork and Falsework in Construction