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subfloor

subfloor

1 4.9
A layer of material under the finished floor that supports it
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌbˌflɔr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subsuelo
  • The contractor examined the subfloor to ensure it was stable before installing the new flooring.
  • plywood subfloor
  • subfloor heating

Examples

  • Such subfloor heating technology was previously unknown in the North American Arctic.

    Academic text (2007)
  • I live in a 70-year-old building with concrete subfloors.

    Blog text (6)
  • We gutted our entire kitchen, so we had a ton of drywall and rotted subfloor, among other things.

    Blog text (28)
  • Workers are tearing out the hardwood floors and subfloors.

    Blog text (19)
  • Moreover, the subfloor channels funneled heat or possibly steam to warm the house floors, and in one instance may have been used to convey smoke for preserving fish.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Parquet is the method of arranging pieces of wood in geometric patterns (herringbone and diamond being the most common) and affixing the pieces to the subfloor with tiny nails.

    Blog text (22)
  • To avoid squeaks, it's important to secure the subfloor tightly to the floor joists.

  • A proper subfloor installation enhances the durability of the finished flooring above.

Synonyms

subflooring
vssubfloor
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A layer of material under the finished floor that supports it

focuses more on overall support and stability than installation base
underlay
vssubfloor
1 4.6

A thin layer placed under a carpet or floor to make it softer and warmer

acts as the solid supporting layer instead of soft cushioning material
underlayment
vssubfloor
  • Specialized
7.3

A thin pad that goes under a floor or carpet to make it warmer and quieter

is the main structural layer providing stability rather than insulation or padding

How Supportive

floor joist
  • Specialized
1 5.2
subfloor
  • Specialized
1 4.9
underlayment
  • Specialized
7.3

Surface Forms

subfloor singular
subfloors plural

Morphology

subfloor = floor (transparent) = sub + floor

The meaning is clearly derived from 'sub' (beneath) + 'floor', indicating a layer beneath the main floor.

Etymology

Subfloor starts with sub- meaning 'under' and ends with floor, the surface you walk on. So a subfloor is the layer 'under' the finished floor that gives support and keeps the floor level and stable.