How can I properly prepare my poor-condition subfloor for vinyl plank flooring installation and address a musty odor, as well as handle a raised base of a newel post after laying the new flooring?
Asked by Noemie Berger 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I’m thinking about putting vinyl plank flooring on my floors and stairs. I have a couple of concerns I could use some advice on. Firstly, my subfloor is in pretty bad shape with paint and drywall residue and a funky smell. What’s the best way to prep it? Should I seal it with Kilz/sealer or just use underlayment to get rid of the odor? Secondly, the base of my first newel post is slightly raised from the floor and I’m not sure what to do about it once I put down the new flooring. I’m considering either updating the railing completely or adding some wood trim around the post and painting it to match. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
If necessary, consider adding new plywood on top of the old subfloor to build it up. This will help address any issues with height differences, as the plywood will lay on top allowing you to install your flooring and baseboards or shoe trim.
Thanks a lot, !
I agree with this idea too! You can find thin plywood sheets at home improvement stores specifically for this. Just glue them to the existing subfloor and nail them down to the floor joists using ring shank floor nails. You can usually tell where the joists are located by looking at the nails in the current subfloor.
Hey there! Consider checking out Lauan sheets for your project – they’re less likely to raise the floor too much and cause issues with your doors.
👍🏽 Use Kilz first, then add the underlayment.
Thanks a lot, !
Use a floor scraper to remove any drywall bits and find any nail heads that need to be addressed. For the flooring, ensure you have a relatively flat surface to work with to prevent cracking or splitting. If there is an odor, investigate the source to determine if it needs to be addressed. Sealing it with a primer like Kilz original or another product that seals odors can help. Adding base trim around the post base can enhance the overall look.
Hey Danny, this house is around 30 years old and seems to have had some pets here before we moved in. I’ll check for any mold or leaks. Thanks for your advice!
Wow, only 30 years? Mine is over 80 years old! 😂😂😂
They just don’t make them like they used to! 👍
When prepping your subfloor, start by thoroughly cleaning it to remove any paint or drywall compound. Applying a sealer like Kilz can help seal in odors and provide a clean, stable surface for the vinyl planks. Using underlayment can also help control odors and create a smoother base. When it comes to the newel post, consider adding custom wood trim that complements the new flooring and painting it to match for a simpler and more aesthetically pleasing look. Are you also doing any remodeling around the house?
Hey Julie! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve changed all the window trim to a more simple craftsman style. Next up on the list is the floor and stairs, followed by replacing the old single panel doors. It’s definitely a learning experience that renovations really do take time!
Awesome! It looks fantastic! If you need help finding contractors for tile or floor installation, just shoot an email to support@1bidpro.com. I’ll give you a rundown of your remodeling project and what to anticipate from contractors, which can prevent you from getting ripped off. I can also give you an estimate of how long a job might take.
For any new flooring project, I always recommend installing a new subfloor. Using a ¼ inch thick underlayment will make it much easier to install the laminate flooring. Make sure to properly prep the old floor by scraping and vacuuming it first.