I’ve always wondered if I’m being too picky about this, but every time I skip the extra step, something seems to pop up later. Last winter I put down LVP in our basement after what I thought was a pretty thorough sweep and vacuum. Couple months go by, and I notice this one spot where the plank’s got a little give—pulled it up and, sure enough, there was a clump of drywall dust mashed flat like a pancake. You’d think with all the sweeping, then shop vac, it’d be gone, but nope. Now I’m suspicious of every “clean” subfloor.
I get what you’re saying about not doing the full routine on every job, though. Sometimes I feel like I’m prepping for surgery instead of flooring. But those callbacks are brutal—nothing worse than pulling up your own work because of some invisible grit.
Curious if anyone’s tried those sticky tacky pads you walk across before you step onto the deck? I saw someone use them on a jobsite video, but can’t tell if that’s just overkill or actually worth it. I haven’t gone that far yet... usually just the broom, vac, and sometimes a damp mop if it looks dusty.
And yeah, the palm sweep is classic. My kids think it’s hilarious when they catch me crawling around feeling for bumps. Found a penny once—no idea how that got under the underlayment. Makes you wonder what else is lurking down there.
One thing I still can’t decide on: do you guys fill every little divot or just the bigger ones? Sometimes I feel like I’m spackling for hours and other times I just let the underlayment ride over minor stuff. Maybe depends on the flooring type?
That drywall dust is sneaky stuff—no matter how many times I sweep or vacuum, I always seem to find a little patch hiding somewhere. I’ve never tried those sticky pads, but honestly, I get the appeal. Sometimes it feels like overkill, but then again, one callback and you’re wishing you’d done more. As for filling divots, I usually just hit the bigger ones unless I’m working with something super thin or rigid. LVP’s pretty forgiving, but if it’s laminate or sheet vinyl, I get a lot pickier. It’s a fine line between thorough and obsessive... but callbacks are way worse than a little extra prep.
I hear you on the drywall dust—last time I did my hallway, I thought I’d gotten it all, then found a little pile hiding under the baseboard weeks later. I’m with you on LVP being forgiving. But when I did sheet vinyl in the bathroom, I swear I spent more time filling tiny dips than actually laying the floor. My wallet definitely prefers “good enough,” but my nerves can’t handle another bubble popping up underfoot...
Drywall dust is the worst. I remember thinking I’d done a thorough job after sanding our living room, but months later I moved a bookshelf and it looked like someone had dumped powdered sugar back there. Still finding it in corners, honestly.
On the underlayment prep—yeah, “good enough” is tempting, but I’ve learned the hard way that my version of “good enough” isn’t always the floor’s version. When we did our kitchen, I thought I’d gotten away with just a quick sweep and patching the obvious dips. Laid down LVP and it was fine... until you walked in socks and felt a couple spots that flexed just enough to bug me every single time. Drove me nuts.
Sheet vinyl, though, that’s a different beast. Did our laundry room last year and spent two days with a flashlight at floor level, hunting for every tiny dip or bump. My knees still ache thinking about it. Even then, I missed one spot near the washer—ended up with a little bubble that taunts me whenever I’m folding towels.
I’ve started using a long straightedge now, just dragging it across the subfloor and circling any spot that rocks or has daylight underneath. It takes forever, but it’s saved me from those sneaky bubbles and soft spots. Sometimes I’ll use a bit of self-leveler if there’s more than a shallow dip, but mostly it’s floor patch and patience.
It’s funny—when I first started doing this stuff, I figured the underlayment was just something you threw down to cover up imperfections. Turns out, it’s more like the final exam for your prep work. If you cut corners here, you’re gonna feel it (literally) for years.
Anyone else ever get halfway through laying underlayment and realize you forgot to vacuum again? Or is that just me being scatterbrained...
Turns out, it’s more like the final exam for your prep work. If you cut corners here, you’re gonna feel it (literally) for years.
That’s so true. I used to think underlayment was just a buffer, but every little shortcut comes back to haunt you. I’ve definitely gotten halfway through and realized I forgot to vacuum—usually right after I’ve already started laying panels. It’s weird how the tiniest speck can make a spot feel off underfoot. Your straightedge trick is solid, by the way. Patience really does pay off, even if it’s a pain in the knees.