A wood floor is only as good as what is under it. In NYC, that is usually a concrete slab in a post-war high-rise or a century-old wood subfloor in a brownstone, and each fails in its own way. NYC Floor Pro prepares, levels and soundproofs subfloors as part of every installation we take on, and as stand-alone work before a new floor goes down.

Concrete subfloors

Most Manhattan apartments sit on concrete. We grind high spots, fill low spots with self-leveling compound, and test for moisture before any wood goes down. Over concrete, we install engineered hardwood by full glue-down, the same method used at the Ulla Johnson boutique on Madison Avenue.

Self-leveling cement poured over the slab in a SoHo apartment

Wood subfloors

Older buildings often have plank or plywood subfloors that have moved over decades. We re-secure loose sections, replace damaged areas, and level with new plywood or leveling compound so the finished floor sits flat and quiet.

Soundproofing that satisfies your building

Many NYC co-ops and condos require an acoustic underlayment that meets a minimum IIC/STC sound rating, and some buildings specify the exact product. We install acoustic underlayment systems that meet building requirements and handle the management approval paperwork, including soundproofing specifications, before work begins.

Soundproofing underlayment rolled out over the leveled concrete slab in a Midtown East apartment

Why this work matters

Skipping subfloor prep is the most common reason new floors fail: gaps, squeaks, cracked glue bonds and premature wear. Proper preparation is what lets us stand behind the finished floor.

Common questions

1. Does every installation need subfloor work?
Nearly every NYC project needs some: at minimum moisture testing and minor leveling.

2. Can you level a badly sloped floor?
Yes. Self-leveling compounds and plywood systems correct most slopes found in pre-war buildings.

3. What is an IIC rating?
Impact Insulation Class – the standard buildings use to measure how much footstep sound passes to the apartment below. Your building sets the minimum; we match or exceed it.

4. Is soundproofing required by my co-op?
Often yes. We review your alteration agreement and install an underlayment that meets its requirements.

5. Can you glue down over concrete?
Yes. Full glue-down over properly prepared concrete is one of our standard installation methods for engineered hardwood.

Get an estimate

Call 718-316-5330 or email nycfloorpro@gmail.com for an estimate. NYC Floor Pro, 238 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022.