Inside Your Floor
See what goes into a floor beyond the surface.
Separate the layers, then select a part for details.
How to use
Drag with a mouse to rotate and scroll to zoom. On touch screens, choose Rotate with touch to rotate and pinch to zoom, then choose Scroll page to continue scrolling. Focus the model and use arrow keys to rotate, + or − to zoom, and Shift with arrow keys to pan. Use the Explore slider to separate the assembly.
Illustrative assemblies. Actual materials, preparation, and installation methods vary by product and project. Foundation details and layer spacing are simplified for clarity.
About this illustrative example & sources
These documented examples explain how the parts relate. They are not Pioneer’s confirmed installation standards, an installation guide, or an assessment of your home’s structure.
Check concrete moisture, surface condition and flatness. The above-slab film is a chosen manufacturer-recommended detail, not a substitute for assessment.
Floor assembly guide
What goes beneath tile, LVP, carpet and hardwood?
The foundation, structural surface and selected flooring system change the layers beneath the finish. These eight examples compare each finish over a concrete slab and a pier-and-beam wood floor. Every example includes its preparation checks, component explanations and references.
Illustrative assemblies. Actual materials, preparation, and installation methods vary by product and project. Foundation details and layer spacing are simplified for clarity.
These are selected educational examples, not Pioneer’s standard methods or a recommendation that every existing floor can accept the illustrated finish. Manufacturer requirements, moisture, flatness and structural condition need to be checked for the actual project.
Tile over a concrete slab
Porcelain tile · DITRA uncoupling example
Preparation to assess: Assess slab moisture, flatness, cracks and surface contamination before bonding. Movement joints in the substrate need a coordinated tile-joint plan.
Read the Tile layers and references for a concrete slab
Ground & granular support
The slab bears on prepared ground and a granular support layer, shown together here. Their condition matters to slab performance; they are original-construction context, not layers routinely added during a flooring replacement.
Original under-slab vapor retarder
This vapor retarder lies beneath the concrete to limit ground moisture reaching the slab. It represents original construction, not a sheet slipped under an existing slab during floor replacement; its presence and condition cannot be assumed.
Concrete slab
The concrete slab supports the finished flooring. Moisture, cracks, surface condition and flatness must be assessed before installation; a new finish does not repair the slab or solve a moisture problem.
Bond below DITRA
Schluter ALL-SET bonds the membrane fleece to prepared concrete in this example. Clean, suitable concrete is essential for the bond; this thin setting layer is not a repair for cracks or unevenness.
DITRA uncoupling membrane
This profiled membrane helps limit the transfer of movement from the slab to the tile. Its seam includes KERDI-BAND in this example, but the illustrated detail does not make the entire room waterproof.
Tile-setting mortar
Schluter ALL-SET fills the membrane cavities and bonds the porcelain tile. This is a thin bonding layer, distinct from the membrane and the structural support beneath it.
Porcelain tile & grout
Porcelain tiles form the hard wearing surface; grout fills the field joints between them. Tile and grout need suitable support below, and the perimeter movement space must remain separate from these rigid joints.
Perimeter movement detail
A flexible perimeter movement joint separates the tile from the wall edge. It is not filled with rigid grout; real joint placement and treatment follow the tile system and the room’s conditions.
LVP over a concrete slab
Floating click-lock example
Preparation to assess: Check concrete moisture, surface condition and flatness. The above-slab film is a chosen manufacturer-recommended detail, not a substitute for assessment.
Read the LVP layers and references for a concrete slab
Ground & granular support
The slab bears on prepared ground and a granular support layer, shown together here. Their condition matters to slab performance; they are original-construction context, not layers routinely added during a flooring replacement.
Original under-slab vapor retarder
This vapor retarder lies beneath the concrete to limit ground moisture reaching the slab. It represents original construction, not a sheet slipped under an existing slab during floor replacement; its presence and condition cannot be assumed.
Concrete slab
The concrete slab supports the finished flooring. Moisture, cracks, surface condition and flatness must be assessed before installation; a new finish does not repair the slab or solve a moisture problem.
Above-slab polyethylene film
This example includes the 6 mil polyethylene film recommended by COREtec over concrete. It is separate from the original under-slab retarder and is not an extra cushion or a remedy for an unsuitable wet slab.
Click-lock planks & attached cork
These COREtec Pro planks lock together and float without being fixed to the substrate. The wear surface, rigid core and factory-attached cork stay together as one product; no second cushion is added in this example.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
An allowance at the wall lets the wood or floating vinyl floor move as conditions change. Trim attaches to the wall and covers the edge without pinning or tightly trapping the floor; the visible gap is enlarged for clarity.
Carpet over a concrete slab
Residential stretch-in carpet example
Preparation to assess: Assess moisture, cleanliness, flatness and substrate condition first. Cushion choice and tack-strip attachment must suit the carpet, substrate and room; this view omits seams and stretching procedures.
Read the Carpet layers and references for a concrete slab
Ground & granular support
The slab bears on prepared ground and a granular support layer, shown together here. Their condition matters to slab performance; they are original-construction context, not layers routinely added during a flooring replacement.
Original under-slab vapor retarder
This vapor retarder lies beneath the concrete to limit ground moisture reaching the slab. It represents original construction, not a sheet slipped under an existing slab during floor replacement; its presence and condition cannot be assumed.
Concrete slab
The concrete slab supports the finished flooring. Moisture, cracks, surface condition and flatness must be assessed before installation; a new finish does not repair the slab or solve a moisture problem.
Perimeter tack strips
Narrow wood strips with angled pins grip the stretched carpet at the room edges. Concrete-suitable attachment secures them to the slab; cushion fits between them, not over them.
Separate carpet cushion
Healthier Choice HC Green cushion adds resilience beneath this residential cut-pile carpet. The woven carrier faces down and sparse cushion-adhesive lines secure it to concrete; it remains separate from the carpet backing.
Carpet pile & factory backing
Shaw Smooth Tone cut-pile carpet includes its factory SoftBac backing, shown as one product. It is stretched over separate cushion and held by the perimeter tack strips; the carpet remains flexible and is not bonded to the cushion.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
Baseboard finishes the wall edge above the stretch-in carpet. Tack strips hold the carpet below; this trim is not a full-area layer or a substitute for the carpet attachment.
Hardwood over a concrete slab
Engineered hardwood · Glue-down example
Preparation to assess: Test slab moisture and assess flatness, surface preparation and the original vapor retarder. Adhesive moisture-control use has specific application limits; no loose plastic or foam belongs in this glue-down bond.
Read the Hardwood layers and references for a concrete slab
Ground & granular support
The slab bears on prepared ground and a granular support layer, shown together here. Their condition matters to slab performance; they are original-construction context, not layers routinely added during a flooring replacement.
Original under-slab vapor retarder
This vapor retarder lies beneath the concrete to limit ground moisture reaching the slab. It represents original construction, not a sheet slipped under an existing slab during floor replacement; its presence and condition cannot be assumed.
Concrete slab
The concrete slab supports the finished flooring. Moisture, cracks, surface condition and flatness must be assessed before installation; a new finish does not repair the slab or solve a moisture problem.
Wood-floor adhesive
Bruce ProConnect Plus bonds these engineered planks to suitable prepared concrete. Moisture control depends on the specified application and assessed slab; adhesive is not a cure for hydrostatic pressure or an absent required under-slab retarder.
Engineered oak planks
Bruce Turlington engineered oak combines a real wood face with bonded wood layers. The same tongue-and-groove product is shown in both examples, but the way it attaches changes with the foundation.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
An allowance at the wall lets the wood or floating vinyl floor move as conditions change. Trim attaches to the wall and covers the edge without pinning or tightly trapping the floor; the visible gap is enlarged for clarity.
Tile over a pier-and-beam wood floor
Porcelain tile · DITRA uncoupling example
Preparation to assess: Framing deflection, panel rating and support must meet the selected tile system. Check plywood condition, moisture and flatness before bonding.
Read the Tile layers and references for a pier-and-beam wood floor
Ground beneath the floor
This is the ground beneath a raised floor, separated from the living space by a crawl space. Drainage and ground moisture need project-specific assessment; selecting a finish does not establish that the foundation is suitable.
Crawl-space ground cover
A ground vapor retarder limits moisture entering the crawl space from the soil. It stays below the framing, not on top of the wood subfloor; drainage, edge sealing and crawl-space design still need a project-specific plan.
Foundation supports
Schematic piers transfer the floor loads through their bearing points to the ground. Actual footings, connections and foundation condition require assessment; these illustrated supports are not a structural design.
Support beams
These wood beams bear on the foundation supports and carry the joists above. Their bearing and condition matter to the whole floor; no structural sizes or capacities are specified here.
Floor joists
Joists span between the support beams and carry the subfloor panels. A floor finish or underlayment cannot correct weak, damaged or unsuitable framing.
Structural wood subfloor
Tongue-and-groove plywood panels provide the structural surface over the joists. Panel rating, support, fastening, moisture and condition must suit the selected floor; this is structural support, not a soft flooring pad.
Bond below DITRA
Schluter ALL-SET bonds the membrane fleece to suitable plywood in this example. This thin setting layer needs a sound prepared substrate; it is not a structural panel or a leveling layer.
DITRA uncoupling membrane
This profiled membrane helps limit the transfer of movement from the wood substrate to the tile. It is a flooring underlayment, not structural support; it cannot compensate for inadequate framing.
Tile-setting mortar
Schluter ALL-SET fills the membrane cavities and bonds the porcelain tile. This is a thin bonding layer, distinct from the membrane and the structural support beneath it.
Porcelain tile & grout
Porcelain tiles form the hard wearing surface; grout fills the field joints between them. Tile and grout need suitable support below, and the perimeter movement space must remain separate from these rigid joints.
Perimeter movement detail
A flexible perimeter movement joint separates the tile from the wall edge. It is not filled with rigid grout; real joint placement and treatment follow the tile system and the room’s conditions.
LVP over a pier-and-beam wood floor
Floating click-lock example
Preparation to assess: Check that the wood subfloor is dry, sound and flat. COREtec does not allow sheet plastic over wood; the illustrated ground cover belongs below the framing.
Read the LVP layers and references for a pier-and-beam wood floor
Ground beneath the floor
This is the ground beneath a raised floor, separated from the living space by a crawl space. Drainage and ground moisture need project-specific assessment; selecting a finish does not establish that the foundation is suitable.
Crawl-space ground cover
A ground vapor retarder limits moisture entering the crawl space from the soil. It stays below the framing, not on top of the wood subfloor; drainage, edge sealing and crawl-space design still need a project-specific plan.
Foundation supports
Schematic piers transfer the floor loads through their bearing points to the ground. Actual footings, connections and foundation condition require assessment; these illustrated supports are not a structural design.
Support beams
These wood beams bear on the foundation supports and carry the joists above. Their bearing and condition matter to the whole floor; no structural sizes or capacities are specified here.
Floor joists
Joists span between the support beams and carry the subfloor panels. A floor finish or underlayment cannot correct weak, damaged or unsuitable framing.
Structural wood subfloor
Tongue-and-groove plywood panels provide the structural surface over the joists. Panel rating, support, fastening, moisture and condition must suit the selected floor; this is structural support, not a soft flooring pad.
Click-lock planks & attached cork
These COREtec Pro planks lock together and float without being fixed to the substrate. The wear surface, rigid core and factory-attached cork stay together as one product; no second cushion is added in this example.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
An allowance at the wall lets the wood or floating vinyl floor move as conditions change. Trim attaches to the wall and covers the edge without pinning or tightly trapping the floor; the visible gap is enlarged for clarity.
Carpet over a pier-and-beam wood floor
Residential stretch-in carpet example
Preparation to assess: Assess moisture, cleanliness, flatness and substrate condition first. Cushion choice and tack-strip attachment must suit the carpet, substrate and room; this view omits seams and stretching procedures.
Read the Carpet layers and references for a pier-and-beam wood floor
Ground beneath the floor
This is the ground beneath a raised floor, separated from the living space by a crawl space. Drainage and ground moisture need project-specific assessment; selecting a finish does not establish that the foundation is suitable.
Crawl-space ground cover
A ground vapor retarder limits moisture entering the crawl space from the soil. It stays below the framing, not on top of the wood subfloor; drainage, edge sealing and crawl-space design still need a project-specific plan.
Foundation supports
Schematic piers transfer the floor loads through their bearing points to the ground. Actual footings, connections and foundation condition require assessment; these illustrated supports are not a structural design.
Support beams
These wood beams bear on the foundation supports and carry the joists above. Their bearing and condition matter to the whole floor; no structural sizes or capacities are specified here.
Floor joists
Joists span between the support beams and carry the subfloor panels. A floor finish or underlayment cannot correct weak, damaged or unsuitable framing.
Structural wood subfloor
Tongue-and-groove plywood panels provide the structural surface over the joists. Panel rating, support, fastening, moisture and condition must suit the selected floor; this is structural support, not a soft flooring pad.
Perimeter tack strips
Narrow wood strips with angled pins grip the stretched carpet at the room edges. Suitable wood fasteners hold the strips to the subfloor; cushion fits between them, not over them.
Separate carpet cushion
Healthier Choice HC Green cushion adds resilience beneath this residential cut-pile carpet. The woven carrier faces down and the cushion is secured with staples to the wood; it remains separate from the carpet backing.
Carpet pile & factory backing
Shaw Smooth Tone cut-pile carpet includes its factory SoftBac backing, shown as one product. It is stretched over separate cushion and held by the perimeter tack strips; the carpet remains flexible and is not bonded to the cushion.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
Baseboard finishes the wall edge above the stretch-in carpet. Tack strips hold the carpet below; this trim is not a full-area layer or a substitute for the carpet attachment.
References for this assembly
- CRI 105 residential carpet installation standard
- Shaw Smooth Tone cut-pile carpet and backing
- Shaw Residential Stretch-In Installation
- Healthier Choice HC Green cushion specification
- Healthier Choice cushion stretch-in instructions
- APA raised wood floors and foundation types
- APA-hosted SFPA Raised Wood Floor Foundations guide
Hardwood over a pier-and-beam wood floor
Engineered hardwood · Mechanically fastened example
Preparation to assess: Check subfloor moisture, flatness, support and fastener suitability. Wood flooring needs appropriate indoor conditions; this example does not establish that existing framing is adequate.
Read the Hardwood layers and references for a pier-and-beam wood floor
Ground beneath the floor
This is the ground beneath a raised floor, separated from the living space by a crawl space. Drainage and ground moisture need project-specific assessment; selecting a finish does not establish that the foundation is suitable.
Crawl-space ground cover
A ground vapor retarder limits moisture entering the crawl space from the soil. It stays below the framing, not on top of the wood subfloor; drainage, edge sealing and crawl-space design still need a project-specific plan.
Foundation supports
Schematic piers transfer the floor loads through their bearing points to the ground. Actual footings, connections and foundation condition require assessment; these illustrated supports are not a structural design.
Support beams
These wood beams bear on the foundation supports and carry the joists above. Their bearing and condition matter to the whole floor; no structural sizes or capacities are specified here.
Floor joists
Joists span between the support beams and carry the subfloor panels. A floor finish or underlayment cannot correct weak, damaged or unsuitable framing.
Structural wood subfloor
Tongue-and-groove plywood panels provide the structural surface over the joists. Panel rating, support, fastening, moisture and condition must suit the selected floor; this is structural support, not a soft flooring pad.
Engineered oak planks
Bruce Turlington engineered oak combines a real wood face with bonded wood layers. The same tongue-and-groove product is shown in both examples, but the way it attaches changes with the foundation.
Concealed flooring staples
Flooring staples pass through the plank tongue into the suitable structural wood subfloor. This narrow engineered-plank example uses the manufacturer’s mechanical method; these fasteners do not go into concrete.
Wall edge & perimeter allowance
An allowance at the wall lets the wood or floating vinyl floor move as conditions change. Trim attaches to the wall and covers the edge without pinning or tightly trapping the floor; the visible gap is enlarged for clarity.
What do the damaged subfloor and joist examples show?
The Damage & Repair option compares two selected conditions in the pier-and-beam illustration. It does not show slab repair, leveling, settlement or foundation repair. The comparisons show completed illustrative conditions, not demolition or a repair sequence.
Illustrative damage and repair examples only. Actual conditions and repair scope require an on-site assessment. This model is not a structural diagnosis, engineering drawing, or code-compliance certification.
Read the damaged subfloor comparison and assessment limits
Damaged subfloor: damaged and repair examples
What the damaged example shows: One plywood panel has dark moisture staining, a sunken and broken surface, and separating wood layers. The deterioration interrupts the firm, even base for the flooring above.
What the repair example changes: The affected panel is replaced with a level, intact panel. Its edges rest on the same joists, blocking and rim, restoring a continuous supported surface in this example.
What requires an on-site assessment: Identify and address the cause of deterioration, inspect adjacent wood and supports, and determine panel suitability and the actual repair extent on site.
Unchanged subfloor panels: The surrounding plywood panels stay level and intact in both examples. Compare their even surfaces and supported edges with the separately identified affected panel.
Deteriorated subfloor panel — damaged example
Look for the dark stain, depressed surface, lifted plywood layers and ragged edge. This is visible material breakdown, beyond discoloration alone. An uneven, deteriorated panel affects the base beneath the flooring; a new finish does not correct it or its cause.
Replacement subfloor panel — repair example
A level replacement panel fills the same area, with intact layers and edges resting on the existing supports. Compare its even surface with the broken, uneven panel in the damaged example.
The replacement panel has a flat surface, intact plywood layers and supported edges on the existing joists, blocking and rim. That gives the flooring a continuous base in this example. The cause and hidden adjacent damage still require assessment.
References for this comparison
Read the deteriorated joists comparison and assessment limits
Deteriorated joists: damaged and repair examples
What the damaged example shows: One joist has dark staining, recessed and broken wood, and an uneven edge between its supports. The affected member helps carry the floor above to the two support beams.
What the repair example changes: The complete affected joist is replaced with a straight, intact member bearing on the same two beams. Neighboring framing stays in place; temporary support, connections and work sequence are not shown.
What requires an on-site assessment: Identify and address the cause, inspect the member and its bearings, and determine whether replacement or another designed repair is appropriate. Member selection, support and connections require an on-site structural assessment.
Unchanged joists, rim & blocking: The eight other joists, rim members and central blocking stay in place. Their straight edges provide a visual comparison with the affected joist. Beams and piers remain unchanged; no foundation repair is illustrated.
Deteriorated joist — damaged example
Look for the recessed, rough face and irregular edge within the stained area. Wood is visibly missing from a member that helps support the subfloor. The drawing shows deterioration, not a measured loss of strength or a diagnosis of the surrounding framing.
Replacement joist — repair example
A straight replacement joist fills the same position, with intact wood resting on both beams. Compare its solid face and even edges with the deteriorated member in the damaged example.
The replacement joist is straight and intact from end to end, with solid wood resting on both beam supports. It restores the continuous member shown in this example. Member selection, connections and temporary support remain project-specific.
References for this comparison
How does the selected flooring affect access and possible reuse?
Tile access in either comparison
Tile, mortar and the bonded DITRA system remain separate layers. Opening this assembly can disturb bonded materials; the view does not promise their reuse.
LVP access in either comparison
The click-lock planks and their attached cork remain one floating product. Access and possible reuse depend on the joints, product condition and installation instructions.
Carpet access in either comparison
The flexible carpet and its backing stay separate from the cushion and perimeter tack strips. Access, cushion condition and re-stretching need their own assessment.
Hardwood access in either comparison
The engineered planks and concealed staples retain their mechanical attachment arrangement. Access can affect plank tongues and fasteners; the view does not promise reuse.
The illustrated layer separation is a teaching aid. It does not promise that the finish can be removed and reinstated intact. The historical repair references explain selected relationships; they do not provide a current installation specification.
Planning flooring work in East Texas?
Start with Pioneer’s flooring installation services, including information for Tyler homeowners and Longview homeowners. Compare LVP and laminate flooring or read what a soft bathroom floor can mean.
The Longview flooring and subfloor replacement project shows documented work on an existing home.