As with all preparation, a good foundation makes life easier in the long run. Preparing wooden floors for any kind of covering is a simple but essential way to improve your home.

What you need to do will depend on the state of your floor. However, as a guideline: If there are any signs of damage or dry rot, treat this problem first

If you see traces of active woodworm, treat the boards and joists with woodworm fluid. Even when they are gone, replace boards with more than superficial damage - there may well be trouble under the surface which sanding would later reveal Dry or wet rot under floorboards must be treated by an expert

Check for boards that have been lifted by electricians or plumbers for damage and replace any which are split or fit badly. Try to find second-hand replacement boards to match your floor. Staining after sanding can help to blend Hammer in any nails that are protruding above the surface

If there are a small number of gaps, fill them using papier machè For larger gaps, cut a wooden lath or strip of wood and tap it into place with a hammer, skimming with a planer to even out Use a coarse abrasive to level the floor Then use a medium abrasive to refine the surface

Finally, go over the floor with a fine abrasive to bring out a smooth texture