If your floors have seen better days, there’s an easy and affordable way to give them a new life: paint them. You can paint wood flooring as one option, but if you have the subfloor to work with, you can also paint that.
Today’s Homeowner fan, Joe Mckeehan, tried this out in his home. “We did it as a temporary measure [right over the subfloor] in two bedrooms but we like it so much, as do others, we have left it.”
Before the change, each of the 11′ x 11′ bedrooms had 10-year-old builder-grade carpet.
Painting the subfloors in Joe’s Manchester, Tennessee home and applying oil-based polyurethane as a protective finish cost just $175 total — less than $1 per square foot.
“The look is kind of cool — call it ‘minimalistic’ or ‘low impact,’” Joe says.
Reasons to Paint Your Subfloor Instead of Installing New Flooring
Upgrading your flooring can get expensive in a hurry. Before you sink thousands into new hardwood or tile, consider a simple painted subfloor transformation using budget-friendly materials. Here are a few reasons to consider this cost-effective project:
- It’s inexpensive. Flooring materials like laminate, tile, and vinyl can cost $3 to $10 per installed square foot. Paint and polyurethane will only set you back around $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
- It’s quick. Prepping and painting the subfloor could take a weekend. New floor installation often takes several days or even weeks, depending on the flooring.
- It allows for creativity. You can paint fun designs like checkerboard patterns. New flooring limits you to the designs and materials available.
- It’s reversible. If you want to update again later, you can sand or strip the paint instead of tearing out brand-new flooring.
How To Prepare and Paint a Subfloor
Prepping and painting your subfloor is a relatively straightforward DIY project. Just make sure to follow some key steps for proper adhesion and durability:
- Clean the floor. Sweep away dust and debris, then mop with a floor cleaning solution. Let it dry completely.
- Fill any holes or gaps. Use concrete filler for cracks and gaps in concrete underlayment areas.
- Sand the floor. A pole sander with coarse grit sandpaper helps smooth and level minor bumps in a concrete subfloor.
- Vacuum and wipe clean. Remove all sanding dust before priming and painting.
- Apply primer. Use a high-adhesion primer made for flooring. Apply two to three coats, allowing proper dry time between coats.
- Paint the floor. Apply two coats of durable floor paint, such as porch and patio paint. Allow the first coat to dry overnight before applying the second coat.
- Apply polyurethane. This clear topcoat adds protection against foot traffic, furniture legs, pet claws, and more. Apply two to three coats.
Design Ideas for Painted Subfloors
Choosing Paint Colors and Finishes
If you want to disguise the subfloor so it looks like real finished flooring, use neutral solid stains or paint colors like tans, browns, grays, and muted blues. The polyurethane finish will give the smooth, glossy appearance of a varnish.
For a more stylized, artistic look, consider:
- Bold or deep colors like navy blue, forest green, or burgundy
- Fun painted patterns like checks, stripes, or geometric shapes
- Metallic paints and glazes for an industrial vibe
- Stencils to create tile, stone, or wood plank flooring designs
- Painted area rugs using tape and painter’s drop cloths
- Contrasting area rugs layered on top complete the look.
Maintaining Painted Subfloors
The polyurethane finish protects painted floors from minor scuffs and scratches, but the finish can wear out over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
To care for your painted subfloor:
- Reapply polyurethane every year or two, depending on wear.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or steam mops, which can damage the finish.
- Don’t slide furniture across the floor when cleaning or rearranging.
- Place rugs at entryways and under furniture legs.
- Consider taking off shoes inside to avoid tracked-in dirt.
- Spot-mop spills when they occur.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly.
So, Is Painting Your Subfloor Worth It?
Painting a raw subfloor instead of installing new floors is an affordable, DIY-friendly option. Painted subfloors, however, unlike real wood or tile, won’t increase a home’s value. Still, they beat ugly, cracked concrete or old stained carpeting for a fraction of the cost.
If your budget doesn’t allow for new floors, painting a dull, featureless subfloor can give your home fresh appeal. If down the road after you’ve painted your subfloors you have the desire and resources to install new floors, you can easily do so.
FAQs About Painting Subfloors
Can you paint over stained concrete?
Yes, stained or painted concrete can be prepared, primed, and painted just like raw concrete. Belt sanding or chemical stripping removes existing coatings.
How long does it take for subfloor paint to dry?
Most subfloor paint dries to the touch in one to two hours at 70°F. But allow overnight drying between coats and three days of curing time after the final coat before exposing the floor to regular foot traffic and replacing furniture.
How long does a painted subfloor last?
With a protective polyurethane topcoat, painted subfloors can last three to five years or more before needing touch-ups. High-traffic areas may require more frequent maintenance.
Should I etch concrete before painting?
Concrete etching with muriatic acid helps paint better adhere to slick concrete surfaces. However, proper cleaning, priming, and paint formulated for concrete provide adequate adhesion for indoor floors without etching.
What kind of paint should I use?
The best paint for subfloors is porch and patio paint or floor paint. These formulations offer maximum durability and traction. Latex or oil-based paint will also work but may show signs of wear sooner.
