On existing wood floor systems the thin profile (7/8”) of the engineered base permits positioning on top of joists. Structural floor supports (traditional joists, TGI’s, or engineered truss systems) do not have to be cut or altered. On existing concrete floors the thin base requires only that a shallow profile (1.25”) be cut into the slab. For new construction on wood floors, the required 7/8” recess can be created by the framer. For new concrete floors, a .5 – .875” depth “stamp” (depending upon thickness of tile backer board to be used) can be made with a plywood template.