- Level within 3/16 inch for every 10 feet. Grout lines must be filled in if using tile as a subfloor. ...
- Flat.
- Cleaned. All dust and debris should be swept.
- Structurally sound. Clear of any nails, loose screws that squeak or are damaged, or any parts that were damaged by moisture.
- Dry.
What do I put above a subfloor before installing laminate floor?
To level a subfloor for installing laminate, follow the directions above to remove high and low spots. After vacuuming or sweeping the subfloor to clean it, add a plywood layer if the subfloor is in very bad shape, but do not overlap the sheets. A plywood layer is not necessary if you are putting down wood laminate.
Can you put laminate flooring over subfloor?
Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn't need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor.
Do you need a moisture barrier for laminate flooring on plywood?
Moisture protection will not have any benefit to laminate flooring on plywood as most plywood subfloors are usually installed on the main or second level of a house. However, if the main level of the house is above a crawl space, we recommend to properly seal the crawl space of moisture.
What goes between plywood and laminate flooring?
Plywood subfloors: A breathable foam-type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or OSB subfloors.
How smooth does subfloor need to be for laminate?
No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10 foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6 foot span.
How thick should subfloor be for laminate?
Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.
What happens if you don't put underlayment under laminate flooring?
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
What is the best underlayment for laminate flooring?
Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.
Can you put laminate flooring directly on plywood?
Laminate floors can be installed directly over concrete, plywood, OSB, parquet, vinyl and tile. The underlayment must be applied to the original flooring surface first, and then the floating floor can be installed.
Do I need a moisture barrier for laminate flooring?
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
Do I really need underlayment for laminate flooring?
Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
Do you need vapor barrier on plywood subfloor?
Your plywood would most likely be on a sleeper system (floating wood planks on concrete). Having a vapor barrier below the sleepers is ideal as moisture will not get to the plywood. Regarding on-grade applications, if their is a basement underneath, then you will not need a vapor barrier on top of the plywood.
Can you put laminate flooring over plywood?
Laminate floors can be installed directly over concrete, plywood, OSB, parquet, vinyl and tile. The underlayment must be applied to the original flooring surface first, and then the floating floor can be installed.
Is a subfloor necessary for laminate?
' Laminate flooring underlayment is essential for installation as it allows to laminate flooring to expand and contract properly on top of the subfloor. Laminate is a wood product and will expand according to the climate of the room.
Can you put a laminate floor over a wood floor?
Laminate flooring can be installed directly over hardwood, often with no preparation necessary. If your laminate has a built-in underlayer, you may install it right on top of the hardwood.
Do you need vapor barrier on plywood subfloor?
Your plywood would most likely be on a sleeper system (floating wood planks on concrete). Having a vapor barrier below the sleepers is ideal as moisture will not get to the plywood. Regarding on-grade applications, if their is a basement underneath, then you will not need a vapor barrier on top of the plywood.
How to level a floor with a laser?
I shoot a line to a target with a ¼” scale marked on the face. Then, sliding the target along the floor will indicate areas that require leveling. If the line moves up on the target the floor has a low spot, if the line moves down, the floor has a high spot. Use a pencil to mark the areas needing attention. You can also use a straight edge. Lay the straight edge on the floor. 3 quarters stacked equal 3/16″. You can also use a spacer. Anywhere that you can slide the spacer or quarters under the straight edge need fixing. 3 planks clicked together make a nice long straight edge.
What is floating floor?
Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn’t need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor. Laminate planks are assembled together using an extremely strong mechanical locking system that creates a beautiful finished floor. One of the biggest benefits to installing a floating floor is the limited amount of floor prep needed. The need to remove old floor coverings and adhesive, many of which have asbestos content, can be a real hassle. On large commercial jobs the cost of hiring an asbestos abatement company and bead blasting the concrete may be feasible, but on most residential jobs this is cost prohibitive. Floating the floor eliminates the need for removal, in most cases.
What are the benefits of floating floors?
One of the biggest benefits to installing a floating floor is the limited amount of floor prep needed. The need to remove old floor coverings and adhesive, many of which have asbestos content, can be a real hassle.
How far back does a cubby hole need to be to fit a floor?
Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings.
What do I use to take down high areas?
I like to use a sander or portable planer to take down high areas. The seams on OSB are always an issue. Remember to set the nails before using the plane.
Is floor prep needed for a dishwasher?
This being said, it in no way means that floor prep is not needed. Always check to confirm that the finished floor height will not be a problem. For example, for installations in the kitchen, remove the front panel of the dishwasher and check for leg adjustments.
Preparing the Subfloor
Before you install, your subfloor must meet four requirements: clean, level, dry and structurally sound.
Acclimating New Flooring to the Room
Bring the flooring into the room so the wood planks can acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for up to 72 hours before installation (follow the manufacturer's instructions). Acclimating reduces problems associated with moisture, such as warping and fit.
Establish Installation Guidelines
For a concrete subfloor, you should install the plank with the sight lines of the floor. Typical sight lines run parallel to the longest wall, but each home is different.
Look Beneath the Surface
The key to a beautiful, long-lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well-prepared subfloor.
Install Your New Floor
You’re almost ready to install your new floor. Remember: Flooring requires at least 72 hours to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity levels prior to installation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics on acclimation periods.
Determine the Materials Needed
First and foremost, you’ll want to know exactly how much flooring you’re working with. Remove carpeting, other flooring, and baseboards so you can get an accurate measurement of the total space you’re working with. However, you’ll want more flooring than you think you’ll need to cover possible mistakes or damages.
Clean the Subfloor
The concrete subfloor needs to go before any laminate is used. The first step to this process is cleaning the subfloor of any spots of oil, debris, or other contaminants that could ruin the surface of the subfloor. You may need to use a concrete grinder in order to get a rough enough surface for the adhesive to stick.
Measure Moisture
Utilizing a moisture testing kit, you need to make sure the subfloor is completely dry before you continue. If you find the room is too moist, you’ll need to use something to reduce the humidity and moisture in the area.
Check the Subfloor
Leveling the subfloor is crucial to getting a solid floor. Every 10 feet or so, you want to be sure the floor is uniform within 3/16 of an inch. Any high spots you find can be easily ground down with a concrete grinder tool. Low spots will need a leveling compound and time to dry before you continue.
