
- Sweep the floor to remove any dirt or debris. ...
- Sand down high levels to the point of the surrounding subfloor using a floor sander. ...
- Lay down a layer of luan boards over the surface of the floor. ...
- Staple the boards in place using 7/16 crown staples.
What is floating underlayment?
What is the best glue for flooring?
Do staples help underlayment?

How do you attach a Luan to a subfloor?
6 Easy Steps to Install Luan Under Vinyl FloorStep 1: Prepare the Subfloor. What is this? ... Step 2: Cut the Luan. Luan plywood usually measures 4 ft. ... Step 3: Dry Fit the Luan. ... Step 4: Install the Luan. ... Step 5: Smooth the Surface. ... Step 6: Install Your Vinyl Flooring.
How do you attach underlayment to subfloor?
1:372:36How to Install Underlayment for Hardwood & Laminate flooringYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut it to fit cutting around any corners or obstacles. Then continue rolling out strips until you'veMoreCut it to fit cutting around any corners or obstacles. Then continue rolling out strips until you've covered the floor. It's important not to layer the overlay. But have the seams flush. Together.
How do you install quarter inch luan?
2:576:58Underlayment Installation Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemember to leave an eighth to a quarter inch expansion joint between the panel. And the wall. StandMoreRemember to leave an eighth to a quarter inch expansion joint between the panel. And the wall. Stand on each panel during fastening to ensure full contact with the subfloor fasten.
What nails do you use for Luan?
Typically we refasten the sub floor with 8d ring nails 6"oc on the ends & 8"oc on the joists in the field. Once the subfloor is secure, we use a Hitachi 5008 stapler with galvanized 16 ga 7/16" x 1 1/2" or 2" staples to fasten the underlayment layer to the subfloor.
Should you glue underlayment to subfloor?
No, you should not glue down your underlayment. Underlayment is is a floating material, the same as your laminate flooring. In most cases, you should not glue or nail your underlayment down. You should always check with the installation instructions of the underlayment for proper installation instructions first.
Do you nail down underlayment?
Installers usually lay the underlayment on the floor and start installing the laminate flooring on top. There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor. However, during installation some installers like to fasten underlayment to the subfloor to prevent the underlayment from moving.
Should you staple or screw underlayment to subfloor?
Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. Instead, fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws.
Do you screw or nail subfloor?
Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment installations as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking. Before starting your next subfloor or underlayment installation, make sure you have the right subfloor screw gun for the job.
How do you secure Luan underlayment?
Luan installation does not usually require an adhesive between the subfloor and the luan, but if an adhesive is called for, choose a subfloor adhesive. A measuring tape and a chalk line are indispensable for making accurate cuts in the panels.
How do you staple down Luan?
0:2317:06HOW TO FASTEN UNDERLAYMENT TO SUBFLOOR - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i want to use to secure the underlayment to the floor is actually a staple gun i am notMoreSo what i want to use to secure the underlayment to the floor is actually a staple gun i am not going to nail it i'm going to use a staple gun the reason for that being is if you nail or screw your
What is the best tool to cut Luan?
Whenever possible, you want to cut Luan plywood on a table saw, with a fine-toothed blade. While it is possible to cut it with a normal rip blade, you will get less splintering and saw marks if you switch your blade out to a crosscut one.
What kind of nails do I use for a subfloor?
Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings.
Can I use brad nails for subfloor?
The answer is yes, you can use a Brad nailer to install or replace hardwood floor panels in your home or office.
Can Luan be used as flooring?
Most homeowners use luan as a supplement to their subfloor and run visually appealing floors over the top of them. However, some people cannot afford to put resilient floors over the top of their brand-new subfloor installation.
What do you put between subfloor and underlayment?
Very often, particularly in a below-grade installation on a concrete basement floor, a vapor barrier is recommended in addition to the underlayment. That vapor barrier would go between the subfloor and the underlayment.
Can I screw down underlayment?
You can also fasten underlayment with galvanized or coated screws or nails. Do not use standard, uncoated fasteners because they are prone to rust, which can discolor some types of flooring.
Can I use construction adhesive for subfloor?
Liquid Nails LN-602 Subfloor and Deck Construction Adhesive is the perfect adhesive for subfloors, flooring and decking. It can be used inside or outside and all the extreme weather. LN-602 is perfect for bonding building materials such as wafer board, plywood, lumber, etc. and also helps with the squeaking boards.
What screws to use for subfloor?
The main categories of screws designed for subfloors include galvanized screws, steel screws and cement board screws. Galvanized screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a special coating that protects them against deterioration and rust.
What is the nailing pattern for underlayment?
For example, ¼-inch underlayment calls for 3d ring-shank nails every 3 inches along the edge and every 6 inches within the field of the underlayment. When nailing underlayment, don't think that longer nails are better.
What staples to use for underlayment?
These 7/8" 18 Gage 1/4" Crown PowerStaples are commonly used for fastening underlayment or wood flooring to a subfloor. These are comparable to Duo-Fast 1828CGR Underlayment staples. 5,000/box. These 7/8" 18 Gage 1/4" Crown PowerStaples are commonly used for fastening underlayment or wood flooring to a subfloor.
How do you secure plywood underlayment to subfloor?
0:3817:06HOW TO FASTEN UNDERLAYMENT TO SUBFLOOR - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on the seams of the board you typically want to do every four inches in the field i'm going toMoreAnd on the seams of the board you typically want to do every four inches in the field i'm going to leave a mark right here for you to see. So four inches uh this way.
Can I screw down underlayment?
You can also fasten underlayment with galvanized or coated screws or nails. Do not use standard, uncoated fasteners because they are prone to rust, which can discolor some types of flooring.
What do you put between subfloor and underlayment?
Very often, particularly in a below-grade installation on a concrete basement floor, a vapor barrier is recommended in addition to the underlayment. That vapor barrier would go between the subfloor and the underlayment.
Should underlayment be screwed to joists?
It is nailed or screwed to the joists to secure it completely. Adding fasteners to this layer before laying underlayment helps stabilize and quiet an old floor.
How To Install Luan Underlayment?
Generally, Luan plywood is installed on top of a subfloor because the sheets aren’t structurally sound and don’t take the place of a subfloor. For proper installation of Luan underlayment, follow these steps;
How much space do you need to lay Luan underlayment?
One by one lay the Luan underlayment perpendicular to the subfloor. Make sure you leave a ¼-inch space between the cut edges and your walls. Leave not less than 1/8 inch gap between your sheets of Luan under layers as well.
How thick is Luan plywood?
Luan plywood underlayment is ¼ inch thick; they are instances where it’s only 1/8 inch thick instead. It comes in 4-by-8 sheets. Sometimes they are spelled as lauan plywood. Luan plywood underlayment is hardwood plywood made from tropical trees like mahogany found in southern Asian countries.
Why do you fasten underlayment to subfloor?
A few installers like to fasten underlayment to the subfloor during installation to prevent it from moving. To fasten your underlayment to the subfloor, you can use;
How is Luan made?
Luan is manufactured by layering the thin strips of mahogany first at correct angles and then bonding them together under pressure to form large panels. All Luan panel has a smooth side and a rough side. While installing Luan, the smooth side faces upward as an underlayment.
Why not use screws on underlayment?
It’s advisable not to use screws when underlayment because it would leave raised spots to crush the wood. Meaning they would all have to be filled and sanded.
Is Luan plywood waterproof?
Luan plywood underlayment is generally designed to be used indoors, meaning that it isn’t waterproof. But, it’s possible to find an exterior kind of Luan that you could use in a shed or any other outdoor building project. Such types are crafted with different adhesives that stand up better to moisture. Make sure you clarify the type of Luan you’re looking at with your lumberyard before making any significant purchases.
How much space between plywood and wall for Luan?
Pro Tip: When measuring your Luan, make sure to leave a quarter-inch gap between the plywood and the wall. It will allow the subfloor to expand and contract without pulling the plywood and causing the seams to separate.
How long does Luan plywood take to install?
Like your vinyl flooring, your Luan plywood needs to be placed in the room it will be installed 48 hours before the installation to give it time to adjust to the surrounding temperature.
What is Luan plywood?
One way to provide a smooth, even surface for your vinyl is to install Luan plywood, a thin, lightweight underlayment material that works great for vinyl sheets. Here is a quick guide on how to install Luan under a vinyl floor that will set you up for success if you decide to fit this type of underlay.
What to use to level up plywood?
Sander (optional): If your subfloor has large bumps that may prevent the plywood from sitting properly, use a sander or sandpaper to level these up.
How thick is Luan plywood?
Luan plywood: Luan boards typically measure about 4 ft. by 8 ft. Measure your room to know how many of these you need. While at it, decide whether you want a quarter-inch or eighth-inch thickness and get the thickness that best suits your floor. If you will be installing a thick sheet of vinyl, it’s best to go for thinner plywood.
What type of adhesive do you use for flooring?
Flooring adhesive (optional): If you choose to use glue instead of staples, go for an acrylic-based adhesive. Such adhesives are heat-resistant and do not get loose due to dampness.
What causes a vinyl floor to swell?
Water from mopping or spills can seep through the plank or tile seams and soak into the plywood, which can cause the boards to swell and lumps to form underneath the floor, which can be seen on your vinyl’s surface.
What is floating underlayment?
Floating Underlayment. Most flooring underlayment is installed floating on top of your subfloor. Installers usually lay the underlayment on the floor and start installing the laminate flooring on top. There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor.
What is the best glue for flooring?
Some examples of glue in the flooring industry is Bostik’s BEST Urethane Adhesive or DriTac 5900 MegaBond.
Do staples help underlayment?
If your choose this route, staples are a good choice to fasten the underlayment. Staples usually have a coating which help increase the holding power.
