Subfloor Requirements For Laminate Flooring

How to level a subfloor for laminate flooring.

Subfloor requirements for laminate flooring.

The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Other manufacturers will have a different requirement though flat and level is a common requirement. In some instances you might be able to install your flooring over an existing floor but it is important to check prior to installation if it is a suitable material.

For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width. Preparation for installing floor tile depends on the type of subfloor in the room you are tiling. Most but not all laminate floor manufacturers require a subfloor to be flat within 3 16 over a 10 foot radius.

A flat and level surface is. Before you install your plywood subfloor first calculate the room s square footage to find out how much flooring you ll need to buy. The goal is to have a wooden subfloor consisting of two. No matter the flooring concrete subfloors should always be cured for at least 60 days before a flooring installation.

Subfloors are the base layer on which all finish materials such as carpet laminate tile and wood are installed. Measure and cut 1 4 inch or thicker plywood with a circular saw to fit the entire floor of the room where you are installing vinyl flooring. Laminate flooring thinner laminate type flooring can be installed over osb subfloor over the recommended foam pad. With much of today s wood flooring being thinner wider plank installed on the minimum building code panel thicknesses we are seeing more creaks pops and squeaks.

Flat and level laminate flooring subfloor. A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. Not all laminate manufacturers have the same laminate flooring subfloor requirements. It s also the subfloor that can hold in the most moisture.

Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. Concrete is one of the most common types of subfloors found in homes. If the laminate flooring is installed parallel to the direction of the floor joists the laminate flooring could develop distortion later. The flooring must be installed crossing the floor joists at a 90 degree angle.

Materials not suitable for a laminate installation.