Subfloor Requirements For Laminate Flooring

Most but not all laminate floor manufacturers require a subfloor to be flat within 3 16 over a 10 foot radius.

Subfloor requirements for laminate flooring.

A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. 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. It s also the subfloor that can hold in the most moisture.

How to level a subfloor for laminate flooring. Before you install your plywood subfloor first calculate the room s square footage to find out how much flooring you ll need to buy. Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width.

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. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. To test your subfloor for moisture you should always take a moisture reading. Not all laminate manufacturers have the same laminate flooring subfloor requirements.

If the laminate flooring is installed parallel to the direction of the floor joists the laminate flooring could develop distortion later. Other manufacturers will have a different requirement though flat and level is a common requirement. No matter the flooring concrete subfloors should always be cured for at least 60 days before a flooring installation. The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor.

Flat and level laminate flooring subfloor. The flooring must be installed crossing the floor joists at a 90 degree angle. The goal is to have a wooden subfloor consisting of two. Concrete is one of the most common types of subfloors found in homes.

The building code for the subfloor is to ensure structural loads are adequate from a safety perspective not necessarily from a wood flooring performance perspective. A flat and level surface is. Materials not suitable for a laminate installation. 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.

It supports your decorative floor finish whether it s carpet hardwood vinyl laminate or tile.