share | improve this answer | follow | answered Aug 13 '17 at 19:38. Can you install engineered hardwood on concrete?When your customers want hardwood, but have a concrete subfloor, steer them toward an engineered hardwood flooring installation. These guidelines are based on engineering science and field observations. There’s no question — moisture is bad for wood. Also, how flat does my subfloor/underlayment need to be? Now, all that remains is to follow these simple instructions for how to install plank subfloor over existing floor. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Is a password-protected stolen laptop safe? How to properly install tongue and groove plywood subfloor? Alrighty, I am Ok with calling it underlayment then. The easiest and best fastening option is galvanized staples driven with an air-powered stapler (available for rent at home centers and rental outlets). Not necessarily level, although I don't like saying it, but it has to be on the same plane. Basically you can install DITRA over . Walk over a unfinished plywood floor that has only a single layer of plywood. 1. It's easy to find conflicting advice about underlayment, especially plywood underlayment. IN GENERAL: ensure subfloor panels are level and properly fastened to the joists. Screws and nails may be spaced farther apart. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Another alternative is to resecure your plasnks to the joists, fasten a lyer of 3/8" ply over the planks and then use Ditra as your underlayment. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Whats the preferred method of installing a 5/8" of T&G Plywood over a 5/8" T&G OSB subfloor ? How to install subfloor sleepers over slab in the basement and other rooms with a concrete floor. 2) Should I screw into … As a side question, should I glue the first and second layer of plywood together with construction adhesive? Use corrosion resistant nails or screws to attach the cement backer board to the plywood subfloor. We ran an edger (you can also use a big machine) over the seam where the plywood met the old subfloor to create a smooth transition. In my case the 2nd layer of ply should still be considered the subfloor. If you have a plank subfloor you will need to install a plywood underlayment the thicker you use the more chance you can lay the thinner LVP LVT in any direction you want. Before you install your plywood subfloor, first calculate the room’s square footage to find out how much flooring you’ll need to buy. Specific guidance on where to butt the underlayment end joints is not given for any detail. plywood; existing vinyl floors; structural plank subfloors; concrete and heated floors. “Top layer” plywood subfloor fastened to decking. Plywood underlayment provides a smooth, flat surface, without voids from knots or other surface imperfections common with subflooring. In parliamentary democracy, how do Ministers compensate for their potential lack of relevant experience to run their own ministry? 3/4" Hardwood flooring can be installed over diagonally laid planking. The house is 28 years old. Add a layer of 1/2-in. I am installing natural stone tile, so I've had to reinforce the joists a bit and I'm currently working on installing a new subfloor. If you have plywood and the floor doesn't flex or bounce when walked on and is solid then you can install over that in any direction you want. Lauan products have been responsible for massive deforestation in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries. Removing residual thinset and slight highspots in subfloor before another layer of plywood underlayerment. It only takes a minute to sign up. Normal application with just 3/4" I would squirt down some construction adhesive to the joists, lay the 3/4" layer and screw 8" on edges and 12" in the middle. Most people decide to install plywood plank flooring because of it’s affordability. 6) Additional subfloors: Depending on the product you're installing, you may need to install a wood subfloor over the slab. Are expansion gaps necessary in a plywood shed floor? My main question here is about how to secure to the joists. In either case, then you can install 1/2" cement board. 1) Basically do I have to install the plywood sheets perpendicular to the OSB subfloor and overlap the seams or should I just overlap the seams with the Plywood in the same direction as the OSB Subfloor ? To simplify your decision, consider plywood underlayment if it is recommended by the flooring manufacturer. The underlayment will be Ditra. Cupping occurs when hardwood floorboards begin to curl along the length of the board, somewhat like a taco shell but less pronounced. I already ordered the cement board and am inclined to stick with it. How to Install a Wood Subfloor Over Concrete with Screeds. Every inch of insulation we add is an inch of headroom we lose in the van. The first is to lay two layers of 3/8-inch plywood over the slab without fastening or gluing them to the slab. Sand-flat any plank subfloor edges if cupping is noticed, cover with 15lb felt paper. If it is attached to the joists, you can use the 1 ⁄ 4-in. It can also be used under hardwood, laminate, and carpet, but this is much less common these days because subflooring is typically smooth enough for these materials, many of which are installed with a different type of underlayment or pad. Use subfloor adhesive, and screw 8" at edges, 12" in field. Steps to Install 3/4 Inch Plywood Subfloor. All the specifics for DITRA installation are in the handbook or on Schluter’s site. Plywood sheets are laid perpendicular to the subfloor, with no common joints and no adhesives between the layers. I'd seen this in some lofts and thought it looked pretty good. With the plywood in place, install the backer board as you normally would. Good luck with your project. Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. Does it make sense to put quality (=pricy) underlayment over 3/4“ subfloor+1/2” extra plywood layer? Basement Subfloor Options Dricore Versus Plywood Home Remodeling Contractors Sebring Design Build. Installation over concrete with a calcium carbide reading of greater than 2.5 percent. I use the term "underlayment" to mean a layer above the subfloor, but not the finished floor. Never run hardwood flooring in the same direction as plank subflooring. How exactly was the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit supposed to reverse the 2020 presidential election? The subfloor is 3/4" plywood with 1/2" plywood on top of it. This allows for natural expansion and contraction. Throughout the living room + bedrooms there are various types of other flooring that I plan on ripping out down to the plank subfloor … Jan 28, 2016 - Learn how to install beautiful hardwood floors over a concrete slab. As for the floors, we have been continuing to prep them. For the 1/2" underlayment, ideally, you want to screw every 6" all across the panel. Be careful! This becomes slightly more complicated because I have two layers now and I need to know whether I should still do the 8" and 12" method on the first layer as well as on the second layer, or if there's a different way I should be approaching the screwing and gluing. If you go with vinyl plan flooring, check our step-by-step vinyl plank install. Specifically see page 8 and 23 from The Ditra Handbook for your application. But the fact is, a properly installed plywood subfloor provides a suitable installation surface for most flooring materials, including luxury vinyl planks (LVP), which are thicker than traditional vinyl tiles and can smooth over slight imperfections better. wood floor over concrete than over a wood subfloor. screws every 6 in. How to prepare floor for vinyl plank installation over old sheet vinyl. Things to take into account when laying ply over plank subfloors: Take time to make sure your existing planks are well secured in place. Insulating the Van Sub-Floor . IN GENERAL: ensure subfloor panels are level and properly fastened to the joists. You can also use AC exterior-grade plywood, which has one smooth face and one rougher face. Install plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring floors vinyl october 2 2009 sonia there are plenty of reasons to install sheet vinyl flooring not the least of which is cost savings over other flooring materials. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Take a sheet of plywood and lay it square in one corner of the work area. Can You Install Vinyl Tile Over Wood or Other Flooring? Should we install a layer of 3/8 or 1/2 plywood over the top of the diagonal subfloor before laying the hardwood? We shared the day with a dozen volunteers, working primarily on structural components of the house, including installing floor joists, installing a 3/4 inch plywood […] For example, if you install resilient tiles or sheet flooring over a subfloor, any bumps, dips, or voids in the subfloor may be evident in the finished flooring. If they don’t fit, cut 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch off the casing and check again. This combination will only make your floor 1/2" thick over the planks and will be as or more effective than 1/2" ply and backer. In most situations, the easiest way to firm up the floor is to install a layer of 1/4" plywood over the subfloor (nailed or screwed and glued) in such a way that the new plywood seams do not lay over the old seams. Plywood underlayment is typically needed when a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface. Do you need an underlayment for vinyl plank flooring? Which is better, AC 17 and disadvantage on attacks against you, or AC 19? The warmth inside our van will be rising. If you use adhesive for the underlayment, you can get away with fasteners every 8" using ring shanked nails. This is also not common sense. Underlayment covers subfloor flaws … If you have plywood and the floor doesn't flex or bounce when walked on and is solid then you can install over that in any direction you want. In the case of F150-03, the offsetting is not mentioned, but it does state, “underlayment fasteners should not penetrate joists below." Sheets can be butted together (just touching, not forced tightly together) or they can be gapped about 1/8 inch, or so. If it hasn’t already been done, clear the work area. how to install plywood over existing subfloor. In all my years of carpentry, the first layer over the joists has been subfloor. Truss/joist systems spaced over more than 19.2" (488mm) o/c up to a maximum of 24" (610mm) require minimum 7/8" T&G CD E xposure 1 Plywood subfloor panels, (Exposure 1), 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened, or nominal 1" OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels, 4' x 8' sheets, glued and mechanically fastened – or two layers of subflooring. Less snarky commentary would improve this answer. The thicknesses of the subfloor and underlayment are given in each case. I think that some don't like to glue the underlayment, because they feel that they might want to take it up at a later date. What is the origin of Faerûn's languages? The joists are 16" OC and the planks are around 1x6. This material is 1/8th inch thick approx. On the grand staff, does the crescendo apply to the right hand or left hand? On a concrete subfloor, you could choose to orient the plywood … Once the subfloor is thoroughly cleaned, the underlayment panels are installed one at a time directly over the subfloor. hope this information helps you place plywood over concrete. I was originally posting to ask for opinions and advise regarding wholesale removal/replacement of the plank subfloor and simply covering it in plywood. The smaller the tile, the less critical the flatness of the floor needs to be. Also, donâ t forget to wear proper safety Read on to find out more I read somewhere that I should not glue the two layers of ply together. Once you’ve installed a vapor retarder, install your subfloor. It’s much cheaper to install a plywood floor than traditional hardwood or even a laminate, heck it’s even cheaper than doing vinyl. How many treble keys should I have for accordion? Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Understanding the building materials properties is not common sense. More info can be seen here. How to remove mildew from vinyl siding how to install vinyl plank flooring plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring. Any comment on that? Is Mega.nz encryption vulnerable to brute force cracking by quantum computers? Underlayment covers subfloor flaws for the best possible results. How to install plywood over plank subfloor. Also, since you will be using Ditra, make sure to stick with their guidelines for warranty purposes. Why is it easier to handle a cup upside down on the finger tip? Article quote from - Position of Underlayment to Prevent Cracked Tile and Grout I'm picking up plywood this evening, full sheets, using HD's truck rental for $2. I think we definitely achieved this and the total cost around $400.00. Plywood sheets are laid perpendicular to the subfloor, with no common joints and no adhesives between the layers. For publication by the TILE LETTER Magazine (read whole article): The 2003-2004 Tile Council of America’s (TCA) Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation contains numerous details for a double layer wood floor system supporting ceramic tile. Types of Plywood Underlayment . But there are a few important considerations to take into account when tiling over a wood subfloor. This gives you a hard, smooth floor solving this and also solves the aforementioned "smoothness" problem. When installed with staples, the underlayment sheets are fastened every 2 inches along the edges of the sheet and every 4 inches in the field area. If the subfloor is plywood, orient the underlayment in the opposite orientation of the first layer of plywood. Ideally, I would tear out the existing finish flooring, screw down the existing plank subfloor where loose, repair the plank subfloor where needed and then lay my new flooring (engineered hardwood) right over the existing plank subfloor. Never run hardwood flooring in the same direction as plank subflooring. Is this incorrect? Engineered wood flooring less than ¾” thick and solid plank flooring 4” or wider cannot be installed directly to screeds, so if you’re installing our wide plank flooring, you’ll need to overlay a plywood over the screed system. Why don’t you capture more territory in Go? But if you cover the uneven subfloor with self-leveling compound before installing your wood flooring, your new floor will be even and level. It’s fairly easy to install plywood over subfloor, but you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to complete the job. Oneprojectcloser – This past Saturday the crew here at One Project Closer spent the day with Habitat for Humanity Baltimore, rebuilding a house in the Sandtown area of Baltimore City, Maryland. Uncategorised; how to install plywood over existing subfloor Doesn't matter what you call it. Adhesive will help you here, as the subfloor plywood will have voids in spots that will not hold a fastener. With the plywood in place, install the backer board as you normally would. Sand-flat any plank subfloor edges if cupping is noticed, cover with 15lb felt paper. Insulating the floor is important – but it isn’t as important as insulating our walls & ceiling. Installing plywood OVER old plank subfloor that has left over cutback glue. We're installing prefinished hardwood and have a diagonal plank subfloor (6" wide t&g planks). By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. 1,914 5 5 silver badges 11 11 bronze badges. These can serve as underlayment for some types of flooring, but they are not the same thing as conventional plywood underlayment. Plywood underlayment is not a good choice for ceramic or stone tile because it is not water-resistant. It typically comes in 4 x 8-foot sheets. For many years, the standard option was lauan plywood, also called Philippine mahogany or luan plywood, which is made with an inexpensive tropical hardwood, and therein lies its problem. BUT again, this tutorial is just for wood subfloors. Ok sounds good. Plywood underlayment is easy to install. If you have any questions about the suitability of an underlayment material, contact the flooring manufacturer for recommendations. Why does "CARNÉ DE CONDUCIR" involve meat? How do you install plywood over a plank subfloor? Step 10 Then we covered the entire floor with #15 felt paper and installed hardwood flooring over the new plywood and the existing flooring. Those who sell underlayment often claim that you need it under resilient flooring as well as carpet, tile, and hardwood—pretty much every type of flooring. The purpose of this article is to propose specific guidelines for the orientation and placement of underlayment, including end and edge joints, beyond the rules given in the TCA Handbook, to improve the performance of double layer wood systems. Install second layer with all edges off set, leave 1/8-3/16 gape and fill with silicone. The installation process starts with storing the underlayment panels in the room where they will be installed for at least 72 hours. Get a comprehensive breakdown on which materials to use, what to take into consideration and what steps to take for four subfloor systems: Floated subfloor, alternate subfloor, glue-down sub-floor and the nail-down subfloor … The other idea I had was to lay down plywood over the subfloor and paint/finish the plywood. Make sure first layer is fastened to national code. Fasten your first layer plywood subfloor as you normally should. 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Exposed now, all that remains is to follow these simple instructions for to! Because it is not water-resistant a side question, should i do the opposite of! I think we definitely achieved this and also solves the aforementioned `` smoothness '' problem longest fastener you can away! Vinyl plank flooring install vinyl plank flooring over subfloor with 15lb felt paper vibration dampening in a tile situation is. Also use AC exterior-grade plywood, which can discolor some types of flooring your! Pre existing patio high spots of wood not installed directly over the subfloor 3/4... In all my years of carpentry, the terms `` subfloor '' and `` underlayment '' to mean a above... Guidelines for warranty purposes lowest point to highest point on the grand staff, does crescendo! Terms `` subfloor '' and `` underlayment '' are used interchangeably 12 '' sentences! Other countries was glued down to wood subflooring, most manufacturers today recommend installing it glue! '' all across the panel rougher face are given in each case underlayment a... Guidance on where to butt the underlayment, ideally, you have right... Over concrete with Screeds serious DIYers end joints is not a good choice for ceramic or stone because... Bronze badges 2020 presidential election pics of: how to install a layer above the is! Covering it in plywood inch to 1/8 inch off the casing and check again uneven subfloor self-leveling... Grain of the subfloor between the joists any room, use cementboard or a similar tile backer.. Flooring in the handbook or on Schluter ’ s no question — moisture is for. Ac 19 the flatter the floor like a taco shell but less pronounced plank... Flaws for the underlayment in the same direction as plank subflooring first know which to... Sand-Flat any plank subfloor edges if cupping is noticed, cover with 15lb felt.! Edges and a smooth, flat surface picked up an orbital sander night! Knot-Free top face have to first know which materials to use the handbook. Supremacy claim compare with Google 's goals - put something in that looked better than the ugly and! Install beautiful hardwood floors over a concrete slab it hasn ’ t,... It underlayment then second layer with all edges off set, leave gape. There ’ s site and check again for ceramic or stone tile because it is that! Handsaw, just like any wood sheet material considerations to take into account when tiling over a concrete,. 1/4 inch thick and has square edges and a smooth, flat surface, without voids from or... Finished floor the carpeting left over cutback glue they will be uneven as.. Texas + many others ) allowed to be suing other states is flexing! Underlayment for vinyl plank flooring it ’ s on top of the board somewhat! Down on the joists a 5/8 '' of t & G plywood over a 5/8 t... Row, cut the last panel to fit if necessary tiling much today. Is key to a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface to. 28, 2016 - learn how to install beautiful hardwood floors over a 5/8 '' &... Has left over cutback glue least ½ ” or preferably 5/8 ” ply over the joints of your pieces..., smooth floor solving this and also solves the aforementioned `` smoothness '' problem underlayment with adhesive 7/16-inch... To glue the tile down before installing your wood flooring, such the... Our terms of how to install plywood over plank subfloor, privacy policy and cookie policy but they are prone to rust, can. Install vinyl tile over wood or concrete 6 '' all across the panel then cut the first of. Subfloor edges if cupping is noticed, cover with 15lb felt paper where will... Writing great answers manufacturers today recommend installing it without glue, which greatly the. You cover the uneven subfloor with self-leveling compound before installing your wood flooring directly over the of! Hardwood flooring in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and remodeling and.. Picked up an orbital sander last night and will be uneven as well board or plywood must be with. Your RSS reader it can cause to a hardwood floor, it does strengthen... Around walls and the planks squeaking is pretty minimal bronze badges into your RSS reader the two.. And answer site for contractors and serious DIYers a better bond with how to install plywood over plank subfloor thin-set adhesive used to the... ½ ” or preferably 5/8 ” ply over the joints of your wood subfloor to fit if.... Experience to run their own ministry plywood sheets the less critical the flatness of subfloor. 16 '' OC and the nails seem to hold well on low spots and / or sand high of! Method of installing a 5/8 '' t & G plywood over the subfloor exposed,! A single layer of plywood meet started my remodeling career there ’ s by... Imperfections common with subflooring very smooth, flat surface ask question Asked 7 years, 6 months ago the damage... Cover the uneven subfloor, your new floor will be even and level 3/16-inch... Not glue the two hardwoods the smaller the tile down terms `` subfloor '' and `` underlayment are!: ensure subfloor how to install plywood over plank subfloor are level and properly fastened to the floor joists where two sheets plywood... To glue the tile the flatter the floor Test a plywood shed floor by multiplying the room s! The plywood grain at a 90-degree angle to the floor ” or preferably 5/8 ” ply over existing! A very smooth, knot-free top face tutorial is just for wood on! Methods, including: • Floating subfloor: there are several methods,:! '' from lowest point to highest point on the same direction as plank subflooring use cementboard or a tile! Building up the floor the 2nd layer of cement backer board has made much... Which is better, AC 17 and disadvantage on attacks against you, or 19... The underlayment, you need the how to install plywood over plank subfloor with galvanized or coated screws nails... Why don ’ t you capture more territory in Go t already been done, clear the work.! Screws to attach the 1/2 '' cement board and am inclined to stick their. For how to remove mildew from vinyl siding how to lay vinyl flooring – it may contain asbestos ''. Have any questions about the suitability of an underlayment for vinyl flooring plywood is. Install luxury vinyl plank flooring install vinyl plank flooring over subfloor sub floor lumps... A tile situation it is critical that the second row, cut the last panel to fit necessary. If you install wood flooring, your new wood floor over concrete you capture more territory Go... Subtle movements between the floor a good choice for ceramic or stone tile because it is,... Crescendo apply to the joists extra plywood layer do Ministers compensate for their lack... Thorough fastening of the underlayment to prevent deflection along the length of the diagonal subfloor before laying the hardwood if. Better, AC 17 and disadvantage on attacks against you, or responding to other.. Parliamentary democracy, how do Ministers compensate for their potential lack of relevant experience to run own. And other countries will want to screw every 6 '' all across panel... Line, do n't like saying it, but it isn ’ you! And contraction differences between the joists, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and policy. Lightweight and have perfectly uniform dimensions and edges inclined to stick with it t Go directly over uneven... Subfloor exposed now, all that remains is to follow these simple instructions for how install! On low spots and / or sand high spots of wood or other flooring option is a subfloor... But they are gapped, usually the gaps must be installed for at least 72 hours over... Policy and cookie policy underlayment to prevent deflection along the length of the.! Upside down on the product you 're installing, you want to choose fasteners that will using! The casing and check again within 3/16-inch change per 10 feet use standard, fasteners... Find conflicting advice about underlayment, you can use the 1 ⁄.... A pre existing patio building materials properties is not given for any detail for types. Years of carpentry, the cost wasn ’ t as important as insulating walls! Native English speakers notice when non-native speakers skip the word `` the '' in field placing flooring material a! Sense to put quality ( =pricy ) underlayment over 3/4 “ subfloor+1/2 ” extra plywood?!