Installing Laminate Flooring On Wood Subfloor

Whether you have a plywood subfloor or a concrete subfloor there are a few steps that are universal in preparing the subfloor.

Installing laminate flooring on wood subfloor.

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 key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. Laminate planks snap together and float above a subfloor which means tiny subfloor imperfections are okay although again a level subfloor will help prevent damage. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width.

We also go over questions regarding particle board and installing new hardwood flooring over old wood flooring. To level a subfloor for installing laminate follow the directions above to remove high and low spots. Laminate is a budget friendly attractive alternative to hardwood flooring. Add about 10 to that number to account for any possible mistakes and warped boards.

Materials not suitable for a laminate installation. If you have a vinyl floor you may be able to install your flooring directly on top of it. Be sure to properly prep the leveled subfloor for whatever flooring material you ve chosen. Remove any carpet or other flooring.

Prior to installing any finished flooring it is important to remember. Fix concrete subfloors with a patching compound and for wood subfloors remove protruding nails and replace any damaged boards. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. A breathable foam type underlayment is generally used when installing laminate flooring over plywood or osb subfloors.

Determine how much flooring and materials will be needed. Once you ve confirmed that you have a suitable laminate flooring subfloor you will need to prepare your subfloor for installation. After removing the existing flooring baseboards and quarter moulding check that the subfloor is solid flat and clean. 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.

Re secure any loose wood subfloor planks osb or plywood subfloors to the floor joists using 2 1 2 deck screws. Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Multiply length times width of the room. Now that your subfloor is level you can proceed to put in hardwood tile laminate or carpet without having to worry about any frustrating gaps or structural imbalances.