We ve chosen to demonstrate installation of felt backed rotovinyl over a new layer of special 1 4 in.
Installing 1 4 underlayment sheet vinyl.
Luan as underlayment luan is 1 4 inch thick and it comes in 4 by 8 sheets.
There are several types of underlayment for this type of flooring and we ve seen brands with a thin layer of foam pre attached as well.
We recommend you use this method for installation under vinyl vinyl composite tile luxury vinyl tile ceramic tile carpet engineered flooring and wood floors.
It typically comes in 4 x 8 foot sheets.
Finish the sheet by fastening the remaining 8 edge 2 on center 1 2.
If your subfloor had dips or damage it could show through the vinyl over time.
Leave a 1 8 inch gap along the walls.
When installing the new underlayment stagger the seams of the plywood panels and leave a 1 32 inch gap between panels to allow for expansion.
I have used nails and screws in the past but read online elsewhere that pros use narrow crown staples.
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.
I have installed one sheet so far and it was a lot quicker than my past jobs.
Installation procedures and adhesives differ for each type of vinyl flooring and vary from one manufacturer to another so be sure to get instructions for the type of flooring you choose.
It needs to be built up to the same elevation of the other flooring types in the house.
Laying underlayment over an existing flooring.
That doesn t mean you don t need underlayment for sheet vinyl however.
Traditional hardwood flooring is 3 4 inch thick and carpet with pad is usually between 5 8 and 1 inch depending on the type.
Sheet vinyl however is only about 1 16 inch thick.
When it comes to installing a new flooring material you sometimes have the option of installing the underlayment for your new floor directly on top.
While luan provides a smooth surface on which to install vinyl it s not suitable for all types of vinyl flooring.
I have 3 4 durastrand subfloor and am installing 1 4 underlayment before the vinyl.
Position sureply plywood underlayment panels 1 8 to 1 4 from the walls to allow for expansion.