Subfloor Requirements For Laminate Flooring

Preparation for installing floor tile depends on the type of subfloor in the room you are tiling.

Subfloor requirements for laminate flooring.

Materials not suitable for a laminate installation. 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. It s also the subfloor that can hold in the most moisture. 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.

The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. A flat and level surface is. Laminate flooring cannot ever be installed on a subfloor made of carpet or padding. Concrete is one of the most common types of subfloors found in homes.

No matter the flooring concrete subfloors should always be cured for at least 60 days before a flooring installation. Laminate flooring thinner laminate type flooring can be installed over osb subfloor over the recommended foam pad. Subfloors are the base layer on which all finish materials such as carpet laminate tile and wood are installed. For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors.

Most but not all laminate floor manufacturers require a subfloor to be flat within 3 16 over a 10 foot radius. Other manufacturers will have a different requirement though flat and level is a common requirement. To test your subfloor for moisture you should always take a moisture reading. Flat and level laminate flooring subfloor.

How to level a subfloor for laminate flooring. The goal is to have a wooden subfloor consisting of two. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. If the laminate flooring is installed parallel to the direction of the floor joists the laminate flooring could develop distortion later.

A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. 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. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width. Not all laminate manufacturers have the same laminate flooring subfloor requirements.

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.