Subfloor Requirements For Laminate Flooring

How to level a subfloor for laminate flooring.

Subfloor requirements for laminate flooring.

For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors. 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. To test your subfloor for moisture you should always take a moisture reading. Other manufacturers will have a different requirement though flat and level is a common requirement.

A flat and level surface is. Preparation for installing floor tile depends on the type of subfloor in the room you are tiling. 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. Most but not all laminate floor manufacturers require a subfloor to be flat within 3 16 over a 10 foot radius.

The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. 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. If the laminate flooring is installed parallel to the direction of the floor joists the laminate flooring could develop distortion later. Not all laminate manufacturers have the same laminate flooring subfloor requirements.

A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. The goal is to have a wooden subfloor consisting of two. Laminate flooring thinner laminate type flooring can be installed over osb subfloor over the recommended foam pad. Materials not suitable for a laminate installation.

Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. Subfloors are the base layer on which all finish materials such as carpet laminate tile and wood are installed. Before you install your plywood subfloor first calculate the room s square footage to find out how much flooring you ll need to buy.

It s also the subfloor that can hold in the most moisture. 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. No matter the flooring concrete subfloors should always be cured for at least 60 days before a flooring installation. Flat and level laminate flooring subfloor.

The flooring must be installed crossing the floor joists at a 90 degree angle.