Can I put flooring directly on subfloor?

Author: Jolie Reichel I  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

If you're gluing the new flooring to the subfloor, use a sander to remove paint, oil, wax, adhesives, sealers or other material and then thoroughly vacuum off dust and debris. Nail-down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it's no more than two layers thick.

Can you put vinyl flooring directly on a subfloor?

Yes, you can install vinyl flooring over a wood subfloor, provided the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. It is important to ensure that the wood subfloor is properly prepared and free of any moisture issues. A moisture barrier may be necessary to protect the vinyl from potential moisture problems.

Do I need underlayment over subfloor?

Flooring underlayment is not always necessary, primarily when you are using a flooring that has its own underlayment padding such as . But underlayment can help with a wide variety of issues, such as sound control in a cement floor application or cold floors in a basement for example.

Do I need a vapor barrier under my flooring?

Vapor barriers should be used on a floor when the area is prone to moisture. When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors.

Can you put laminate directly on a subfloor?

Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor that may be installed over virtually any type of sub floor. And by “floating”, we mean that it doesn't need to be nailed or glued to the sub floor.

How to lay a plyboard floor, a stable plywood underfloor for LVT, lino, marmoleum, vinyl or tiles.

What happens if you install laminate flooring without underlayment?

Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.

Do you need a moisture barrier for vinyl flooring on plywood?

There is no need for a moisture barrier when installing on plywood. However, you will want to look for an underlayment with sound reduction and feels comfortable.

What happens if you don't put underlayment under vinyl plank flooring?

Under vinyl flooring, underlayment is essential for moisture control, sound deadening, warmth, and minimizing floor deflection.

Does laminate flooring with attached padding still need a vapor barrier?

If your installation is over concrete, we recommend a 6-mil-poly vapor barrier – even if the underlayment you are installing already has a vapor barrier attached. Why? Unintended nicks or tears during the installation process can violate the integrity of the attached vapor barrier.

Can you lay flooring over subfloor?

If you're gluing the new flooring to the subfloor, use a sander to remove paint, oil, wax, adhesives, sealers or other material and then thoroughly vacuum off dust and debris. Nail-down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it's no more than two layers thick.

What flooring does not require underlayment?

Underlayment Not Required - Laminate Wood Flooring - The Home Depot.

What goes on top of a subfloor?

You have the top layer that is your floor covering (Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Carpet, etc.), next you have the underlayment (usually a thin layer of fiber, foam, rubber), below that you have your subfloor (plywood, OSB, concrete), and lastly you have the joists which are the foundation to your floors.

What goes between subfloor and vinyl flooring?

Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.

Should I seal a plywood subfloor?

Sealing and waterproofing a wood subfloor is an important step in protecting it from moisture and other types of damage. You can seal a subfloor using a sealant specifically designed for subfloors, such as a penetrating sealer or a moisture barrier.

Can you install linoleum over subfloor?

Using the recommended size trowel, spread the linoleum adhesive evenly on the subfloor, following the manufacturer's instructions. Work in small sections to avoid the adhesive drying before you can lay the linoleum.

Can you put vinyl flooring directly on subfloor?

Generally speaking, LVP can be installed directly over subfloors such as concrete or ceramic tile assuming they're clean and level. Additional underlayment may be required if installing over existing hardwood or vinyl sheet floors to protect against moisture damage and sound transmission.

Does vinyl flooring with attached padding still need underlayment?

While vinyl flooring with an attached pad provides a basic level of cushioning and sound absorption, investing in a high-quality rubber underlayment like Dura Undercushions can elevate the functionality and longevity of your flooring.

What happens if you don t leave an expansion gap for vinyl flooring?

The Consequences of Omitting an Expansion Gap

This often manifests as bulging or lifting, particularly at the centre of the room. This phenomenon, known as a “pinch point,” occurs when expanding flooring comes into contact with a wall or door frame, creating upward pressure on the boards.

Do you put anything under subfloor?

Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation:1. Underlayment takes out any minor deviations in the subfloor. 2. Underlayment delivers superior acoustical performance.

What is the vapor barrier between subfloor and underlayment?

A moisture barrier, also known as a vapor barrier or moisture retarder, is a moisture-resistant layer that's placed beneath building materials to help prevent water intrusion. They're most commonly used in the construction of walls and flooring.

When should you not use a vapor barrier?

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

Will vinyl plank flooring stick to plywood?

Vinyl flooring can go over a plywood subfloor without a vinyl flooring underlayment as long as the substrate is sturdy, smooth, and flat. If your plywood subfloor is in poor condition, you may need a thin plywood underlayment to smooth the surface out.

Why does my LVP floor crackle when I walk on it?

When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.

What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a moisture barrier?

Both are designed to keep moisture out of your home and can be made from various materials. But there are a few key differences, the most apparent being that moisture barriers are better at keeping out liquids, and vapor barriers are better at keeping out water in its gaseous state.

Previous article
What happens physically to a person who gets aspergillosis?
Next article
Should I put gravel behind a retaining wall?