Can you put vinyl flooring directly on plywood?

Author: Mr. Marc Schamberger II  |  Last update: Saturday, January 31, 2026

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.

Do I need underlayment for vinyl flooring on plywood?

Plywood Subfloor

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.

Can you stick vinyl flooring to plywood?

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.

What should I put down before laying vinyl flooring?

The most used types of underlayment for vinyl are cork, foam, felt, rubber, plywood, and OSB.
  1. Cork. When it comes to reducing noise in your home, cork is an excellent option. ...
  2. Foam. ...
  3. Felt. ...
  4. Particle Board. ...
  5. Rubber. ...
  6. Plywood and OSB.

Can you put vinyl flooring directly on a 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.

Laying Vinyl Over Plywood

What goes between subfloor and vinyl flooring?

In essence, underlayment is a layer of material sandwiched between your subfloor and your finished flooring.

How do you prepare plywood subfloor for vinyl plank flooring?

Before installing the LVP, it's important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling smoothing compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of smoothing compound will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it.

What happens if you don't put a moisture barrier under vinyl flooring?

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. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.

How to install vinyl sheet flooring on plywood?

How to Glue Down Sheet Vinyl Flooring
  1. Cut and Nail Down Underlayment. Cut and fasten the flooring underlayment and stagger the seams of the plywood panels, leaving a 1/32-inch gap between panels to allow for expansion. ...
  2. Apply the Adhesive. ...
  3. Cure the Adhesive and Lay Floor. ...
  4. Apply Caulk.

How long does it take to install 1000 sq ft of vinyl plank flooring?

A 1000-square-foot space will take around two to three days with a couple of people working on it. However, the timeframe can also depend on the space.

What is the best adhesive for vinyl to plywood?

Acrylic-based adhesives are very efficient and strong when it comes to gluing vinyl floors. Acrylic-based adhesives are heat-resistant, can handle fluctuations in temperature and do not loosen up due to moisture.

How thick should plywood be under vinyl?

Cover the floor area with either a 4mm or 6mm plywood - the thickness selected should be determined by the quality of the surface being covered. Ply should be of suitable quality, eg SP101. Wood should be fixed using screws, twisted shank or ring shank nails, serrated or divergent staples.

Does permanent vinyl stick to plywood?

Vinyl can certainly adhere to any wooden surface. You can make both indoor and outdoor signs with vinyl and wood.

How do you stick vinyl to plywood?

So here are the bullet points for better adhesion of vinyl on wood.
  1. If the wood is rough or porous, sand it so that the surface feels smooth to the touch. ...
  2. If it's been painted or sealed, allow a few weeks for the paint or sealant to cure before applying vinyl.
  3. If you have a choice of paint, use 1shot or an enamel paint.

Can you use plywood instead of underlayment?

Yes, there are different types of plywood underlayment, including: Premium sanded: Because the surface is sanded, it provides for an even and smooth surface. Both RoyOMartin's SmartCore AC Plywood and SmartCore BC Plywood meets underlayment requirements.

Does anything go under vinyl flooring?

Any type of flooring can benefit from an underlayment — no matter what type of subfloor it will be installed on, whether it's concrete, wooden, or any other type of flooring. Underlayment can improve the vinyl's ability to absorb sound and can also make it feel better to walk on.

What goes under vinyl flooring on 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.

What flooring sticks to plywood?

Yes, it is perfectly viable to install peel and stick tiles over a plywood floor. This flooring option is designed to withstand the rigors of high-traffic areas, making it a robust choice for various parts of the home including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways.

What board do you put under vinyl flooring?

6mm plywood is the most common underlying product for vinyl sheet flooring. Compared to the particle board, it has lots of benefits. For instance, besides being highly durable, plywood is water-resistant.

Do you need a vapor barrier for vinyl plank flooring on plywood subfloor?

Plywood Subfloor: With plywood, an added moisture barrier isn't necessary, but you will want one that offers more comfort and reduces sound noise.

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

Omitting the expansion gap can lead to the flooring bulging, lifting, or warping, especially in areas where the flooring may expand and come into contact with walls or fixed objects, creating pressure points.

What happens if no vapor barrier is installed?

“For minor projects, the absence of a vapor barrier leads to water intrusion, leading to an unstable foundation or a cracked slab.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers.

Does the floor have to be perfectly level for vinyl plank flooring?

A flat and level floor is key so that the adjoining vinyl plank flooring doesn't have varying heights. It is absolutely essential that the subfloor is completely level.

Which direction to install vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank floors should run longways along the length of your room. This creates the illusion of more space. And if your room has corners and angled walls, you may want to lay your planks diagonally, creating a unique and eye-catching effect.

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