Yes, but whether or not you need to fasten it depends entirely on the type of underlayment and your flooring application.
Nail Down Underlayment Installations
The floor covering manufacturer should provide instructions as to how the planks will be nailed down. The floor covering should be installed over the underlayment and then nailed down as per the floor covering manufacturer's instructions.
Instead of using glue, the best practice is to secure plywood underlayment panels with staples or screws. These fasteners provide a solid hold without the downsides of adhesive.
Whether Pergo flooring needs an underlayment depends on whether your specific planks have a pre-attached pad. If the planks do not have an attached backing, a separate underlayment is required. Even if your floor has a built-in pad, a separate underlayment (or vapor barrier) is often highly recommended or required based on your subfloor.
No, you should generally not glue underlayment to the subfloor. Gluing plywood underlayment panels causes movement gaps, makes future floor removal extremely difficult, and creates "tack and release" spots that crackle when walked on. Instead, secure panels using corrosion-resistant staples or ring-shank nails.
Definitely screw them into the joists, and liberally apply Titebond subfloor adhesive to the underside of your plywood sheets. This helps eliminate squeaks and keeps everything together.
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.
Without this protective layer, laminate planks can shift and create an uneven surface. Underlay comes with several other benefits too, including thermal insulation, sound reduction, moisture protection, and making your laminate flooring more durable.
Some Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring
Whether Pergo (laminate) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is better depends on your needs. LVP is better for moisture resistance, bathrooms, and basements, while Pergo is better for scratch resistance and mimicking authentic hardwood.
Nails are a favorite for large jobs in construction because they're cheaper than screws and offer shear strength — or the ability to withstand shear pressure, where two surfaces slide past each other.
Screws will wedge the laminations apart. Attach a cleat to the plywood and screw to that. You can if the joint won't be bearing any load but make sure you pre drill to avoid splitting the plywood laminations. Also, don't attempt to over-tighten your screws as it is essentially end grain and can strip out more easily.
Rather than nails, screws are best to use for subfloors — these fasteners are convenient, easy to remove and capable of providing torque that nails lack. Because of their structure, screws can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.
To attach a rigid underlayment (like plywood or Luan) to a subfloor, use a pneumatic stapler with narrow crown staples or floor screws. Fasten every 2 inches along the edges and every 4 inches throughout the center. Place your body weight on the panel while securing it to prevent future squeaks.
Short answer: yes, mould can grow under vinyl flooring — but only when moisture gets trapped between the planks and the subfloor. Vinyl itself is non-porous, so the planks don't host mould.
One of the biggest challenges with subfloors is moisture. Plywood that isn't properly treated or dried can absorb moisture from the environment, leading to swelling, warping and even mold growth. This can cause flooring materials to lift, separate or degrade over time.
Skipping acclimation, failing to level the subfloor, and ignoring the perimeter expansion gap are the most common and damaging mistakes when installing laminate flooring. These errors frequently lead to buckling, bowing, and squeaky or spongy planks over time.
The "Rule of 3" in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three distinct flooring materials or color variations throughout your entire home. Limiting your design to three elements creates visual cohesion, prevents a chopped-up layout, and ensures smooth, intentional transitions from room to room.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Underlayment Not Required - Vinyl Plank Flooring - The Home Depot.
While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaning solution, it's not recommended for laminate floors. Its acidic nature can dull the laminate's finish over time. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring to ensure it remains vibrant and undamaged.
Yes, you can absolutely install laminate flooring directly over a plywood subfloor. Plywood is one of the best and most stable foundations for a floating laminate floor, provided you use an underlayment and thoroughly prep the surface first.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Between the subfloor and your final flooring sits the underlayment. This crucial middle layer smooths out minor imperfections, deadens sound, and provides moisture or thermal protection. The exact material you use depends on the type of finished flooring you are installing.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.