¼” plywood works well as a subfloor for vinyl, and you can install vinyl directly over wood. Over a wood subfloor, you need a Class II moisture retardant. If your wood subfloor is old and worn with holes, gaps, and cracks, you can use a liquid leveling agent to create a smooth surface.
They type would depend on the moisture on the floor. If over a certain amount (ie more than 70-75%) then you should really lay a damp membrane before popping plywood down. The plywood itself should ideally be a minimum of 6mm, and if you're ok to spend the money, would recommend the flooring grade. Hope that helps.
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.
Foam core backing is a popular underlayment choice for vinyl flooring, because it provides thermal insulation and acoustic isolation. Foam core is typically made from polyurethane, and it is available in both high and low density varieties.
For subflooring, 3/4-inch plywood is generally the better choice compared to 5/8 plywood. While the minimum thickness for subflooring is 5/8 inch, using 3/4-inch plywood provides greater strength, better support for fasteners, and reduces the risk of flexing or sagging, especially for higher load areas.
Cork underlayment is a natural and environmentally friendly option that offers excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation properties. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, making it a durable choice for vinyl plank flooring. Cork underlayment also provides a comfortable and cushioned feel underfoot.
For traditional plywood flooring installations, where the plywood is directly attached to the subfloor, the recommended thickness typically ranges from 5/8-inch (15mm) to 3/4-inch (19mm) plywood. This thickness range provides sufficient support, minimizing the risk of flexing or squeaking.
The choice of underlayment for your vinyl plank flooring ultimately depends on your specific needs and the conditions of your space. However, experts often recommend foam or felt underlayment for their sound reduction, protection from moisture, and insulation properties.
Rubber, both the natural and synthetic, is not safe to use with vinyl floors because it reacts with the chemicals found in vinyl and causes staining. Heat from sunlight or even the friction of foot traffic on rubber-backed rug pads causes this chemical reaction.
Plywood underlayment is a thin (ours is 5 mm) plywood. Unlike the subfloor, which is full of knots and bumps and is pretty rough, plywood underlayment is totally smooth and virtually free of imperfections. It's commonly used under vinyl or linoleum 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.
Wood is not the best choice for Vinyl
Actually unsealed wood, plywood and even painted plywood are not good substrates for vinyl. Vinyl is an adhesive backed film that is expected to last for years outdoors in all kinds of weather. To achieve that longevity, the adhesive must have a firm bond with the substrate.
There is no need for a moisture barrier when installing on plywood.
After you've installed brand-new vinyl flooring, you should wait at least a day before walking on it because: The seams need to cure: The adhesive under your vinyl plank or tile flooring needs at least a day to acclimate to the floor underneath it after installation.
Type of plywood. Softwood plywood. Product Description. SP101 Flooring Plywood is a premium underlay plywood developed by Hanson for reliable flooring applications. It is designed to meet BS 8203:2017 and CFA guidance, offering excellent durability and precision for subfloor preparation.
It's always advisable to lay plywood over floorboards first and screed an uneven concrete floor in order to achieve a perfectly level surface for your vinyl flooring. Simply cut your plywood sheets to fit the size and shape of your room and lay them in place, secured with small tack nails.
Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring
SPC Floors: These rigid floors often work best with softer underlayments made of foam, felt, or cork. These materials provide cushioning and help absorb sound, enhancing the floor's performance.
Make sure you've cleaned all the dirt and debris off the plywood. Apply one coat of latex primer, allow to dry, then peel and stick the tiles. That's the cheapest way I know of to do it and have the tiles stick.
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.
Choosing a vinyl flooring with rubber backing is ideal. Rubber features several properties that make it a quality choice for a long-lasting floor. Rubber is a strong option that can withstand heavy loads. It also offers valuable shock absorption that can help to make your floor more comfortable to walk on.
CDX plywood is the most common plywood used for subflooring. It is usually more affordable because it is rougher and has more imperfections than other types of plywood. However, since subflooring is almost always covered and rarely visible, the way it looks should not matter.
A quality hardwood structural plywood suitable for a variety of applications, including walls, floors and roofs.
18mm Softwood Plywood Tongue and Groove Flooring is a versatile plywood that can withstand impacts and other forms of bruising in flooring situations, site hoarding, roof decking, vehicle bodywork.