Installing Plywood Underlayment For Hardwood

An underlayment is a necessity for any wood floor installation even on a plywood subfloor.

Installing plywood underlayment for hardwood.

Before you install your plywood subfloor first calculate the room s square footage to find out how much flooring you ll need to buy. We also provide plywood underlayment installation instructions for all three plywood underlayment panels. It can also be used under hardwood laminate and carpet but this is much less common these days because subflooring is typically smooth enough for these materials many of which are installed with a different type of underlayment or pad. Sized in 4 by 8 foot sheets you can install a floor underlayment to wood.

Plywood sheets are laid perpendicular to the subfloor with no common joints and no adhesives between the layers. The appearance of a floor is determined by the quality of subflooring and plywood underlayment is often the blessing or curse of an attractive room. Apply an adhesive approved for plywood installation and recommended by the plywood manufacturer. The warranty may require it.

The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. Materials include a minimum of 3 4 inch cd exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels 4 foot by 8 foot sheets. The underlayment provides many benefits including moisture protection sound and thermal insulation and a cushion to make the floor more comfortable to walk on. Install plywood underlayment smooth side up.

Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width. Poorly installed underlayment leaves obvious blemishes that show through vinyl laminate hardwood and other floor coverings. Plywood underlayment is a thin plywood material that is most commonly used under resilient flooring materials such as vinyl and linoleum sheets and tiles. To avoid damage to the surface install underlayment immediately before laying the finish flooring.

Score the back of the panels half of the thickness on a 12 inch by 12 inch grid. Cut plywood panels by 2 foot by 8 foot or 4 foot by 4 foot sections.