Subfloor Requirements For Laminate Flooring

The building code for the subfloor is to ensure structural loads are adequate from a safety perspective not necessarily from a wood flooring performance perspective.

Subfloor requirements for laminate flooring.

How to level a subfloor for laminate flooring. Preparation for installing floor tile depends on the type of subfloor in the room you are tiling. A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. Most but not all laminate floor manufacturers require a subfloor to be flat within 3 16 over a 10 foot radius.

Subfloors are the base layer on which all finish materials such as carpet laminate tile and wood are installed. Before you install your plywood subfloor first calculate the room s square footage to find out how much flooring you ll need to buy. Wood and concrete are the idea subfloors. In some instances you might be able to install your flooring over an existing floor but it is important to check prior to installation if it is a suitable material.

The key to a beautiful long lasting hardwood or laminate floor is a well prepared subfloor. With much of today s wood flooring being thinner wider plank installed on the minimum building code panel thicknesses we are seeing more creaks pops and squeaks. Other manufacturers will have a different requirement though flat and level is a common requirement. A flat and level surface is.

The flooring must be installed crossing the floor joists at a 90 degree angle. Laminate flooring thinner laminate type flooring can be installed over osb subfloor over the recommended foam pad. To test your subfloor for moisture you should always take a moisture reading. Materials not suitable for a laminate installation.

Flat and level laminate flooring subfloor. Concrete is one of the most common types of subfloors found in homes. For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors. It supports your decorative floor finish whether it s carpet hardwood vinyl laminate or tile.

If the laminate flooring is installed parallel to the direction of the floor joists the laminate flooring could develop distortion later. Measure and cut 1 4 inch or thicker plywood with a circular saw to fit the entire floor of the room where you are installing vinyl flooring. No matter the flooring concrete subfloors should always be cured for at least 60 days before a flooring installation. Do this by multiplying the room s length by its width.

Not all laminate manufacturers have the same laminate flooring subfloor requirements.