Should I glue plywood underlayment to subfloor?

No, you should not glue down your underlayment. Underlayment is is a floating material, the same as your laminate flooring. In most cases, you should not glue or nail your underlayment down.

Do you glue down underlayment?

While underlayment traditionally was glued down to wood subflooring, most manufacturers today recommend installing it without glue, which greatly simplifies the installation. Thorough fastening of the underlayment panels is key to a successful installation.

Should I glue and screw underlayment?

Gluing down plywood underlayment affixes it very firmly to the floor. Many people don't bother to glue down their plywood underlayment. Instead, they just screw or nail the boards to the subfloor. This is fine if you're not worried about the long-term durability of your work.

Should you put a vapor barrier between subfloor and underlayment?

Therefore, because concrete is porous, it's a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring. This way you can stop the vapor drive of water upward to your floors, protecting them from any damage (source).

Should underlayment be screwed or nailed?

Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower.

HOW TO FASTEN UNDERLAYMENT TO SUBFLOOR

Should you glue Luan down?

Luan installation does not usually require an adhesive between the subfloor and the luan, but if an adhesive is called for, choose a subfloor adhesive. A measuring tape and a chalk line are indispensable for making accurate cuts in the panels.

Does underlayment need to be stapled?

There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor. However, during installation some installers like to fasten underlayment to the subfloor to prevent the underlayment from moving. If your choose this route, staples are a good choice to fasten the underlayment.

Should you staple or screw underlayment to subfloor?

Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. Instead, fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws.

Does underlayment need to be taped down?

The answer is no. We recommend to use duct tape as every hardware store carries this product. Some manufacturers sell specialized tape for underlayment but there is no extra benefit.

Should plywood underlayment be screwed to joists?

It is nailed or screwed to the joists to secure it completely. Adding fasteners to this layer before laying underlayment helps stabilize and quiet an old floor. Drive screws or nails through the subfloor and into the joists. These screws or nails should go in between the existing fasteners for reinforcement.

Can I use screws for plywood underlayment?

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.

Can you put plywood over subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

How far apart should you nail underlayment?

All nails should be countersunk just below the surface of the underlayment but not too deeply. Measure a straight line from one corner of the panel to the next and then nail every 4 inches down the line. Draw diagonal lines parallel to this line 4 inches apart and then add more nails every 4 inches along these lines.

What staples for plywood underlayment?

You can fasten SurePly^® plywood underlayment by selecting one of the following options: Galvanized coated chisel-point staples with a 1/4" maximum crown or flathead wood screws treated with a moisture-resistant coating (such as galvanized or zinc). Do not use drywall screws.

How far apart should screws be on underlayment?

Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings.

Does plywood subfloor need to acclimate?

Always protect plywood underlayment from moisture or damage prior to installation. Before installing, allow underlayment panels to acclimatize by standing them on edge and separating them to permit air circulation for several days in the rooms where they will be installed.

Which way do you lay plywood subfloor?

Ply should always be laid with the grain running across the joists, not along the joist, to maximise the strength. Laying them length ways down a joist will cause them to crack along the grain which could end up in serious injury and or damage. The smaller the gap between joists the stronger the board will be.

Does plywood subfloor need moisture barrier?

Manufacturers Require a Vapor Barrier

Your plywood subfloor may look dry, but after you install the flooring, moisture can migrate up through the subfloor and penetrate the flooring, and the results are usually disastrous.

Should I seal my subfloor?

Cracks and gaps will attract moisture, so sealing them completely is an important step in making sure your floors are entirely waterproofed. Allow to dry for 24-hours.

Do I need a moisture barrier on wood subfloor?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?" The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.