Vinyl Floor Prep? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

thepawnshop · 11-09-2004, 10:18 PM

I have a new construction that I am getting ready to have the vinyl installed in both the kitchen and bathroom and wonder what the best choice for a floor prep would be? The flooring store suggested luan, but I was thinking more like Durock. What would you pro's suggest?

Mike Costello · 11-10-2004, 07:04 AM

Phew,glad I got to you. No on the luan or the Durock for vinyl.

Luan is no longer waranteed by ANY floor manufacturor because of the oils inherent in the Mahogany that the wood is made with.

Durock is for tile.

You need a plywood product made specifically for underlayment purposes. Multiply or Tech Ply are great products. But any APA exterior grade plywood is ok as long as it can be installed so that its a smooth subfloor.

thepawnshop · 11-10-2004, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Costello

Phew,glad I got to you. No on the luan or the Durock for vinyl.

Luan is no longer waranteed by ANY floor manufacturor because of the oils inherent in the Mahogany that the wood is made with.

Durock is for tile.

You need a plywood product made specifically for underlayment purposes. Multiply or Tech Ply are great products. But any APA exterior grade plywood is ok as long as it can be installed so that its a smooth subfloor.

Thanks, Mike...I am new to the flooring side of the biz and am trying to learn all that I can. I assume staples would be the best way to apply the underlayment? If not, let me know! Thanks again!

Mike Costello · 11-10-2004, 04:14 PM

I use 1/4 inch crown staples at least 1 1/2 inches long.

Don Benham · 11-11-2004, 09:10 AM

Halex makes an awesome product. At least 75%(probably way more) of people will still use luaunn. I know stores buy it by the pallet load. No way on my jobs. The right product averages at $.25/sq.ft. more than Luaunn, why would anybody risk it?

You want to put those staples close enough together. Halex has x's showing the staple schedule i think the others have them too.

Good luck,
Don

Mike Costello · 11-11-2004, 03:10 PM

I like the Halex too. Its alot like Multiply and comes in 5'x4' sheets'

A good rule for the staples is every 2 inches on the seams and every 4 inches in the field.

Nice tight seams ,patch if necesarry, then sand with a belt sander.