How To Install Plywood Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring? (A Comprehensive Guide)

Vinyl flooring is popular for its versatility, affordability, and low maintenance. However, properly preparing the subfloor is a crucial step to ensure optimal results and prolong vinyl flooring life.

To create the ideal foundation for vinyl flooring, plywood underlayment is imperative. This underlayment is a smooth and stable surface, ensuring the vinyl adheres securely and delivers a long-lasting and visually appealing finish.

Plywood underlayment has many advantages. Not only is it easy to work with, but it also boasts water resistance and structural strength. Incorporating plywood underlayment into your vinyl flooring installation significantly enhances durability, stability, and overall quality.

Completing this project becomes attainable with proper preparation and the right tools.

If you’re eager to learn how to install plywood underlayment for your vinyl flooring but feel uncertain about the process, this article is here to guide you. Discover how to install plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring.

Table of Contents

How to Select the Right Plywood Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring?

1. Considerations for Moisture Resistance and Stability

When installing vinyl flooring, plywood underlayment’s moisture resistance and durability are essential factors to consider. The underlayment should resist moisture and maintain its structural integrity. It should also be able to withstand environmental changes in temperature and humidity.

Choosing plywood with a moisture-resistant rating, such as AC grade or higher, is best. Choose warp-free or delaminated plywood, at the very least, if you want it to last. It will protect against moisture damage, especially in humid or moist areas.

2. Measure the Subfloor Thickness

The thickness of the subfloor must be measured before selecting plywood underlayment when installing vinyl flooring. Identify a floor vent or edge of the subfloor where you can access the tiles and measure their thickness with a tape measure or caliper.

It is recommended to use plywood underlayment that is thicker than the subfloor; typically, 1/2 inch thick will be sufficient for most subfloor thicknesses. Choosing the right plywood thickness ensures stability, prevents flexing, and promotes a smooth installation.

3. Choose the Right Plywood Type

When choosing plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring, pick the right type of plywood. Marine-grade plywood is the best choice for underlayment. It is made with waterproof glue, and it is strong and durable. Regular plywood is not recommended for this purpose as it is not as strong and may warp over time.

Choosing plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring requires checking its thickness. Underlayment should generally be 1/4 inch thick, but 1/2 inch plywood offers added stability and support. With thicker plywood, you can prevent flashing and have a more solid vinyl flooring base.

4. Consider the Plywood’s Core Material

Plywood is typically made from wood veneers and a wood core, so choosing plywood with a hardwood or softwood core is important.

The core material affects the strength and stability of the plywood. Hardwood core plywood is stronger than softwood core plywood, while softwood core plywood is more flexible and lightweight. The right core material should be chosen based on the intended application.

Plywood underlayment needs a reliable and sturdy base to maintain its structural integrity and resist warping and bending.

5. Certified Suppliers & Reputable Suppliers

Underlayment for vinyl flooring should be certified by the APA (Engineered Wood Association) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Certification by APA and FSC ensures plywood meets industry standards.

Certified plywood meets the highest quality, durability, and environmental standards, making it an ideal underlay for vinyl flooring.

Furthermore, vinyl flooring should be installed using plywood underlayment from a reputable vendor. You can choose from various options that meet your requirements with reputable plywood suppliers.

Also See: Complete Guide: Underlayment for Vinyl Sheet Flooring

How to Install Plywood Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring? A Step-By-Step Guide.

Step 1: Gather All Necessary Tools & Materials

Gather the tools and materials needed to install plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring:

Plywood sheets (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, AC-grade)
Circular saw or Table Saw

Tape Measure & Pencil
Leveling compound
Floor scraper

Hammer
Spirit level
1/8-inch spacer

Vacuum cleaners
Seam filler (as recommended by the manufacturer)
Nails or screws 5/8″ coated

Vinyl Flooring & Adhesive

Step 2: Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor Preparation is an essential step when installing plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring. Start by cleaning the subfloor thoroughly. Remove any debris, dirt, or dust from the surface. This step ensures proper adhesion and prevents any bumps or irregularities affecting the installation.

Next, inspect the subfloor for cracks, holes, or rot. Repair these issues before underlayment installation. Fill cracks and holes with a suitable patching compound and replace damaged subfloor sections. Also, check for nails, staples, or other fasteners sticking out. These can cause bumps or prevent plywood underlayment from lying flat. Smooth the surface by carefully removing protruding nails, staples, and pliers.

After that, smooth out uneven areas. These can cause the plywood underlayment to sit unevenly, leading to issues with vinyl flooring installation. Use a leveling compound or self-leveling underlayment to level uneven areas.

Last but not least, clean and dry the plywood underlayment. Any moisture trapped between the subfloor and underlayment can lead to mold, mildew, or adhesive failure. Ensure the subfloor is dry using a moisture meter, and allow for proper ventilation.

Step 3: Underlayment Material Preparation

Installation of plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring starts with preparing the material. Before you prepare the underlayment material, gather all the necessary tools and materials required for installation.

Next, measure the installation area, considering any nooks, corners, or obstacles. Calculate the total square footage by multiplying the space length and width. Divide the total square footage by the square footage coverage provided by each plywood sheet to determine the number of sheets required. Consider any recommended expansion gaps or overlap requirements specified by the manufacturer.

For example, if the installation area is 100 square feet, and each plywood sheet covers 32 square feet, you would need at least 4 sheets (100/32 = 3.125, round up to the nearest whole number).

Important Tip: Add a few extra sheets for potential mistakes, waste, or future repairs.

By properly preparing for installation, assessing the subfloor condition, and accurately measuring the required plywood sheets, you’ll be well-prepared to install the underlayment installation of your vinyl flooring.

Step 4: Applying Construction Adhesive

The installation of plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring requires construction adhesive. Before laying down the plywood sheets, the adhesive is applied to the subfloor. It provides stability, prevents squeaks, and creates a strong bond between the subfloor and underlayment.

Typically, an adhesive is applied in a zigzag pattern using a notched trowel. By doing so, you will be able to ensure even coverage and prevent any gaps or voids.

Step 5: Place the First Plywood Sheet

The first plywood sheet for the underlayment installation should be placed along the vinyl floor at the corner of the room.

Construction adhesive is applied to the subfloor to align the plywood sheet edges. Before screwing or nailing the plywood, ensure it is level and flush with the adhesive. Allow a small gap between the sheets.

Step 6: Secure the Plywood with Screws or Nails

Ensure the plywood sheet is securely attached to the plywood underlayment for vinyl flooring with screws or nails.

Working from the edge and toward the center, regularly drive screws or nails into the subfloor. As a result, vinyl flooring will be more stable, and there will be no movement or noise after installation.

Step 7: Continuing With the Installation Process

To allow for expansion, leave a 1/8-inch gap between each plywood sheet as you install it. Spacing prevents warping or buckling. Fix with screws or nails after applying adhesive, aligning the edges, and pressing firmly.

Step 8: Cutting Plywood Sheets to Fit Around Obstacles

When installing vinyl flooring, underlayment sheets may need to be cut to fit around doors and vents. Carefully cut along the lines marked on the plywood sheet with a circular saw, a jig, or your hands. Before attaching the cut piece, ensure it fits correctly around the object.

Step 9: Checking for Stability and Evenness

Before installing vinyl flooring, plywood underlayment must be inspected for stability and consistency. It is recommended to walk across the underlayment to identify any squeaky or uneven spots. If you find any, secure the plywood with additional screws or nails.

Preparing for Vinyl Flooring Installation

How to Install Plywood Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring?

Cleaning the Underlayment Surface

A solvent or adhesive remover should be used to remove any adhesive residues from the underlayment surface before vinyl flooring installation. Warm water and mild detergent can be used to gently scrub the surface.

Recheck for dirt or imperfections, and repeat the cleaning process if necessary. Ensure the underlayment surfaces are clean and smooth before installing vinyl flooring.

Remove any Dust or Debris

Before installing vinyl flooring, it is important to remove dust and debris. Ensure all loose debris is removed from the floor by sweeping or vacuuming it thoroughly.

Ensure stubborn dirt or sticky residue is cleaned with a damp cloth or mop soaked in mild detergent before installation. It will ensure that there is no dust or debris on the floor.

Allow the Underlayment to Settle Before Vinyl Flooring Installation

Before installing vinyl flooring, you should address a few issues. It is especially true if the underlayment is made of a material that expands and contracts with the weather. Let the underlayment sit for the specified amount of time after preparation.

To Conclude

A vinyl floor is a great flooring material for a home due to its low cost, durability, and attractive appearance. Plywood underlayment must be installed to ensure a successful and long-lasting flooring project.

This step-by-step guide will help you prepare a stable and smooth surface for installing vinyl flooring. Take your time, measure accurately, and use the right tools and materials for the best results.

Read More on Vinyl Floors

How to Install Plywood Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring? (A Comprehensive Guide)

How to Select the Right Plywood Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring?