I had to remove a 3/4″ plywood underlayment that was glued and screwed to a 3/4″ plywood subfloor. Of course, pulling up the underlayment also tore up the first ply of the subfloor in several places (see attached picture). I think the voids are too large for a new 3/8″ engineered wood floor, especially since the new floor boards will run parallel to the voids. I’m hoping to keep the finished level of the new kitchen floor as close to the adjoining floors as possible and looking for suggestions on the best way to deal with this. Would 1/4″ luan or plywood provide a suitable underlayment? Are there any other alternatives?
Edited 2/22/2004 10:59:03 AM ET by Rick
Replies
Floor filler maybe?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
The craftsman formerly known as elCid
I'd use a leveler on it, regardless if you put another underlayment down or not, just prevent floor movement. I don't install wood floors, so someone else can chime in if 1/4" underlayment is adequate.
I've been told that leveling compound will disintegrate when the wood floor is nailed down and that this would lead to "crunching" sounds when the floor is walked on.
Might be. Either way, he needs to bring the damaged portion up to the level of the subfloor, or replace it altogether. The other option is to nail another layer of subfloor on top. But that also means nailing thru the leveler. Maybe place the nails 'judiciously'.
At this point I would call my hardwood floor sub and find out what he recommends. He'd be doing the job for me anyway.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
How I have dealt with this in the past is to use filler to level the damaged areas then sheet the whole floor with 1/4" ply, glued and stapled.
The glue I used is parquet adhesive [which is PVA with a filler] applied with a 1/8" notched trowel.
IanDG
Alas, the situation has deteriorated even further. I've pulled the top ply off at least 30-40% of the entire floor. Some areas are very spongy - I'm afraid the entire subfloor needs to be replaced. This is probably where I should call a professional.