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Installing a floating plywood floor

| Posted in Construction Techniques on November 27, 2002 11:58am

Dear readers,

I am about to embark on installation of a plywood floor over particle board subflooring. The subfloor is 3/4″ thick and the plywood is 5 ply, 1/2″ thick. I have cut the plywood into 24″ squares with a 2 degree bevel on the back side to allow for any surface fluctuations in the subfloor.

My first approach to installing the plywood squares was to glue them down with construction adhesive from a caulk tube. As I started to layout the squares on the floor, I realize there are some surface irregularities that makes the joints a problem as some will stand proud of the adjoining square. I don’t want to get into sanding the finished surface too much.

Another approach for installation would be to install the floor without any adhesive at all. I have use of a biscuit jointer, and thought about cutting two biscuit slots in each side of each square. Then, to install the floor, I would assemble to squares with biscuits. To allow for any irregularities in the subfloor, I thought about placing a thin rubber pad or thin carpet pad down first, then installing the floating floor on top of the pad. To finish, I would leave approximately 3/8″ space along each wall for floor movement and cover the space with baseboard trim.

I would like to avoid use of any mechanical fasteners, if possible. If anyone has a comment about or experiences with either of these approaches, I would like to hear from you. Your input is welcome.

Thank you,
Jon Hecker

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  1. Bruce | Nov 28, 2002 01:46am | #1

    My best first guess would be  ...

    1) Be certain that the subfloor is dead smooth, possibly even sanding it.

    2) Edge seal your pieces with something with enough body to hold that fragile edge grain together, maybe polyurethane.

    3) Lay them as you would tiles, using a contact adhesive and a fine notched trowel.

    4) Do some very careful finish sanding.

    5) Lay on a thick, resilient finish.

    6) Hope you never have to pull it up.

    I'm thinking of doing the same thing on a portion of wall ... challenging enough for me.  Post a pic of your finished product; I'd love to see it.  What species of plywood?

    1. JonHecker | Nov 28, 2002 06:36pm | #2

      The plywood species is Maple. It's a floor in a loft that is only about 13' x 20', so it isn't too overwhelming as far as room size goes.

      If it goes well, I would like to do the living room in the same manner. I have seen this technique done once before, and thought it was pretty cool. Not to mention the lower cost than a hardwood floor.

      Thanks for your input. Good suggestions, indeed. I will try to level out the subfloor as best I can.

      Happy Thanksgiving!

      Jon

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