I plan to lay a 3/8 wood laminate floor in a cabin that has just been constructed. At present the floor consists of 3/4 t&g OSB subfloor over joists 16″ OC. Here are my questions.
1. What type of subfloor will do the best job? Plywood or 1/2 inch cement board.
2. If plywood is selected would it be better to glue the flooring down or use a “floor runner” and staple it. Also what thickness of plywood should i use..1/2 or 3/4.
The area to be covered and my “free labor” allows me to select the more expensive 1/2 inch cement board if it will make a better floor.
3. Should i put some type of vapor barrier down prior to laying the subfloor. If so ….what should be used.
4. Am I forgetting anything else…i should be asking.
Replies
Hi
We laid an engineered floor last fall - it is like laminate, but it has a wood veneer - and found it fairly easy. We have OSB subfloor and put a felt liner over it which has a vaper barrier attched to it, then sealed the seams with duct tape. We then laid the flooring on top of the felt. It had snap lock grooves and it just floats over the floor (unattached to subfloor) with about a .5" gap around the base which is covered by the trim. Your home improvement center should have all the supplies and instructions you need. Hope this helps!
Therese