I have a bathroom that has a subfloor of 1/2″ and that transitions to a hallway that has 3/4″ hardwood over that same 1/2″ subfloor. If I intend to install vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom what should go over the subfloor? Should I add an additional layer of 1/2″ subfloor and then a 1/4″ layer of underlayment, and what would be the nail or screw schedule for installing this to the subfloor beneath it? to clarify I would like the Hardwood flooring and vinyl plank flooring to be even with one another.
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Replies
If your vinyl plank is 1/4” (+/-) and you want it to be flush. You will install one layer of 1/2”. I would screw the existing 1/2” layer to the joist really well first and glue/screw a new layer of 1/2” good quality plywood on that. I would screw about every 6” and make sure to stagger plywood seams, so you don’t have seams of existing 1/2” and new 1/2” in same area. If the new floor is slightly lower or higher it won’t be noticeable as you will need to have a floor transition where the floors meet anyway. The vinyl plank can’t be installed tight to the wood floor as it is a floating floor. If you are installing a thin glue/stick down type flooring, you’ll need a layer of approved flooring underlayment to keep imperfections in subfloor from transferring through to the vinyl plank. The approved underlayment is a plywood that is thin (around 1/8”) and manufacturers usually suggest using a finish stapler to fasten it to the floor (no glue). You will still need to install the 1/2” with the glue down for strength as well.
J,
Armstrong’s and others approved underlay here is a true 1/4”.
Original poster, get all your thicknesses right before you start. The process J has detailed is what I have followed with success.