Generally speaking, when putting underlayment down for vinyl flooring (over wood/OSB/MDF/plywood), what is your fastener of choice?
I have used ring-shanks on some and screws on others. On a kitchen/DR piece I sub’ed out, they used staples. On a kitchen floor I had to pull up, they had used adhesive. From the two types I’ve used, the ring shanks are faster, but the countersunk screws allow better control (and are easier to remove if the need arises). And the adhesive would be the hardest to remove later.
I’m no expert, so what is your fastener of choice? And if you’re feeling really wordy, why do you like it?
jt8
Replies
Staples w/ adhesive, because it's fast and easy.
Dave
Ever had trouble with screws backing out after a length of time?
Ever had trouble with screws backing out after a length of time?
Not that I know of, but I'm countersinking them and leveling (so I know how to waste lots of time just putting underlayment down). You have to keep in mind, that I almost always do things the hard way ; )
To keep up a steady pace, a second person can really speed things up. Person #1 walks along with the countersink drillbit while Person #2 follows with the screws. Get the subfloor screwed down and I'm ready to level. Then grab some beer and wait for it to dry. When dry sand and re-level (if necessary). At which point you need to drink more beer waiting for the leveler to dry again. Sand again, sweep/vacuum/otherwise the dust up and lets cut some vinyl!
I would imagine pros who use screws probably just drive them in without worrying about countersinking or filling. They probably also have the tool budget for one of those screw guns that lets you stand up and drive them.
I have had ring-shank floors develop squeeks over time (just shanked down, not glued). I'm too chicken to glue underlayment down prior to shank or screw. I always try to think ahead to having to dismantel something in the future, and in theory with screws you could back them out and pick the underlayment right up (without destroying the joists/sub-floor they're attached to).
On vinyl floors I've subbed they came in with 1/4" underlayment and staple guns. They can do a kitchen and DR quicker than I can put in a small BA. I like 1/2"+underlay and screws. But keep in mind, I'm not a professional. And I'm also only doing 1 or 2 rooms at a shot. Not like the pros who are doing an entire house.
jt8
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. -- Sir Winston Churchill
Edited 6/16/2005 1:06 pm ET by JohnT8