Do you have to put flooring over subfloor?

Nail-down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it’s no more than two layers thick. A floating floor (laminate or locking hardwood) shouldn’t be installed over a wood subfloor that’s adhered to a concrete slab.

Can you leave subfloor exposed?

Well-constructed wood subflooring is sturdy, but using it as regular flooring could damage its surface and reduce its lifespan. According to MSN Real Estate, plywood can mold, rot and become brittle because of moisture and sun exposure, if it’s left uncovered for a period of time.

Do I need plywood over subfloor?

Plywood underlayment is typically needed when a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface. For example, if you install resilient tiles or sheet flooring over a subfloor, any bumps, dips, or voids in the subfloor may be evident in the finished flooring.

Can you put subfloor over old subfloor?

One of the benefits of removing the old flooring is it allows you the chance to fix any loose subflooring or squeaks by re-securing the main subfloor to the floor joists prior to installing the new flooring. With all that being said though the answer is YES you can install New Wood Flooring over the old.

What are the requirements for subflooring?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation.

How do I temporarily cover a subfloor?

To install as temporary flooring, vinyl sheets can be rolled out to lay flat under their own weight, as long as the subfloor is a clean, flat surface. For extra security, you can use double-sided tape to prevent movement.

How long can you leave subfloor exposed?

“Adequately protected from moisture, most subfloor materials can be expected to last for the lifespan of the home.” However, if the subfloor is consistently exposed to moisture, you may need to replace it after 20 to 30 years or sooner.

What is code for subflooring?

For joist spans 19.2–24 inches, NWFA “Installation Guidelines” recommend a minimum panel thickness of 7⁄8-inch OSB or plywood; the minimum building code (which most builders build to) is 23⁄32-inch OSB or plywood.

How can I cover my floor tiles without removing them?

6 ways to upgrade your flooring without removing tiles

1. Use Vinyl Flooring. Vinyl flooring is available in the form of luxury vinyl flooring and traditional vinyl flooring.
2. Roll out Rugs and Carpets.
3. Install Laminated Wooden Flooring.
4. Opt for an Epoxy coating.
5. Choose Artificial Grass.
6. Just Clean the Tiles.

What type of subfloor do I need for hardwood flooring?

Each option will have specific subfloor and underlayment requirements. Solid hardwood floor planks require a sturdy subfloor, especially if the planks are going to be nailed or glued down. Typically, the subfloor for this type of installation is plywood or OSB. And should be at least ¾ of an inch thick.

Do I need underlayment for my subfloor?

A flooring underlayment can help to smooth out any remaining peaks and valleys in the subfloor and prevent problems down the line. However, remember that an underlayment can’t work miracles, so don’t count on it as your only solution. Click here to see our selection of underlayments.

Should I repair or replace my uneven subfloor?

If the moisture in the floor is within acceptable levels, the next suspect on your list is an uneven subfloor. This is something you definitely want to repair to ensure a smooth and even final product.

What is a subfloor and what is it used for?

As we mentioned, the purpose of a subfloor is to provide stability and integrity to the finished floor. A level, smooth, and dry subfloor also makes for easier installation of nearly all types of flooring. Plywood is the most common type of subfloor. It’s constructed from wood veneer sheets that are glued together.