Underlayment is a thinner material that lies over the subfloor.
Plywood is only one throw in of underlayment.
There are also engineered subfloor panels designed for covering concrete slabs in basements.
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Plywood underlayment may not be a good choice for ceramic or stone tile because it is not water-resistant.
For floor tile in any room, use cement board or a similar tile backer instead.
To simplify your decision, consider plywood underlayment if it is recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
In some cases, the use of underlayment may be required to satisfy the product warranty.
Plywood underlayment is typically needed when a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface.
Underlayment covers subfloor flaws for the best possible results.
It typically comes in 4 x 8-foot sheets.
Lauan products have been responsible for massive deforestation in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries.
Today, a much better option is a plywood specifically designed as underlayment and made with sustainably forested wood.
Always install underlayment with the smoother face up.
Installing Plywood Underlayment
Plywood underlayment is easy to install.
The sheets are lightweight and have perfectly uniform dimensions and edges.
Thorough fastening of the underlayment panels is key to a successful installation.
you’ve got the option to also fasten underlayment with galvanized or coated screws or nails.
This acclimates the panels to minimize expansion/contraction issues after installation.
Screws and nails may be spaced farther apart.
If they are gapped, usually the gaps must be filled with a seam filler.
1, 2006, pp.
106-109.Wiley, doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9493.2006.00244.x
