Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Plywood

Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Plywood?

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for DIYers and homeowners alike. It is durable, easy to install, and can be made to look like real wood, tile, or stone. However, one of the most common questions about laminate flooring is whether or not it can be installed over plywood. The answer is yes, you can put laminate flooring over plywood, and we will discuss the essential aspects of the process.

Benefits of Installing Laminate Flooring Over Plywood

There are several benefits to installing laminate flooring over plywood. First, plywood is a very stable subfloor, which means that it will not flex or move over time. This will help to prevent the laminate flooring from buckling or warping. Second, plywood is a relatively smooth surface, which makes it easy to install laminate flooring. Third, plywood is a very strong material, which means that it can support the weight of laminate flooring and furniture.

Materials You'll Need

In addition to the laminate flooring, you will need the following materials to install it over plywood:

Plywood underlayment
Laminate flooring adhesive
Spacers
Circular saw
Hammer
Nail gun

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to install laminate flooring over plywood:

Prepare the plywood subfloor. The plywood subfloor should be clean, dry, and level. If the subfloor is not level, you may need to level it with a self-leveling compound.
Install the plywood underlayment. The plywood underlayment will help to prevent the laminate flooring from buckling or warping. The underlayment should be installed perpendicular to the plywood subfloor.
Apply the laminate flooring adhesive. The laminate flooring adhesive will help to hold the laminate flooring in place. The adhesive should be applied to the plywood underlayment.
Install the laminate flooring. The laminate flooring planks should be installed parallel to the walls. The planks should be clicked together and then nailed into place.
Install the spacers. The spacers will help to create a gap between the laminate flooring and the walls. The gap will allow the laminate flooring to expand and contract without buckling or warping.
Trim the laminate flooring. The laminate flooring will need to be trimmed around the edges of the room. The laminate flooring can be trimmed with a circular saw.

Tips for Installing Laminate Flooring Over Plywood

Here are a few tips for installing laminate flooring over plywood:

Make sure that the plywood subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
Use a high-quality laminate flooring adhesive.
Install the laminate flooring planks parallel to the walls.
Use spacers to create a gap between the laminate flooring and the walls.
Trim the laminate flooring around the edges of the room.

Conclusion

Installing laminate flooring over plywood is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a weekend. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your laminate flooring is installed correctly and will last for many years to come.