Laying Laminate On Plywood? (1 Mistake to Avoid!)

Flooring. It’s one of the first things potential homebuyers notice, isn’t it? I’ve seen it time and again – a buyer walks into a house, glances down, and makes a snap judgment. Good flooring? Instant positive impression. Worn-out, damaged flooring? Well, let’s just say it can knock thousands off the perceived value.

That’s why, as a flooring contractor with years under my belt, I always stress the importance of getting it right. And that includes choosing the right materials and, crucially, installing them correctly.

Laminate flooring, when done right, can absolutely transform a space. It’s affordable, durable, and comes in a massive range of styles that mimic everything from hardwood to stone.

One of the most common questions I get is about laying laminate on plywood. It’s a popular choice because it’s cost-effective and relatively easy to install, even for DIY enthusiasts. But here’s the thing: there’s one critical mistake that homeowners and DIYers make all the time that can completely ruin their laminate flooring project. I am going to reveal that soon.

So, stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to avoid this disaster and achieve a beautiful, long-lasting laminate floor.

Understanding Laminate Flooring

and Its Benefits

Okay, let’s start with the basics. What is laminate flooring, exactly?

Essentially, it’s a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together through a lamination process. It’s designed to mimic the look of natural materials like wood, stone, or tile.

Think of it like a high-quality photograph of wood grain, protected by a super-tough wear layer.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the layers:

• Wear Layer: This is the top layer, the one you walk on. It’s a transparent, protective coating that resists scratches, stains, and fading.
• Decorative Layer: This is the photographic image that gives the laminate its realistic appearance.
• Core Board: This is the heart of the laminate plank, usually made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). It provides stability and impact resistance.
• Backing Layer: This bottom layer provides balance and helps prevent moisture from seeping up into the core.

Now, why is laminate so popular? Well, it boils down to a few key benefits:

• Durability: Laminate is tough! That wear layer can withstand a lot of foot traffic, making it ideal for busy households.
• Ease of Maintenance: Spill something? Just wipe it up! Laminate is super easy to clean and doesn’t require special treatments like waxing or polishing.
• Affordability: Compared to hardwood or tile, laminate is a much more budget- friendly option. You can get the look you want without breaking the bank.
• Versatility in Design: As I mentioned, laminate comes in a huge range of styles, colors, and textures. Whether you’re going for a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek modern vibe, there’s a laminate floor to match.

According to Statista, the global laminate flooring market was valued at over $30 billion in 2022, and it’s projected to continue growing. That tells you something about its popularity, right? Statista Laminate Flooring Market Size (opens in a new tab)

In today’s market, many buyers are looking for homes with updated features, and flooring is a big part of that. Laminate can be a great way to increase your home’s appeal without a massive investment.

The Role of Plywood in Flooring

Alright, let’s talk about plywood. You’ve probably seen it used in all sorts of construction projects, but what’s its role in flooring?

Plywood is an engineered wood product made by gluing together multiple layers of wood veneer, with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the one next to it. This cross-graining gives plywood exceptional strength and stability.

In flooring, plywood is often used as a subflooring material. The subfloor is the foundation upon which your finished floor (in this case, laminate) is installed.

Why plywood? Well, there are several reasons:

• Stability: Plywood is less likely to warp, twist, or shrink compared to solid wood. This provides a stable base for your laminate flooring, preventing it from becoming uneven or developing gaps over time.
• Moisture Resistance: While not completely waterproof, plywood is more resistant to moisture than some other subflooring options. This is especially important in areas prone to humidity or minor leaks. (But remember, we’ll talk about moisture barriers later – that’s the key!)
• Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood is generally more affordable than other subflooring materials like concrete or hardwood planks.
• Ease of Installation: Plywood is relatively easy to cut and fasten, making it a popular choice for both professionals and DIYers.

Think of plywood as the unsung hero beneath your beautiful laminate floor. It provides the support and stability needed to ensure your flooring looks great and lasts for years to come.

The Installation Process of Laminate

Flooring on Plywood

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you actually install laminate flooring on plywood? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials:

You’ll need:

• Laminate flooring planks
• Plywood subfloor (existing or new)
• Moisture barrier (crucial!)
• Underlayment (optional, but recommended)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Circular saw or laminate flooring cutter
• Tapping block
• Pull bar
• Hammer
• Spacers
• Broom or vacuum
• Level
• Moisture meter (optional, but helpful)

2. Prepare the Plywood Subfloor:

• Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning the plywood subfloor. Sweep or vacuum up any dust, debris, or loose nails.
• Leveling: Check the subfloor for any unevenness using a level. If you find any high spots, sand them down. If you find any low spots, fill them in with a leveling compound.
• Repairing: Inspect the plywood for any damage, such as cracks, holes, or soft spots. Repair any damage with wood filler or replace the damaged sections of plywood.
• Acclimation: Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps prevent warping or buckling after installation. Stack the boxes of laminate in the room where they will be installed.

3. Install the Moisture Barrier:

• This is the BIG one! Roll out the moisture barrier over the plywood subfloor, overlapping the edges by several inches. Tape the seams together with moisture-resistant tape. The moisture barrier prevents moisture from seeping up from the subfloor and damaging the laminate flooring. I’ll go into more detail about this in the next section.

4. Install the Underlayment (Optional):

• Underlayment provides extra cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection. Roll out the underlayment over the moisture barrier, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Lay the First Row of Laminate Planks:

• Start in a corner of the room and lay the first row of laminate planks, leaving a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the planks and the wall. Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap.
• Most laminate flooring has a tongue- and-groove locking system. Align the tongue of the first plank with the groove of the adjacent plank and snap them together.

6. Continue Laying the Laminate Planks:

• Continue laying the laminate planks row by row, staggering the seams for a more natural look. Use a tapping block and hammer to gently tap the planks together, ensuring a tight fit.
• When you reach the end of a row, you may need to cut the last plank to fit. Use a circular saw or laminate flooring cutter to make the cut. Remember to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap at the end of the row.

7. Cut Planks Around Obstacles:

• When you encounter obstacles such as pipes or door frames, use a jigsaw to cut the planks to fit around them. Measure carefully and make accurate cuts for a professional-looking finish.

8. Install the Last Row of Laminate Planks:

• The last row of laminate planks may need to be cut to fit. Use a pull bar to pull the planks into place, ensuring a tight fit against the wall.

9. Remove the Spacers:

• Once the laminate flooring is installed, remove the spacers from around the perimeter of the room.

10. Install Baseboards or Quarter Round:

• Install baseboards or quarter round molding to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This gives the flooring a finished look and protects the edges from damage.

That’s the basic process. But remember, every project is different, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific laminate flooring product.

The Critical Mistake to Avoid

Okay, we’ve covered the basics of laminate flooring, plywood, and the installation process. Now, let’s get to the really important part: the one critical mistake you absolutely must avoid when laying laminate on plywood.

And that mistake is: Inadequate moisture barrier installation.

I can’t stress this enough. Skipping or skimping on the moisture barrier is a recipe for disaster. It’s like building a house without a roof – it might look good at first, but it’s only a matter of time before the elements wreak havoc.

Why is a moisture barrier so important?

Well, plywood, while relatively moisture- resistant, is still susceptible to moisture damage. And laminate flooring, despite its durable wear layer, is also vulnerable to moisture seeping up from below.

Moisture can come from a variety of sources:

• Humidity: Even in relatively dry climates, humidity can penetrate the subfloor and cause problems.
• Spills: Accidents happen! A spilled drink or a leaky appliance can introduce moisture to the subfloor.
• Concrete Slab Moisture: If your plywood subfloor is installed over a concrete slab, moisture can wick up through the concrete and into the plywood.
• Basement Moisture: Basements are notorious for being damp. If you’re installing laminate flooring in a basement, a moisture barrier is absolutely essential.

When moisture penetrates the plywood and laminate, it can lead to a whole host of problems:

• Warping: The laminate planks can warp and buckle, creating an uneven and unsightly surface.
• Buckling: The planks can lift up from the subfloor, creating tripping hazards.
• Mold and Mildew: Moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
• Reduced Lifespan: Moisture damage can significantly shorten the lifespan of your laminate flooring, requiring premature replacement.

So, how do you properly install a moisture barrier? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose the Right Material: There are several types of moisture barriers available, including polyethylene film, asphalt-saturated felt, and specialized laminate underlayments with built-in moisture barriers. Choose a product that is specifically designed for use with laminate flooring.
2. Clean the Subfloor: Make sure the plywood subfloor is clean, dry, and free of debris.
3. Overlap the Edges: Roll out the moisture barrier over the subfloor, overlapping the edges by at least 6 inches. This ensures that there are no gaps for moisture to penetrate.
4. Tape the Seams: Use moisture- resistant tape to seal the seams between the overlapping edges of the moisture barrier. This creates a continuous, waterproof barrier.
5. Extend Up the Walls (Optional): For extra protection, you can extend the moisture barrier a few inches up the walls. This helps prevent moisture from wicking up from the walls.

Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Test the Moisture Level: Before installing the moisture barrier, use a moisture meter to test the moisture level of the plywood subfloor. The moisture content should be below 12%. If it’s higher than that, you’ll need to address the moisture issue before proceeding with the installation.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect the area for any signs of leaks or water damage. If you find any, repair them before installing the moisture barrier.
• Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific moisture barrier product you are using.

I remember one time, a homeowner called me in to look at their newly installed laminate floor. It had only been down for a few months, but it was already starting to warp and buckle. When I pulled up a few planks, I found that they hadn’t installed a moisture barrier. The plywood subfloor was damp and moldy. It was a complete disaster. They ended up having to replace the entire floor, which cost them a lot of money and time.

Don’t let that happen to you! Take the time to properly install a moisture barrier, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, long- lasting laminate floor.

Consequences of Ignoring This Mistake

So, what happens if you ignore my advice and skip the moisture barrier? Let’s delve into the potential consequences:

• Damage to the Laminate Flooring: As I’ve mentioned, moisture can cause laminate planks to warp, buckle, and swell. This not only looks bad but can also create tripping hazards. The edges of the planks may also start to chip or peel.
• Increased Maintenance Costs: Once moisture damage sets in, you’ll likely face increased maintenance costs. You might need to replace individual planks or even the entire floor. You may also need to invest in dehumidifiers or other moisture-control measures.
• Premature Replacement: In severe cases of moisture damage, you may need to replace the entire laminate floor much sooner than expected. This can be a significant expense, especially if you’ve invested in high-quality laminate flooring. The average cost to replace laminate flooring ranges from $4 to $11 per square foot, including materials and installation, according to HomeAdvisor.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: Moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. These fungi can not only damage your flooring but also pose serious health risks, especially for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
• Impact on Home Resale Value: As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, flooring is one of the first things potential buyers notice. Damaged or poorly maintained flooring can significantly detract from your home’s value. Buyers may be turned off by the appearance of the flooring or concerned about potential underlying problems like mold or structural damage.

I’ve seen homes where the lack of a moisture barrier has led to such extensive damage that it scared off potential buyers and resulted in a lower selling price.

For instance, I inspected a home where the laminate flooring in the basement was completely ruined due to moisture. The sellers had to disclose the issue, and the buyers ended up reducing their offer by $10,000 to cover the cost of replacing the flooring and addressing the underlying moisture problem.

Ignoring the moisture barrier is a short- sighted decision that can have long-term consequences. It’s simply not worth the risk.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Laying laminate on plywood can be a great way to update your flooring on a budget. But it’s crucial to do it right.

I’ve walked you through the basics of laminate flooring, plywood, and the installation process. And I’ve emphasized the one critical mistake you absolutely must avoid: neglecting the moisture barrier.

Remember, a moisture barrier is your first line of defense against moisture damage, which can lead to warping, buckling, mold, and a host of other problems.

By taking the time to properly install a moisture barrier, you can protect your investment and ensure that your laminate flooring looks great and lasts for years to come.

Don’t cut corners on this crucial step. It’s the difference between a successful flooring project and a costly disaster.

A well-installed laminate floor can enhance your home’s beauty, increase its value, and provide you with years of enjoyment. So, take the time to do it right, and you’ll be glad you did.

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