Installing Floating Subfloors - Underlayment for Carpet or Hardwood Flooring

Floating floors. Particleboard has no holding power for fasteners. Other wood floors may be installed if the particleboard is ripped out, but if the original subfloor is not thick enough, at least a 1/2-inch layer of plywood or 3/4-inch OSB must be added once the particleboard is removed. The other option is to install a layer of plywood or OSB over the top of the particleboard (although that may create unacceptable height differences with the adjoining rooms; always check).


Filling Knot Holes in Plywood

 When Luan wood is used to install as a subfloor for laminate or vinyl finishes, you must ensure that the Luan wood is secured so that there is no movement at all. Once it has been secured, you will need to put in one other foam underlayment. This will allow the laminate to expand and contract as normal. If your laminate has the backing on it, (which some usually do) then, of course, you won't need it. Some vinyl floorings may come pre-installed with the foam backing already attached.


 Luan wood is considered to be one of the better materials to use for your flooring. Or at the very least, it is the most cost-effective. This is when it comes to dealing with sticky or vinyl (Laminate) flooring products. Because it is a higher quality plywood, which is very durable and smooth, it can be used as a subfloor for most vinyl finishes. This wood can then have very little warping capabilities, which may intend to happen under most vinyl or laminate flooring

Bending Luan Wood Video 
Installing Luan Wood Video
Cutting and Installing Vinyl Over Luan 
Installing Luan Over Subfloor 
Laying laminate over Subfloor
Making Tile Flush With Subfloor 
Attaching Luan To Subfloor
Working With Luan For Do It Yourselfers


Should I use adhesive for my luan flooring projects? I get that question a lot and I guess there is no correct answer but in terms of getting the most secure fit and hold, I would recommend doing a combination of the two, adhesive and nailing or screwing the luan into place.

At least from the information I have learned online, seems to be the best route to go. Some people will not be satisfied with merely nailing Luan plywood boards to hardwoods, such as Maple and Oak. So in this case it may be better to consider gluing your project as well as just using nails, or screws on the project.