Luan Subfloor For Tile ?

Luan Subfloor For Tile ?


Why not to Use Luan As Underlay For Tile or Ceramic

Why You Don't Use Luan Board (Plywood) For Underlay for Ceramic or Tile


Luan Wood Video Series
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


The reason that Luan Board (Plywood) isn't used for Underlayment for Ceramic or Tile is due to the fact that installing Tile or Cermanic involves the use of water, which can compromise the strenght of Luan Board (Plywood).

 That is why for Ceramic or Tile, you should use Cement Board as Your choice of Underlayment.

The best brand of Cement Board to Use is called Wonderboard. Fiberboard is another type of Cement Board, and Fiberock's Aqua-Tough is another example of this.

 

 Association Reports on Luan Wood

 

There are reports that using Luan Plywood as underlayment for Tile is unacceptable. This is because some believe that because Luan Plywood is made of an unacceptable and unapproved substrate that it cannot receive tile or cementitious backer units. Now I've written on this blog that Luan Plywood doesn't react well to moisture that is a sure part of the process when laying ceramic tile flooring, so this is no surprise the readers here. Ceramic, Tile, Stone or any other product with a cementitious backer unit should not use any Luan Wood as stated by the general body making guidelines for the flooring and hardwood industries.

Furthermore they state that for the abovementioned materials, Luan products are not made and manufactured under any recognized grading rules or measures. As well it is not recognized by the building codes or organizations and does not carry a grade stampe or have any structural design value.