Why You Should Not Use Luan Plywood For Underlayment of Ceramic Tile or Any Material Where There is Risk of Water Exposure

Using Luann For Ceramic Tile

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.


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


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.



Luan Plywood for Basement Subfloor Review (Pros and Cons)


So you have a home renovation project at home you need to complete, and are trying to determine what type of underlayment to use for your basement flooring. As a basement subfloor on it's own luan wood is probably not the best material, but overlaid over concrete or another material that is already existing you'll probably find you have no problems.

The one major concern you'll have with Luan Wood as an underlayment is that it has been known to collect moisture and this can cause it to warp, or unwanted expansion and shrinkage. So this is the negative side of using Luan Wood. If you're wondering what the positive side of Luan Plywood is, it's probably it's cost effectiveness, lets face it. Luan Plywood is probably one of the cheapest materials out there, far less than standard mahogany, or Balsa wood.


Securing Luan Plywood in Place


xxxx Quarter-inch lauan plywood is the top material for underlayment among home renovators and contractors. It's quality is unsurpassed, and it is extremly durable and long-lasting. Amoung Manufactuers of Vinyl Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Tile Flooring, and Lam