Can I Lay Underlayment Under a No Glue Vinyl Floor Sheeting?

Underlayment

• Standard underlayment for vinyl flooring comes in panels and is 1/4 inch thick. Underlayment has a hard smooth finish on the side intended to face upward. This smooth finish provides an optimal base for installing vinyl sheet flooring. Check the flooring manufacturer’s specs in case a specific type of underlayment is required; otherwise, you can choose from underlayment made from hardboard, oriented strand board (OSB), or high-grade lauan plywood.

Vinyl Floor Sheeting

• Vinyl floor sheeting is thicker than glue-down vinyl flooring, and it’s easier to install. The flooring is available in 12-foot or longer rolls which are adequate for covering most floors in a single sheet. A template of the floor dimensions is required and the vinyl is cut to size before fitting it on the floor.

Installation Process

• A layer of felt paper goes between the subfloor and the underlayment to reduce squeaks when walking on the floor. Small staples, not nails, secure underlayment to the subfloor. The underlayment must be completely free from debris, and you must remove the baseboards, before rolling out the vinyl sheet flooring. Depending upon the manufacturer’s installation instructions, you may have to let the flooring settle in place for a couple of days before installation.

Considerations

• If your floor requires one or more seams, due to floor width, the manufacturer may recommend the use of adhesive. No-glue vinyl is appropriate for installation in most homes, but in commercial settings, the increased foot traffic may require gluing. Cabinets and permanent fixtures should be in place before installing no-glue vinyl flooring. If the flooring will be subject to heavy rolling heavy carts or power chairs, consider using adhesive during installation. Any adhesive used must meet the manufacturer’s specifications in order to maintain the flooring’s warranty.