Hi,
I’d appreciate some help with this problem if anyone has the time or inclination. The vinyl tile in my kitchen is coming up to reveal that the underlying floor is particle board. My original thought was to take up and replace the tile w/ self-adhering vinyl tile but I’ve been told that the particle board will, over time, soak up the adhesive. Basically, I’m being told that there is no good solution to placing flooring over particle board. There are counter height issues with dishwasher. I’ve got about 3/4″ to 1″ to work with. Any ideas? Thanks.
Replies
I'm planning to use maple stip flooring in my upcoming kitchen redo. Some folks are skittish about wood in the kitchen, but my parents' oak kitchen floor has seen 30 years of hard use and is still going strong...
Does the particle board go under the cabinets? If so, you have a choice of cutting around the cabs and pulling out the PB, or overlaying either the whole thing (existing tile incl) with underlayment or stripping the tile and then underlayment over the exposed PB. Most vinyls have a recommendation as to the proper underlayment for their product. 1/4" AC ply is usually a safe bet. Avoid Luan ply. Follow manuf. guidelines to maintain warranty. Fill and sand any voids and seams. Avoid peel and stick tiles, they don't last no matter what they're over. We've used adhesive in addition if the customer absolutely has to have that tile.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
"Avoid Luan ply."
I'm curious why you would say that. Around here luan is pretty much the standard for underlayment. I've never heard anyone say NOT to use it.
Leaders go down in history -- some farther down than others.
Using luan terminates your warrenty with some vinyl manufacturers. I think its the chemicals/adhesive in it that is bleeding into the vinyl and discoloring the vinyl.
jt8
For one thing ron, I've never been able to spell it.
Quite a while ago, some lauan ply had interior glue, would/could delaminate even as early as the application of the latex adhesive. I would lay it if (and one local supplier would only offer) it was rated ext glue.
Staples, unless you lowered your pressure, would almost go through it (sometimes even when you did lower it), thus no good fastening.
Heard and found many voids.
Some lino guys would not lay over it.
The color bleed through question, tho I never have seen it, has come up with light colored coverings.
Also, some covering manufacturers list it as unacceptable.
I hear you, it was and is still used alot as a cheap underlay. Savings of maybe 5 bucks a sheet is not worth it if you're putting 6/700.00 down on top of it.
And, have you noticed how 1/4" lauan is so close to 1/8'', they should market it as such.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
The old tile may be loose because of a moisture problem. Maybe it was an old leak that was fixed, or too mnay spilled drinks, but the moisture has caused the glue to let loose. Lucky you ... many times I had wanted to flood a kitchen to loosen the tiles so I could easily remove them and install ceramic.
I agree with the others ... read the mfgr requirements for the tile and the adhesive and see what is needed. The ply you have may be acceptable. The peel & stick tiles are ok, but they stick better with the addition of more adhesive. The standard 1/8" solid vinyl tiles are much better, and are very easy to install.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I'm with Calvin on this one. I don't like putting vinyl down on either MDF or particleboard. If you can get the particleboard up, do so and replace it with plywood. If you can't get the pb up and have the room, use 1/4" plywood (NO luan!). If you are able to get the pb up, go with a thicker plywood.
I've never had a good experience with those self-adhering vinyl tiles. They are super easy to put down, but tend to cause problems later. Primary problems being that they don't stay down, and that you basically end up with seams every 12" or so.
If you opt for sheet vinyl, it isn't super hard to do, you just want to make sure that your underlayment is smooth (fill cracks/holes/etc), make sure your piece is trimmed and fits BEFORE trying to adhesive it down. You can rent a roller (about $10) at your local rental place.
And welcome to Breaktime!