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sub floor build up

firedudec56 | Posted in General Discussion on November 7, 2020 07:31am
I’m installing Mohawk vinyl plank flooring in a 1950s built house kitchen – I took the flooring down to the subfloor & want to “build” it up to match the connecting hallway. The vinyl plank is 1/4 inch and the hallway finish floor is 3/4 oak strip. Any thoughts on what 1/2 inch material to use to build it up to match? B/C plywood, particle board, MDF? It’s a small kitchen so I only need 4-5 sheets of material.
Thanks
Reply

Replies

  1. oldhand | Nov 07, 2020 06:54pm | #1

    Definitively not mdf or particle board. Plywood should be fine, b-c seems a bit extravagant unless the vinyl strip is really sensitive...

  2. firedudec56 | Nov 07, 2020 09:46pm | #2

    I've done a fair amount of laminate but this is my first install w/vinyl and... it's a home kitchen remodel - our home, so I'd better get it right
    I did see some good looking c/d 1/2 in sheathing at a big box so that's possible. I'm also going to check with a couple of my local lumber supply shops to see what they have.
    My big concern is telegraphing any defects in the flooring to the vinyl - it comes w/an attached underlayment but I'm not sure how "tough" it is.
    thanks for the help

  3. Geoffrey | Nov 08, 2020 08:32pm | #3

    Firedudec56,

    use the B/C with "B" side up

    1. user-7764336 | Nov 10, 2020 06:17pm | #5

      Can you expand more on the B/C with the B side up

      1. Geoffrey | Nov 17, 2020 09:42pm | #7

        OK, put the "C" side down, so it's not exposed, leaving the "B" exposed to install the finish floor on.
        What other concerns do you have?

  4. Deleted | Nov 10, 2020 06:16pm | #4

    “[Deleted]”

  5. firedudec56 | Nov 10, 2020 07:23pm | #6

    user-7764336
    plywood is available in different "grades" - basically how smooth the finished surface is - I've been doing some checking and there is a underlayment (ul) grade plywood - c grade plywood with a sanded smooth finish w/any defects filled and sanded smooth. I'm trying to go that way, however, it seems like the product is unavailable in my area. the UL sheet is about $37/sheet, B/C grade is $43 - since the b/c is available and I only need 4 sheets, the b/c "wins"
    stay tuned...

  6. firedudec56 | Nov 19, 2020 06:59am | #8

    went w/b/c, however, now I need to go back & prove they charged me for 3/4 when I bought 1/2 - about a $40 difference - they had problems @checkout & I was in a hurry

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