Can I install laminate flooring over a wood subfloor/plywood?

Question

When I pull up my carpet, there is the foam layer then plywood underneath, I guess it's the moisture barrier for the carpet. Then under that is the concrte floor. Can I intall the laminate over the plywood or do I still need to buy a underlayment?

Answer 1

You can lay the laminate over the plywood but fill in any seams with white floor leveler first. Also, if there are any  screwheads level with the plywood, s***w them in a little further and fill in the dents with floor leveler. Laminate requires a 100% level subfloor and is not forgiving like carpet is.

Good luck!! : )

Answer 2

Eh, maybe.  If it's plywood right on concrete though, I'd worry about moisture and how level/consistent it is.  Concrete wicks water up from the ground, and plywood can be a mold factory.  To be safe, I'd lay down a vapor barrier (3 mil plastic sheeting with the edges taped using waterproof tape.  Then on top of that, to make sure you have an even smooth surface for the laminate, s***w down thin (1/4") plywood.  

Alternately, you can get that foam laminate underlayment in waterproof form, and put that right on the plywood.  It comes in rolls, and you just lay it down (tape the seams as with 1/4" ply).  It will be a tiny bit easier to install, and add a little more softness to the floor while still creating a decent vapor barrier.  But the stuff is a little pricey.  This is, of course, the solution if you're finished floor height can't take the extra 1/4" plywood.

Answer 3

The above suggestions seem to be valid but I would go further and put a plastic sheeting over the sub floor. This will r****d any6 odors coming from the sub floor (think kitty or pooch) and keep the sub floor from getting soaked with any heavy water spills.  A thin painter plastic sheeting drop cloth is probably all that is needed.

Answer 4

You can over either as long as it s a flat surface.. You won t need to fill seams as suggested. High seams and nails need to be sanded or nailed down.. Your laminate underlayment will allow the laminate to float and move or any seams etc..Just remember to leave your gap at walls or any stable surface to allow for normal movement and expansion .. GL

Answer 5

we laid ours directly over the plywood subfloor. Right or wrong, we did it 3 years ago and it is still just fine.