I am remodeling my kitchen and have pulled up old tile, linoleum, etc.?

Question

found the floor is crappy. i would like to replace the old c**p with laminate hardwood. i understand that i need to lay plywood or something comparable on top of the old crappy floor. my question is do i need to lay anything between the plywood and the laminate before installing.

Answer 1

Yes, there is this thin plastic padding that goes between.

Answer 2

Just lay the laminate on top of the  clean finished plywood, making sure it is even.

  When you go to the home decorating supply store they will have instructions available on how to lay laminate flooring - follow it carefully

Answer 3

Going through the same exact thing. Can't help you since I am still pulling up that dreadful stick on tile stuff. Its terrible! Good luck. I guess I would go to a hardware store. Usually a mom and pop one gives better advice IMO.

Answer 4

You could do a vapor barrier but unless you have a moisture issue underneath no real need to..  Make sure the plywood is level and clean.

Should look so great!

Best of luck

Answer 5

You should only need plastic sheeting if you are installing over concrete, so that it will be a moisture barrier.  Some brands of laminate come with the padding already attached.  Some types you have to buy the padding in rolls and cover the floor as you install.  I have walked on floors where pple skimped on the padding and they are extremely loud.  The prepadded are less of a hassle when it comes to installation.

We purchased the prepadded type from Sam's Warehouse and had it installed 3 yrs ago.  It is hands down the best floor I have ever had.  We have dogs and tons of foot traffic and it has not scratched.  I do have to be careful never to let water stand on it, so I just mop with a swiffer type thingy.  I put the pet dishes in a tray to keep water off, so that hasn't been a problem.  Another benefit has been that my floor is so much warmer in the winter.

You do need to buy the laminate at least a few days ahead and let it set in your home.  This allows it to adjust to the climate in your home, since it does swell/contract a bit.  It does eat up saw blades (the carbide 60 tooth are recommended), so plan on sharpening before you are done.  The other thing I would say is make sure that you s***w down any creaky areas of the sub floor really well before installation.