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Carpets, Lino & Flooring

20mm Engineered Wood (Oak) - how and where should underlay be fitted?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.45 PM

I have received conflicting advice and need some further opinions. In my 1930's house, I have timber floorboards (ground floor and first floor) and plan to install 20mm engineered oak flooring (with 6mm wear layer). The existing timber floorboards are a little uneven in some places, but I have secured them so they don't move. Option 1: 5.5mm plywood on top of the floorboards, then 3mm gold underlay followed by the 20mm Engineered wood on top of the underlay Option2: 3mm gold underlay on top of the floorboards, then install the 5.5mm ply and then engineered wood directly on top of the 5.5mm plywood. What is your opinion on which is the better option? Also should glue be used for securing the engineered oak? or secret nails? or leave it as a floating floor? Opinions and feedback welcome from experienced tradesmen.

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5 Answers

Anonymous user

6mm ply screwed or ring shank nails @ 100mm centres, then either fully glue the floor or secret nail boards, no way should this be floated
Answered7 October 2019
1

A Davies Carpentry & Joinery LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5
Cobham
Hi, you use the plywood first to create a better sub floor for yourself then lay the underlay on top of the plywood. Personally I would glue the joints and leave it as a floating floor as this allows the floor to move as one together when it expands slightly. Ensure you leave a 10mm gap around all the edges for expansion.
Answered7 October 2019
0

Pritchard Flooring

Rating: 5 out of 5
Pontypridd
Definitely option 1. If using underlay you will have to leave it as a floating floor
Answered7 October 2019
0

ACM Building

Rating: 5 out of 5
Harrow
Hello One hundred percent first time 5.5mm ply and then underlay. For engineering wood glue or nail.
Answered7 October 2019
0

C BOOTH JOINERY

Rating: 5 out of 5
Bolton
Hello. Definitely go with laying the plywood and then the underlay and to glue the joints. I would also advise on when you have bought the oak flooring to leave it in the house for 24-48 before fitting just to let the flooring acclimatise to the temperature of the house.
Answered7 October 2019
0