What Goes Under Vinyl Sheet Flooring?

For many reasons, vinyl sheet flooring is never installed directly. It has to be placed over sheet flooring to make it last longer and make your house look perfect. Whenever you are doing the installation, it is imperative to ensure that the finished elevations match.

There are many reasons one would choose to install vinyl sheet flooring, one of them being cost savings. The vinyl flooring also comes in a wide range of colours, which makes it one of the best home improvement solutions. But what goes under vinyl flooring? Let’s find out.

Plywood

6mm plywood is the most common underlying product for vinyl sheet flooring. Compared to the particle board, it has lots of benefits.

For instance, besides being highly durable, plywood is water-resistant. The plywood used underneath the vinyl sheet flooring should have a smooth, sanded surface on the upper side.

Particle Board

Another common underlying product for vinyl sheet flooring is the 0.5-inch particleboard. This is best for homeowners looking for something exquisite, yet affordable, smooth, flat, and bonds perfectly with the vinyl adhesive.

It should, however, be noted that the particle board does not have enough structural strength, which means it might not be very durable compared to other options.

The next disadvantage of using the particleboard is that it is not water-resistant. Like a sponge, it will soak in water, and it might get spoilt in the process.

When soaked in water, you will notice some bubble-like imperfections on the surface. If you keep adding water, the entire board will fall apart, and you will have to do another installation. This means that the particleboard should not be a good option in areas prone to water.

Closing Thoughts

Before doing the installation, you must ensure that the floor beneath is swept clean. Sheet Vinyl flooring works best with plywood because it is easy to install and has an impressive level of water resistance.

Also, plywood will help you save money in the long run because you won’t have to do repair time and again. Therefore, contact an expert to help you with the installation, but if you feel the particleboard is the way to go, then go for it.