Reference / Technical Bulletin

RESILIENT WOOD SUBSTRATE INFORMATION


Lauan plywood as an underlayment when used with resilient flooring should be type 1 (exterior) and BB grade or minimum CC grade. Minimum face grade of OVL (overlay grade). Minimum thickness – ¼” (0.25). Some Lauan when used as an underlayment can present issues such as discoloration, loss of adhesion, delamination and indentation none of which are warranted by Shaw Industries Inc. A written warranty from the underlayment manufacturer is advised.

SUBFLOOR INFORMATION

Note: All substrates to receive resilient flooring shall be dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound. They shall be free of dust, solvent, paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, adhesive removers, curing, sealing, hardening/parting compounds, alkaline salts, excessive carbonation/laitance, mold,  mildew, and other foreign materials that might prevent the adhesive from bonding.

WOOD SUBFLOORS

Wood subfloors must be structurally sound and in compliance with local building codes.

  • ​It is recommended that your chosen APA underlayment grade panels be designed for installation under resilient flooring, and carry a written warranty covering replacement of the entire flooring system.

  • Double‐Layered APA rated plywood subfloors should be a minimum 1" total thickness, with at least 18" well ventilated air space beneath.

  • Plywood subfloors shall be flat and smooth within 1/8" in 6 feet or 3/16” in 10 feet.

  • Insulate and protect crawl spaces with a vapor retarder covering the ground.

  • Particleboard, chipboard, flakeboard, OSB, hardboard or similar are not recommended subfloor materials and require the additional layer of a ¼” underlayment grade panel.

  • DO NOT install over sleeper construction subfloors or wood subfloors applied directly over concrete.

  • Underlayment panels can only correct minor deficiencies in the sub‐floor while providing a smooth, sound surface on which to adhere the resilient flooring.

  • Any failures in the performance of the underlayment panel rest with the panel manufacturer and not with Shaw Industries, Inc.

  • SHAW resilient flooring is not recommended directly over fire‐retardant treated plywood or preservative treated plywood.

  • The materials used to treat the plywood may cause problems with adhesive bonding. An additional layer of APA rated 1/4" thick underlayment should be installed.

  • Always follow the underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Revision: 03272023