How to Check Subfloor for Linoleum Installation

 Checking the subfloor is flat to the recommended tolerances for the linoleum you are laying. For installations using mechanical fasteners 1 1/2 inches and longer, underlayment and subfloors should be within 1/4 inch in 10 feet or 3/16 inch in 6 feet. For gluedown installations and those using mechanical fasteners less than 1 1/2 inches, the subfloor should be within 3/16 inch in 10 feet or 1/8 in 6 feet. The subfloor can be flattened by sanding down the high areas or by installing shims such as roofing shingles or various thicknesses of plywood. This will give your linoleum covering the best appearance when it is layed overtop of the subfloor.


Removing Subfloor for Linoleum


Removing  Underlayment from Linoleum can be removed fairly easily. Just cut it into strips as long as there is no vinyl backing left. Getting all the staples removed or beat down is by far the hardest part. If it's ran underneath the cabinets use a sharp razor knife and score it several times and it should break off pretty clean. A lot of staples will have slivers of luan caught underneath you should either pull out or use needle nose pliers to remove the sliver then hammer then down flush. When you remove the underlayment you don't want anything sticking up. It's a good idea to refasten the subfloor onto the joist with screws or screw shank underlayment nails. You should see how flat it is too... may have to belt sand some seams.

Bending Luan Wood Video
Installing Luan Wood Video
Cutting and Installing Vinyl Over Luan
Installing Luan Over Subfloor
Laying laminate over Subfloor
Making Tile Flush With Subfloor
Attaching Luan To Subfloor
Working With Luan For Do It Yourselfers
What is Marine Grade Plywood?