Five years ago today, Ken spoke wise words about hard surface installations. “Subfloors must be firm and flat. Just like YOU want to be when you leave the gym.” Today, Ken adds a third commandment—dimensional stability—that rules out using plywood as a subfloor.
I have been long preaching the two commandments of putting down any hard surface floor in your home. The substrate must be 1.) firm and 2.) flat.
But it occurred to me the other day that there's a third commandment: Dimensional stability. Basically, what I mean is that the subfloor can't move.
There are three substrates that are dimensionally stable: concrete, stone and cement board.
So remember this third commandment if you're putting down a hard surface floor. You need a dimensionally stable substrate in order to make sure that your installation doesn't fail.
If you have any questions about luxury vinyl plank or hardwood floors, give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.
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