Underlayments provide a subfloor layer for a new floor such as hardwood or laminate. Typically installed over the regular flooring, underlayment provides a solid, flat base for the installation. In order to remain flat and stable, the underlayment is nailed to the flooring joists, or existing floor in a certain way.
Instructions
1. Inspect the subfloor plywood and make sure it is completely even and flat. If not, lift up the subfloor with a pry bar, and sand down the joists and joints as needed with a power sander, or install blocking shims to raise the subfloor to an even level. Check again with a carpenter's level to ensure the floor is flat.
2. Cut the underlayment to the size needed for your floor. This may include simply trimming the end of a few underlayment boards with a circular saw after marking the proper length with a tape measure.
3. Lay the underlayment on the subfloor with the ends flush to the wall. Nail the boards every foot along the length of the board and then stagger the nails 3 to 4 inches across the width of the board, and along the seams. This keeps the underlayment seam nailed down tight and prevents it from bubbling up.
4. Hammer in each nail with a hammer until it runs flush into the surface of the underlayment. If possible, use a pneumatic nailer to produce a flush nail insertion every time. Hammer the nail through the underlayment and into the subfloor plywood.
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