We are looking to redo the floors in our kitchen. Our house is from the mid-80s so I don't think asbestos is an issue. We'd like to put tiel down, but then the dishwasher and fridge won't fit unter the countertop/cabinets. It looks like our linoleum/vinyl floor is attached to a 1/4" plywood board, which is attached to our plywood subfloor. The sheet flooring seems to be glued everywhere (not just at edges) and the 1/4" plywood also seems to be adhered to the thicker plywood subfloor. It would be ideal to remove both the sheet flooring and the 1/4" board, but before I begin the project, I'd like to know what I'm in for, or if it would be a good idea. Is it common to have a 1/4" board glued to the thicker plywood, or would this just be common around the perimeter? We were hoping to either put ceramic tile or some Armstrong locking laminate down in its place....Any advice or wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Some musings, based on my experience (as a DIYer, not a pro):
They might have put down smooth 1/4" plywood atop the (rough) subfloor in order to get a smooth surface for your vinyl floor. Vinyl sheets show every imperfection in anything beneath.
I think it would be easier to take up the 1/4" plywood (complete with vinyl) than to take up just the vinyl. That stuff can really stick on there (except when you want it to, of course :) Taking up the 1/4" plywood will also help keep the kitchen floor more in line with adjacent flooring (vs. just adding more height to what's there).
Now they might have put the 1/4" plywood under cabinetry, islands, etc as well as sheet vinyl. This can be challenging--cutting away 1/4" thickness in areas under toe-kicks, etc. I'm sure there are special saws for working in such close quarters--but alas, I've never invested in one personally. You begin to see why one remodeling project leads to another--heck, while I'm doing floors, might as well do cabinets, countertops, and it goes on and on.
You'll want to put down Hardibacker before doing ceramic tiling. You might try some searches on this BBS to get started; also check out the Hardibacker web site for ideas.
But as I frequently say on this BBS, ceramic tile is a great skill for most homeowners. It is heavy work, but is a nice improvement and provides for a great sense of accomplishment.
I haven't worked with locking laminates but I must say, they aren't my favorite flooring. Others might disagree with me.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
They might have put down smooth 1/4" plywood atop the (rough) subfloor in order to get a smooth surface for your vinyl floor. Vinyl sheets show every imperfection in anything beneath.
I think it would be easier to take up the 1/4" plywood (complete with vinyl) than to take up just the vinyl. That stuff can really stick on there (except when you want it to, of course :) Taking up the 1/4" plywood will also help keep the kitchen floor more in line with adjacent flooring (vs. just adding more height to what's there).
Now they might have put the 1/4" plywood under cabinetry, islands, etc as well as sheet vinyl. This can be challenging--cutting away 1/4" thickness in areas under toe-kicks, etc. I'm sure there are special saws for working in such close quarters--but alas, I've never invested in one personally. You begin to see why one remodeling project leads to another--heck, while I'm doing floors, might as well do cabinets, countertops, and it goes on and on.
You'll want to put down Hardibacker before doing ceramic tiling. You might try some searches on this BBS to get started; also check out the Hardibacker web site for ideas.
But as I frequently say on this BBS, ceramic tile is a great skill for most homeowners. It is heavy work, but is a nice improvement and provides for a great sense of accomplishment.
I haven't worked with locking laminates but I must say, they aren't my favorite flooring. Others might disagree with me.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
