How to Nail Underlayments
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. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Carpenter level
- Power sander
- Blocking
- Subflooring nails, 2 to 3 inches
- Hammer
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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