My house is on piers with a ¾” subfloor. I would like to install a floating laminate finished floor. Do I have to put down cement backerboard first, or can I just use foam underlayment under the laminate flooring? -Ralph

Hi Ralph,

Cement backerboard is mainly used under tile to provide a stable subfloor that adheres well to thin-set tile adhesive. As long as your existing subfloor is:

• Firm and in good shape.
• Well attached to the joists.
• Level, with no uneven or low spots.

Then you should be fine using just the foam underlayment on your existing subfloor before installing laminate flooring.

Good luck with your project,

Further Information

• How to Level a Subfloor (video)
• How to Install Laminate Flooring (video)
• How to Install Laminate Flooring Over a Tile Floor (article)
• Carpet and Laminate Flooring for Your Home (video)

Tags: , cement backer board, Flooring, laminate, subfloor

3 Comments on “Is Cement Backerboard Subfloor Needed Under Laminate Flooring?”

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1. D Givens Says:
   May 8th, 2011 at 11:01 pm

   Can I put vinyl tiles over my cement board floor? I already have layed the cement boarding but change my mind about using tile

2. 

   Ben Erickson Says:
   May 18th, 2011 at 10:09 am

   Hi D.,
   If your cement backer board is smooth and flat (you may need to tape the seams and fill in any low spots), I can’t see any reason why you couldn’t apply vinyl flooring over it.
   Good luck with your project!

3. Kathy Says:
   November 6th, 2011 at 10:06 am

   Can you use cement backboard under laminate flooring? The floor is uneven. The plywood is coming up.

   Thanks

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