Underlayment on top of new floor?

[mbatm01]

As you may have read in other posts, I am almost done with the shell off floor replacement. I am not sure what type of floor covering we will choose yet, but regardless of covering type, should I install Lewan underlayment over the new floor?

Part of me thinks it would be nice to have a seperate layer for glue etc... rather than glueing directly to the new floor. The other part of me wonders if its too much weight and that I don't even need to worry about it.

Any thoughts?

Kevin

[markdoane]

I think it sounds like a good idea. I've been pondering the same thing. If you use 1/8" Luan I don't think the weight would be too much, and the weight is low down and spread out.

[Over59]

If you are putting down one of the snap together panel floors (pergo) then I don't see what advantage the extra layer and money gets you. If you are doing sheet flooring and your floor is not suitable for the adhesive or is rough then it may be a good idea.
I think you need to commit to a floor before you know what to do or you may make extra work for yourself.

[mbatm01]

Great points to consider, I appreciate your responses. Right now we are leaning towards carpet tiles, so glueing those to Luan would be nicer to remove in the future should we ever decide to change.

Kevin

[fireflyinva]

Interesting thoughts...BTW--As I get ready to refloor, I also wonder if anyone has installed a vapor barrier in between the flooring and the underlayment? What advantages/disadvantages?

Mray

[fireflyinva]

Just as I finished posting the last message I happened to notice that one of the sponsors on this forum (http://mantoncork.com/) advertises cork underlayment. That might be better than luan (softer, but I 'm not sure about durability)...

FWIW,

Mary