Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms due to its easy installation, low maintenance, affordability, and variety of colors. However, because it adheres tightly to the subfloor, any imperfections in the subfloor, like those in unfinished cement, will show on the vinyl surface. To ensure a smooth finish, an underlayment such as Luan flooring is often installed beneath the vinyl.
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What is Luan underlayment?
What is lauan? Lauan (also spelled Luan) refers to the light yellow to reddish-brown wood derived from various tropical Southeast Asian trees, particularly from the genera Shorea and Parashorea. Often entering the market as Philippine Mahogany, Lauan is widely used in woodworking and construction, although it is not related to true mahogany.
What is another name for Luan? Another name for Luan is Meranti. It's also commonly referred to as Philippine Mahogany, though it isn't related to true mahogany. Luan underlayment, or Lauan plywood, is a thin, tropical hardwood plywood panel, typically 1/8" to 1/4" thick. It's commonly used as an underlayment for flooring and in applications like lamination, furniture, and millwork.
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Is Luan a type of wood?
Yes, Luan (or Lauan) is a type of wood. It comes from tropical trees in Southeast Asia, primarily from the genera Shorea and Parashorea. Luan is often compared to genuine mahogany because it shares similar colors, uses, and characteristics, which is why it’s sometimes nicknamed Philippine Mahogany. However, it's important to note that Luan is not true mahogany. It is a heavy hardwood commonly used in construction and woodworking.
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Is Luan flooring Different from Plywood?
Luan is a specific type of plywood. Plywood can be made from various types of wood, including softwood, hardwood, marine wood, and aircraft wood. The properties of plywood vary depending on the type of wood used in its construction.
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The typical price for a Luan flooring
The cost of a full sheet of luan varies based on its thickness and the dimensions required. Typically, these sheets are ¼ inch thick and measure 4 feet by 8 feet. They can be purchased online or from retailers such as Home Depot.
For these standard dimensions, the average cost ranges from $0.40 to $0.60 per square foot, amounting to approximately $15 to $20 per sheet.
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How to Install Luan Flooring
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Circular saw
- Staple gun
- 1/4 inch crown staples
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Chalk for marking cutting lines
- Subfloor adhesive (if required)
Installation Process:
- Prepare the Subfloor:
- Luan alone is not strong enough to serve as a subfloor. Begin by ensuring that you have a sturdy subfloor in place.
- Lay the First Sheet:
- Start by placing a full sheet of luan in one corner of the room, positioning it perpendicular to the subfloor panels’ direction.
- Maintain a 1/16th inch gap between the Luan flooring and the walls at the corners.
- Secure with Staples:
- Use the staple gun to insert 1/4-inch crown staples every 6 inches across the surface of the luan and 2 inches along the edges.
- Ensure proper spacing to prevent buckling or shifting.
- Install Subsequent Sheets:
- Leave a 1/16th inch expansion gap between each luan panel as you install them in sequence.
- Secure each panel with staples as described earlier.
- Cutting Luan Sheets:
- When cutting Luan flooring, mark cutting lines with chalk.
- Utilize a circular saw for larger cuts and a utility knife for smaller ones.
- Cut from the rough side of the sheet to prevent splintering on the smooth front side.
- Check Staple Placement:
- After installation, ensure that staples are either flush with or below the surface of the luan.
- This prevents protruding staples from interfering with the vinyl flooring installation.
By following these steps, you can properly install luan sheet vinyl flooring for a durable and attractive finish.
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The average cost of a sheet of luan
The cost of a full sheet of luan plywood depends on its thickness and size. Typically, these sheets are ¼ inch thick and measure 4 feet by 8 feet. They can be purchased online or from stores like Home Depot. The average cost for these dimensions is between $0.40 and $0.60 per square foot, or between $15 and $20 per sheet.
Why not use Luan as an underlayment?
Luan plywood, while providing a smooth underlayment for flooring, is not water-resistant. It tends to swell and deteriorate when exposed to moisture. Therefore, it’s advisable to use sheet vinyl flooring rather than vinyl tiles over luan underlayment.
Note about Luan flooring
Although luan plywood provides a smooth surface for Luan flooring installation, it lacks water resistance and can swell or degrade when exposed to moisture. For optimal durability, consider installing sheet vinyl flooring rather than vinyl tiles over lauan underlayment.
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The above article is VINAWOOD’s sharing about Luan flooring, hope you have more knowledge about this field.
VINAWOOD – Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer
