My first vinyl plank installation.

[NC Investor]

Getting ready to do my first floor and I have a newbie questio.

the old floor had linoleum and I’m having trouble getting every bit of it up. In some spots some backing is left and in others some hard to remove pieces. Is the solution to cover the entire floor with luan first or would some rolled out floor backing work?

the vinyl plank I’m using is 12 mill and does have its own backing

Thanks

 

[highup]

Is it a floating click lock plank?

 

[highup]

I wouldn't touch luan plywood with a 50 foot pole . Buy 1/4" or 3/8 AC plywood if needed.
Why are you removing the old vinyl flooring?

 

[NC Investor]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, floating click plank
I removed the old floor because the house had multiple small dogs and I thought I would need to get down to the plywood to seal in odors with kilz.

i spent some time last nigh with hammer and Sheetrock mud scraper to get most if old vinyl up.

i didn’t know how forgiving the new plank was with imperfections. I’d guess not very if the very cheap thin plank was used but I’ve got something more rigid and thick

 

[highup]

Even thicker planks need a very flat, even surface. If the floor is wavy, the planks flex. That means the joints flex and will deteriorate, or weaken over time and make noise.
The flooring manufacturer has specifications for flatness.