Should I replace the 5/8 inch MDF underlayment with plywood before installing LVP and tile during my 70s remodel?
Asked by Orlanda Moreira 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 24, 2024
Hey there, good morning! So, in our 70s remodel, we currently have 1/2 inch OSB with 5/8 inch MDF underlayment. I’ve decided that the MDF has got to go. Do you think I should replace it with 5/8 inch plywood instead? I’m planning on putting down LVP throughout the house and tile in the wet rooms. I’m not too concerned about matching heights since we’re going to be replacing all the doors and floors anyway. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
That sounds strange. Is the subfloor made of solid planks?
I haven’t started working on it yet. I plan to cut a piece of MDF this weekend to check the thickness of the subfloor. I’m anticipating a 1/2 inch subfloor. I’ll likely add 23/32 inch plywood on top of the subfloor and then a thicker LVP. I’ll have more details after this weekend.
Whatever is currently in place will determine the materials you should use.
If you previously had carpet, then opting for 3/4-inch would work better since LVP is significantly thinner and won’t cause issues with your door jams if they are too high, resulting in a large gap.
This is exactly what I need. Thanks! Do you have any recommendations for the type of plywood to use?
If you can manage to have a 3/4-inch subfloor, you should be good to go. Replace the 1/2 inch with 5/8 OSB for the same level of strength. Just keep in mind that a 3/4-inch OSB subfloor is ideal. That’s what I did for my floors – removed the old planks and installed 3/4-inch OSB. The LVP looks and feels amazing.
I personally don’t recommend using osb for flooring, but if you already have 1/2 inch, you can still use it. Just make sure to account for your flooring and underlayment thickness when deciding on the osb size (3/4 inch minimum for subfloor).
Remove everything and replace it with three-quarter inch plywood.