Why can't Glueless Vinyl be installed over particle Board?

[CaboWabo]

We were over at Lowes looking for flooring for our new MH and found some real nice Armstrong No Glue Vinyl flooring on Clearance, $.65 sq ft. I think this would be a nice flooring for our kitchen. I have never put down a "Glueless" Vinyl before so I did a little Internet surfing and kept finding the same thing, do not install over particleboard.

Why not?

What would I have to do to use the glueless flooring if we decide to get it?

Thanks! CaboWabo

[Yanita]

Hi,

Not sure the technical reasons other than the particle board is not a smooth surface. You will need to lay down luan (1/4" thick ply.) Cheap enough per sheet. Check the install instructions as some vinyls are not recommended to use over a birch luan. Make sure you know which luan you are getting. Can be bought at Lowe's/Home Depot.

When installing the luan make sure your joints stagger those of the particle board. Float the screw heads and seams, sand smooth.
Install vinyl. I have always used the non glue vinyls, real easy installs. I always did mine on warm days, laid the vinyl in the sun for a few minutes, makes it real pliable.

Yanita

[Harry]

Hi

Yanita is correct.

No Glue Vinyl must "float freely" else it may buckle.

Harry