How to lay vinyl planks on Structaflor?

[mcs_095]

We are well into the renovation of my Mum's kitchen - lots of work done underneath the floor by a very busy builder, and Structaflor has been placed down. We've managed to get a great deal on some NfD 5mm Vinyl Planks that are going to look terrific.

Asking for some advice if possible on the best way forward for laying them directly on Structaflor. The advice from NFD seems excessive - they suggest:

- Light sanding of the yellow tongue

- Priming with a Universal Primer

- Skim of Feather Finish

- Use of a Hard Set LVT Adhesive.

We are keen to laying it a go ourselves - while our project is on budget, saving cash on getting a professional to lay it will allow money for other tasks as part of the project. Given it is brand new Structaflor, perfectly level - just wondering, what is the bare minimum of preparation we could potentially undertake? I've read a lot of different things about it - some have simply used double sided tape to secure thick vinyl plank securely, others have suggested the whole hog of what is listed above is necessary. 

We are definitely keen to use a hard set adhesive as the top layer, that's not an issue. But wondering whether we could simply do a skim feather finish, given it is brand new Structaflor? 

Happy for alternative approaches too - have just read too many different things to know for sure exactly how to approach it all!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @mcs_095,

For a project like this, the safest approach is to contact the manufacturer directly and ask them what the minimum preparation requirements are for their specific vinyl planks. I’m not aware of whether any of the steps they list can safely be skipped. If you've purchased these through us, I'd be more than happy to reach out to the manufacturer to confirm.

One thing to keep in mind is that Structaflor typically has a wax-like coating on the surface, which can prevent adhesives from bonding properly. Because of that, a light sand and a primer are usually recommended to ensure the adhesive sticks. If your floor is perfectly flat and level, the skim of feather finish might not be strictly necessary, but it’s best to confirm this with the manufacturer before proceeding. Following their guidance will help protect your warranty and ensure a long-lasting finish. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[mcs_095]

Thanks Mitchell - that is helpful.

The manufacturer recommends the following: 

1. Lightly sanded
2. Primed with a Universal Primer
3. A Skim of Feather Finish applied

No 1 is not really an issue - the builder is happy to do that in his final tidy up.  The floor is as very flat and level as one could expect for a new floor (it is an old house - the Builder fixed a 20mm+ drop and the level on the structaflor said 0.001 and 0.000 for drop across the room in each direction, a good effort to say the least!) - so I'm guessing (subject to checking joins etc in the structaflor), then we could potentially just do a priming level and then move on to installation, and potentially not undertake the feather finish.

Not super concerned from a warranty perspective per say - being an old house and all, there is always going to be a risk of movement etc, and there is a fair chance the property may not meet other requirements (such as ventilation requirements) - some things we can't fully address in that regard. Hence we've gone the thicker 5mm planks rather than 2mm, but recognise that meeting every specification of the company is unlikely to be easily met. So keen on finding a cost effective, reasonable middle ground.

[MitchellMc]

If the manufacturer recommends those steps, then I can only advise that they should be followed, @mcs_095. As I am not familiar with the product, I cannot recommend skipping any of them. While reducing the preparation steps might save some money initially, if the flooring were to lift or fail, the cost to remove and redo it all would be significant. It’s best to err on the side of caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Mitchell

[mcs_095]

Thanks very much Mitchell, appreciate your advice.

[mcs_095]

@MitchellMc back with another question - but thought it easier to ask here then start another thread!.

So Mum is happy to put in another layer above the Structaflor (something I wanted to do originally) - but now seeking advice on what to use.

The manufacturer lists all of masonite, hardboard, fibre cement or plywood as a potentially suitable layer on which to then hard set adhesive the luxury vinyl planks, but they don't provide guidance/preference for one over the other.

I've seen pros and cons on videos/websites about all of them - what would you recommend. Given the structaflor is brand new below it and is perfectly flat and level, we want to keep the extra layer as thin as possible (so to avoid any major step up from surrounding rooms). Ideally, being a kitchen, something with some level of moisture resistance would be good - but noting there is no perfect answer in that space.

What would you recommend generally to use - that is both easy from an install perspective (we will be doing that part ourselves) - my take is masonite is probably a bit easier to work with (and smoother than plywood might be), but happy for your advice on what you would use in a similar circumstance

Thanks again - Matt

[EricL]

Hello @mcs_095 

You just got ahead of me; I was going to suggest Masonite because of the smooth surface and how easy it is to work with. It comes in very thin panels all the way to 3.2mm, but for your kitchen I suggest a thickness of at least 4.8mm for extra strength. It comes in large sheets - 2440 x 1220mm 4.8mm Masonite Standard so you only need a few panels to cover the entire floor area. It can be glued and screwed to your flooring to provide a flat level surface for the stick-on vinyl.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good morning @mcs_095 

Just as a start, I havnt layed the type of floorboards on Structaflor before

However (there is always a however) Manufactures recomendations I have learned that there are reasons even when its not obvious. For instance the sanding of the Structaflor as a step. I was thinnking "Its brand new so why?" And then @MitchellMc pointed out that there is a fine wax coating that could effect the adheasive. Bingo, there is the reason. So even tho you are wanting to save some $$$$ I still think its extremley wise to follow the manufactures specified steps (At least the first time) You are still goingto save loads by doing it yourself and for the tiny bit extra you will have peace of mind that you have done it right.

As for using masonite, I know that works well as a smoother/constant base as have pulled it up from kitchens before

Dave

[mcs_095]

Thanks Dave and Eric - Masonite is definitely my preferred way forward I think, so I'll work on that with Mum. Appreciate all the great advice on here - will no doubt be back when we start on the new little deck she wants to build. But that is a 2026 project, not a 2025 project ha!