Understanding the Need to Overboard Floorboards
If your floorboards are exhibiting gaps and uneven surfaces, a highly effective solution is to overboard them with quality Plywood. This approach not only helps create a smooth, level surface but also simplifies the process of installing your final floor covering or self-levelling compound. Overboarding ensures a more uniform and stable base, reducing potential issues down the line.
Suitability for Different Floor Types
For floors with timber tongue and groove floorboards—like the one shown on the left—overboarding with Plywood is particularly recommended before applying any self-levelling compound or final flooring material. This method addresses two critical problems: preventing leakage between the floorboards and minimizing movement within the subfloor structure. Such considerations are especially vital when working on suspended timber floors, as illustrated below, or in upstairs bathrooms where stability is crucial.
Benefits of Overboarding with Plywood
- Reduces Joints: Over-boarding significantly minimizes the number of joints in your floor covering, leading to fewer points of potential leakage or failure.
- Enhances Stability: It prevents movement and flexing in the subfloor, providing a solid foundation for subsequent layers.
- Simplifies Installation: Plywood sheets come in standard sizes (1220mm x 2440mm), making it easier to cover small areas such as bathrooms with only two or three sheets, compared to traditional timber floorboards which may have 20 or more joints.
- Maintains Floor Height: Using 6mm thick Plywood is often ideal, as it adds minimal height, bridging small gaps and steps without raising the floor excessively.
When to Skip Overboarding
If your chipboard flooring sheets are installed neatly with no visible gaps or unevenness between the sheets, overboarding may not be necessary. In such cases, you can directly apply a latex-mixed self-levelling compound for a smooth finish. However, avoid water-mixed self-levelling compounds, as moisture absorption by chipboard can lead to expansion and potential damage.
Additional Resources
For a comprehensive guide on How to Ply over Floorboards, feel free to explore our detailed article, which provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure a flawless finish.