Plywood Underlayment

What is Plywood Underlayment?

Plywood underlayment is a smooth, uniform layer of plywood installed above the structural subfloor and beneath the finished flooring. It provides a uniform, smooth surface for a variety of floor types, including: 

  • All types of Vinyl and resilient flooring
  • Ceramic tile
  • Carpet
  • Engineered and wood flooring

Note: It is not the same as a subfloor. The subfloor is structural, often made from OSB or other composite materials for strength, while the underlayment is designed for finish quality and stability.

Patriot Timber Products offers two premium, warranted plywood underlayment’s: SurePly® Premium Underlayment and IronPly® Premium Underlayment. Both of these plywood underlayment’s are engineered to specifically provide durability and ease of use.

Tools Needed for Installation

To properly install plywood underlayment, gather the following tools and materials:

  • A quality plywood underlayment panel such as SurePly® Premium Underlayment, IronPly® Premium Underlayment, or RevolutionPly® Plywood
  • Circular saw (for cutting panels to correct size)
  • Utility knife and straight edge (if scoring and snapping)
  • Pneumatic fastener tool (staples, nails, or screws – depending on the fastener you choose)
  • Approved fasteners:
    • Galvanized/coated chisel-point staples (¼" max crown)
    • Galvanized/coated ring shank underlayment nails (3/16" head)
    • Flathead wood screws with moisture-resistant coating (galvanized or zinc)
      • Do not use drywall screws or uncoated/rosin-coated fasteners
      • The length of the selected fastener should be a minimum of 5/8”, but not so long that is protrudes thought the bottom side of the subfloor
  • Seam filler (optional, if you are installing with an expansion joint)
  • Materials needed for the application of seam filler (if installing with an expansion joint)
  • Orbital sander or hand sander with a high-grit sand paper
  • Cleaning tools (broom or vacuum)
  • Tools for your finished floor type

What Makes a Plywood Underlayment Superior?

When choosing a quality plywood underlayment, consider these features:

✔️ Pre-marked fastener pattern for easy installation

✔️ Manufacturer lifetime warranty

✔️ Clear online installation instructions and full installation video

✔️ Customer support access (phone, email, downloadable guides)

✔️ Industry approvals (e.g., vinyl manufacturer approvals, TCNA Extra Heavy Rating)

✔️ Sustainable manufacturing (no tropical hardwoods, 100% plantation wood)

✔️ NGBS Green Certified

✔️ Price range flexibility – different plywood underlayment options at different price points

Your Plywood Underlayment Options

1. SurePly® Premium Underlayment

  • Lifetime Warranty (residential & non-rated commercial)
  • “X” stencil pattern for fasteners
  • Approved by the major flooring manufacturers
  • TCNA-approved for ceramic tile (Extra Heavy rating)
  • Five-point inspection process
  • No special tools needed
  • Full online and phone support

2. IronPly® Premium Underlayment

  • Lifetime Warranty (residential)
  • “X” stencil pattern
  • Approved by the major flooring manufacturers
  • TCNA-approved for ceramic tile (Extra Heavy rating)
  • Five-point inspection process
  • Lower price point vs. SurePly®
  • Full online and phone support

 3. RevolutionPly® Plywood

  • Cost-effective alternative to Lauan (Luan) / Meranti plywood  
  • The only Lauan substitute panel approved by major flooring manufacturers
  • Green panel, made from 100% plantation and sustainable wood sources
  • Ideal for budget-friendly projects
  • Full online and phone support

How to Install Plywood Underlayment

Each product comes with a downloadable PDF guide and instructional video. Basic steps include:

  1. Inspect & prepare the subfloor (clean and repair as needed)
  2. Cut and fit the plywood underlayment panels
  3. Lightly butt the panels together (preferred method), or you can leave an expansion joint
  4. Secure panels using recommended fasteners and spacing as outlined in our installation instructions
  5. Fill seams (optional, depending on installation preference)
  6. Clean the surface before applying finished flooring

Return to Top