TheSamba.com :: View topic - Another Wood Flooring Topic (Subfloor Questions)

Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:57 pm

I know, I know... I'm full of questions. If I need to shut up just say the word.

I've used the search on this, but can't find anything answering my question exactly. When it's time for me to lay down the laminate wood flooring in the rear of my bus, there will be at least one layer of sound dampener matting, and one layer of sound dampener foam (1/8" Thick). Will there be any need to lay down a subfloor? Also, if there is a need, would something like a plastic pegboard work? I'm trying to save weight in some of the smaller things as there is a ton of stuff going into the bus.

Thanks in advance,

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:06 pm

Garrett,
You must be looking for a VERY specific answer if you searched and read all the information there is in this forum, and still didn't find the answer you wanted. As a result, I don't know if anyone here (let alone me) can actually give you a satisfactory answer, but I'll try...

Masonite. Did I get it right?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:12 pm

Sorry Dude,

My main question was, will I need a subfloor, or not?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:28 pm

No need for an apology, no umbrage taken whatsoever. I was observing that your question has been answered ad nauseum in this forum. Nevertheless, and as you might have read, given that the bus' floor is not flat without it, seems like using a thin sub-floor is a good idea, don't you think?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:37 pm

Garrett,

I laid down 1/4" foam and then carpet on the floor of my bus. I thought this would be nice and comfortable. The first time I was kneeling down in there while putting in panels, I understood just how deep those little groves on the floor actually are. Hurt like hell. A thin layer of sturdy material will give you a solid surface. Otherwise you will have small peaks and valleys that you will be able to feel and eventually see.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:49 pm

Thanks Herbst '71,

Do you think a plastic pegboard would be a sturdy enough material? I'm afraid the swelling tendencies of masonite might in turn warp the floor.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:15 pm

Found the following information on a pegboard website:

TRANSVERSE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS FOR PEGBOARD USED IN TRIALS

Hardboard Type Load in lbs. Breaking Load Breaking Deflection
Medium-strength 1/4” 42.3 2.9”
High-strength 3/16” 39.3 8.2”
High-strength 1/4” 57.7 6.8”

The were placing weight in the center of the pegboard which was resting on two cinder blocks. I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Rik

Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:41 pm

the best thing to use is shower board from home depot. It is waterproof and works very well. here in florida it is $27.00 for a sheet. Also works very well for making door and other interior panels, they dont warp or swell if they get wet.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:48 pm

Thanks for the help guys.

I think I'm going with a mixture of the two! :lol: Lowes sells a Plastic Pegbord that is a lot like the showerboard but a bit cheaper. It seems that this should work fine.

Thanks again,

Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:55 pm

florida: wet
oklahoma: not so wet

Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:46 pm

Usually I'd agree, but this year has made me think otherwise.
We were something like 30 inches over our average rainfall by May this year.

Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:18 am

NinetyEight wrote: Usually I'd agree, but this year has made me think otherwise.
We were something like 30 inches over our average rainfall by May this year.

I went through that area when we picked up our bus back in may. There were some areas of the town that had gone completely under water. The lady I bought the bus from said that there were companies leaving the area and jobs being lost - not to mention that houses were being ruined lefts and right. It was kind of sad actually.