Laying Hardboard in preparation for Vinyl in Bathroom

Redbull

Hi Guys,

I need some advice.

I have bought 3mm hardboard for the bathroom so I can lay vinyl over it.

I am planning on conditioning the hardboard first by applying some water on the mesh side of the hardboard and letting it dry for 24hrs.

Now, some sites recommend that the hardboard is laid rough/mesh side up others recommend smooth side up....I don’t know what the difference is.. Initially I was going to lay it smooth side up, but now im not sure.

Can anyone offer any guidance?

Many thanks

timnicebutdim_2

I had the same conundrum last year but in the end went with the instructions and laid it mesh side up. I don't know why they say this, maybe it's something to do with slipping or if water gets into it and it warps or something. Once the vinyl is laid i don't think you'll notice any difference.

One tip is you could use the hardboard as a template before cutting the vinyl and add 10cm around the edges in case of any error in measurement. I took out the sink and toilet and it found it a lot easier to lay

jimbo_the_jetset

I was planning on using 6mm plywood for a 'solid' base for vinyl although I see most websites recommend hardboard? Surely ply has better moisture resistance?

Redbull

timnicebutdim wrote: »

I had the same conundrum last year but in the end went with the instructions and laid it mesh side up. I don't know why they say this, maybe it's something to do with slipping or if water gets into it and it warps or something. Once the vinyl is laid i don't think you'll notice any difference.

One tip is you could use the hardboard as a template before cutting the vinyl and add 10cm around the edges in case of any error in measurement. I took out the sink and toilet and it found it a lot easier to lay

Cheers Tim.

Did you glue your vinyl at all?

Jimbo, 6mm plywood is probably better...I just got the 3mm hardboard because it will make my life a lot easier.

jimbo_the_jetset

I understand, will have to check door gap myself before purchase!!

p.s. I'm planning to use double sided tape in places but not full adhesion, just enough to get it to stay where it should be

timnicebutdim_2

Redbull wrote: »

Cheers Tim.

Did you glue your vinyl at all?

quote]

I didn't glue mine but i did take the skirting board up so it went right to the wall (as i was doing a refit). I suppose it depends on the thickness of the vinyl.... Agree that tape or that spray type glue is a good idea though to make sure it doesn't slip. :beer:

Redbull

jimbo_the_jetset wrote: »

I understand, will have to check door gap myself before purchase!!

p.s. I'm planning to use double sided tape in places but not full adhesion, just enough to get it to stay where it should be

Yes, the door is a pain, same with the actual toilet, bath cover etc...these could probably be lifted up a few mm and the hardboard could be slipped under, whereas 6mm would prob make it more difficult (for me anyway)....saying that, it would probably produce better results, especially if your floorboards are not very even.

wallbash

Bit worried about the use of ( or none ) glue.

I nailed mine down with short copper pins ..... hundreds of them :mad:
Every 4 inch in both directions.

especially if your floorboards are not very even.

I used two layers , ( of hardboard) running in different directions.

Jag1978

I'm about to do the same with hardboard, Should I be nailing or screwing down the hardboard??

Redbull

Jag1978 wrote: »

I'm about to do the same with hardboard, Should I be nailing or screwing down the hardboard??

You should use nails...and lots of them. Some sites recommended annular nails, just make sure their heads do not stick out.

ic

I put down hardboard approx 18 months ago for vinyl in the bathroom. I did it smooth face up, lots of annular nails spaced approx six inches apart (closer around the edges and where the floorboards were a little uneven in order to pull it to the shape of the floor). I've had no problems with the floor buckling or shifting.