Self-Leveler over Luan?

About 15 years ago, we had a friend do ceramic tile in our kitchen. He did not do a great job and it cracked so we have ripped up the tile. When he did the tile, he put what I believe is 1/4" luan over the existing vinyl flooring. (Picture is attached) The entire kitchen seems to be level with the exception of where the fridge is and where the ceramic tile was cracking. It is a small area (the size of the fridge and maybe another 2 x 2 area). I have been reading up on using self-leveler in that area, but it seems that it is only recommended for bonding to plywood. Can it be done with luan if primer is used? We are putting a floating floor over it. Thanks!

 

Luan is not recommended as an underlayment for anything. It's layers separate too easily. Tear it up.

 

First, find out why the floor is lower underneath the fridge. Is there a water leak or any rotten or damaged wood that needs to be replaced before putting down your new floor?

 

Yes, pull up what is under the fridge. Discoloration hints at some water damage that may need repairs to the subfloor.

 

Thanks! It's discolored because the guy never tiled under there because the fridge would not fit back in when he put the tile down . So over the years, spills from the fridge discolored the subfloor.

 

All the more reason to remove the luan, remove the vinyl, and remove the 1/4" underlayment that is beneath the luan. Eliminating those layers should give you sufficient room to lay your click lock flooring and still be able to get your fridge back into its cubby. You don't need the added thickness in theory for your new flooring, but let us know what you find when you get there.