Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - 1/8" luan

I keep getting different answers--I am replacing vinyl flooring--the guys at work say--put 1/8" luan down,buy 3 lbs of ring nails and rent the gun.I called 3 supply houses--one said don't use luan it will bleed thru---another said--use 1/4" luan---and another said---don't use it at all,use 1/4" plywood---my home is twenty y.o. and the floors are even with no creaky sounds.I am at the point now where I might just buy some Armstrong 750 adhesive and glue it down. TAOT(Thanks Ahead Of Time) PDF, from the heating and cooling forum.

Luan is a cheap fix used primarily by low bidders in tract construction. Plywood is superior for use in providing a smooth surface and will maintain integrity longer. If you have no changing elevation issues, no high or low places that will telegraph defects, the sub floor is sound, and the floor is flat within 1/8" in 8' go bare foot. If you have a risdual of cutback, adhesive, caulk, nail pops, or cement excess, lay the plywood and charge ahead. Linolium, VCT or vinyl will telegraph every little "defect" and the high ones will have visible wear quickly.

Go to www.doityourself.com/vinylfloors for helpful project info. Following manufacturer's recommendations for subfloor prep, installation, adhesive, and seam seal products is important to maintaininng any warranties.