Can I ask if plywood underlay/subflooring is still acceptable and widely used in Malaysia? My renovation contractor mentioned something about this practice no longer being allowed for residentials in Malaysia since we mop the floors a lot and that will cause it to absorb moisture and expand, and eventually pop up the timber strips above it.

My neighbour is experiencing this exact problem at the moment, and the developer (still under warranty) have always come and glued the timber strips to the plywood everytime that happens, but it's still popping up.

Not sure where I can go to check this fact before going back to the developer, but has anyone heard of this?

Thanks Zot. No choice to go for laminated flooring for me since house already came with Merbau flooring.

Original spec in the developer handbook says 18mm thick timber strip with rubber underlay. Actual flooring now is 10mm thick timber with plywood underlay.

Developer checked with architect and they responded saying they changed spec mid-way through construction under the pretext of "improving the aesthetic and durability as well to eliminate common problem during maintenance period". Apparently both approved of the change.

From what I understand not any kind of plywood can be used here, and especially not local plywood. So just wondering how common this is with timber flooring.