Using Luan for Flooring

Q: A friend of mine recently suggested using a birch luan plywood to finish the floor in my basement. The underlayment is 2 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood over 2x 4’s with a moisture barrier as well. The luan plywood would be glued down along with a few nails. It might be stained but it would definitely be covered with 2 coats of polyurethane.
Have you any thoughts on this or know of anyone who has done this. One of the main reasons was cost (as opposed to a floor such as Pergo) plus the installation would be quite easy for the 2 of us to handle. I would appreciate any information you can give me in this matter
Bob
A: This would be an interesting approach to flooring. I’ve seen it used it trailers and various other utilities, but not homes. If cost is an issue you can look into cheaper priced laminate or even some unfinished hardwood flooring (such as a #1 common red oak).
Should you choose to go this route, you will want to seal the top of the luan (stain if you choose to stain), then finish with a good finish. Make sure to buff each layer to ensure the finish adheres properly. Use a higher grit sand paper (at least 200 grit, upwards of about 350-400 grit) and ensure to buff lightly and evenly with a polisher. When spreading the layer of finish, do not spread it too thick. Rule of thumb is to spread many thin layers rather than few thick layers, this will give a stronger and better looking finish.