Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - New floor over old
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finnegan
07-18-03, 03:25 AM
Have an old house(1903) with 3/4" t&g fir floor nailed directly to 2x8 joists. Would like to put engineered(3/8 laminated) wood flooring over it. Is this advisable or should the old floor be ripped out and replaced with ply? I would rather go over the old floor. Should the new engineered floor be run parallel or perpendicular to the joists? Please help, conflicting info from local flooring people. Thanks.
DIMMike
07-18-03, 06:28 AM
At http://www.nofma.org/installation4.htm#B
They say
"LAYING A NEW STRIP FLOOR OVER AN OLD FLOOR
The existing wood floor can serve as a subfloor. Drive down any raised nails, re-nail loose boards and replace any warped boards that can't be made level. Sweep and clean the floor well, but don't use water.
Remove thresholds to allow the new flooring to run flush through doorways, remove doors and baseboards. Lay asphalt felt or building paper over the old floor.
Do not install the new floor to the old floor in the same direction. Install at a right angle or on a diagonal. If the preferred direction is in the same direction as the old floor, overlay the old floor with 3/8" to 1/2" plywood."
UNLESS--The manufacturer says otherwise, then they rule.
Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
They say
"LAYING A NEW STRIP FLOOR OVER AN OLD FLOOR
The existing wood floor can serve as a subfloor. Drive down any raised nails, re-nail loose boards and replace any warped boards that can't be made level. Sweep and clean the floor well, but don't use water.
Remove thresholds to allow the new flooring to run flush through doorways, remove doors and baseboards. Lay asphalt felt or building paper over the old floor.
Do not install the new floor to the old floor in the same direction. Install at a right angle or on a diagonal. If the preferred direction is in the same direction as the old floor, overlay the old floor with 3/8" to 1/2" plywood."
UNLESS--The manufacturer says otherwise, then they rule.
Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
finnegan
07-18-03, 01:24 PM
Thanks for the quick response to my question. However it doesn't address the issue of engineered flooring which is basically a plywood with a wear layer of veneer. Can this be laid in the same direction as the old strip floor especially since the "planks" are much wider(5") than real strip floor(2 3/4")? Again appreciate any help.
Hardwood Guy
07-19-03, 02:58 PM
Finney:
One reason why NOFMA recommends what they do is because you may get seperation with the planks when the older existing floor wants to expand and contract...it will want to move with the old. By using plywood or running the new flooring perpendicular will not have this effect.
Ken Fisher
One reason why NOFMA recommends what they do is because you may get seperation with the planks when the older existing floor wants to expand and contract...it will want to move with the old. By using plywood or running the new flooring perpendicular will not have this effect.
Ken Fisher
finnegan
07-19-03, 06:14 PM
Many thanks for your reply. I was afraid that would be the answer. This is a terrific resource & will recommend this to fellow old house acquaintances.