Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Vapor Barrier Choices

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Leetie
03-08-09, 02:27 PM
Hi. I just found this thread -- I originally posted this question in the woodoworking section. Hopefully there will be more bites here. ;)

We're getting ready to install some hardwood in a 2nd floor bedroom. We were told by the supplier that felt paper was the best underlayment, versus general construction paper or rosin paper. I have an issue with installing something coated with TAR in a bedroom, and from what I've read, rosin paper does absolutely nothing except provide a cleaner working surface for the installers.

I'm not installing this myself, so I'm not concerned with ease of installation. I want to know about the product that needs to be installed and why it needs to be installed.

Can somebody provide some measurable pros and cons of each type of vapor barrier? Why would I want a paper product to absorb moisture? Wouldn't it simply become food for bugs and mold? The bedroom in question is right over the kitchen, so do I need to protect the floor above from dishwasher / cooking steam?

Does anybody know what "Dream Home Quiet Walk" underlayment is made out of? Any tar/chemicals?

Thanks so much!!!

xiphias
03-08-09, 02:30 PM
I have used both asphalt felt and rosin paper. Far prefer the rosin paper. Much quieter floor. Silent in fact. Tar paper can make a "crinkle" sound underfoot.
airman.1994
03-08-09, 05:22 PM
There should be no need for an underlayment under a wood floor installed on top of plywood.