Morning all, does anybody use 15# felt instead of red rosin paper when laying hardwood floors? (2/14″ SRO unfinished) The sub says he uses a “black paper” that is heavier that the red, but suggested 15# felt (that I would supply) for a better install.
What would you use for linoleum/laminate underlayment (over 3/4 Advantech) to match heights with the 3/4 Oak??
Replies
yes, i switched over from red rosin paper to 15# felt..
i think it keeps the bottom more stable from potential basement damp
to transition from 3/4 oak to vinyl.. i'd use 1/2" underlayment ply
if the oak is site finished , i'd make a transition piece to make up the 1/8" difference
Thanks Mike, sounds like the way to go.
I have a vague recollection that someone here recently suggested against felt when it’s over radiant heat. I think it had to do with the possibility of an odor?
Disclaimer: No coffee yet, so I wouldn’t put much stock in what I recall…
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
Edited 3/7/2006 11:55 am by Phat
I heard that tar paper and radient heat would poss. out gas to give a smell. I also heard the smell would go away, and not all tar paper smells. Throw some of your material in the oven and give it some heat, see if you can live with it. Radient floor temps are generally under 100 degrees. But if no radient is planned, who cares!! I used tar paper under my hardwood.
Last floor we installed, in a new house, the homeowner told me that the only reason felt paper was ever used was to keep the coal dust from coming up through the floor boards when they used to heat with coal. So he told me he didn't care if we used it or not.
So with that little gem of knowledge, we still use 15# felt.
I used 15lb. felt under my hardwood because I had some lying around, but what I've used in the past that I thought was great was a wax paper. I don't know about the moisture permeability, but it made raking and sliding the pieces in a breeze.
i've always used felt... even under the plastic snap together floating floors, when i had an 1/8" jump i'd layer it in 24" then 18 then 12 then 6 that will just about eat up an 1/8" difference..... I don't know about the moisture or coal dust issues I think it cushions it some and i think it has some give to make up for voids... i think it'd be a little help with noise also... just again one of those things that just seems right to do...
p