I am getting ready to replace a carpeted floor with a solid maple strip floor. I have the material and it is getting acclimatized to the house.
Reading the installation instructions have raised a couple of questions.
The house was built with 5/8 T&G OSB as the subfloor on 16″ c/c. It suggests that OSB may not be the best material under hardwood. I sure cannot rip it up and replace it. Also, it suggests that the strips should be placed at right angles to the joists. I agree that would be ideal but the current proposed layout would have some of it running parallel to the joists.
Are either of these major job altering issues ??
Thanks for any suggestions and advice..
Bill
Replies
Just carefully mark where your joists are on the subfloor and make sure to nail the hardwood into the joists. OSB doesn't hold the nails all that well, which leads to squeaky floors, but hitting the joists should help.
As for the issue of keeping it parallel to the joists, I'd rethink your current proposed layout if possible to do the parallel thing, especially over 5/8" OSB.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Another subfloor or strips would raise the finished floor substantially. It may make doorways, stairs and the joins between other existing floors an issue.
Although 5/8 osb is not ideal, and it is possible there may be some slight ticking, or squeak issues, the floor will likely not lift.
Screw the existing subfloor every 6 to 8" and clean it well. Wax or other flooring paper will allow the floor to adjust seasonally with less friction. Staple, rather than nail. T nails can blow the bottom out of the osb.
Raise all issues with the customer and weigh the height issues against possible noise issues. This will affect the job warranty, but not the wood warranty. Maintaining an optimum humidity level throughout the years will reduce or eliminate the noise ssues.
Gord
Staple it as suggested and, you must run perpendicular to the joists.
Jeff
Can you spare an extra 1/2" height of the floor? "Major" issue would only be where other rooms connect....but as you've already stated that tearing out the existing OSB is not an option, adding a layer of 1/2" ply would be your next best bet. (Glue the ply to the OSB and screw right through to the joists.)
If you can spare 3/4", all the better.....but OSB does not hold flooring nails well.
Add a layer of plywood and you won't have to concern yourself with perpendicular or parallel to the joists.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements