Installing hardwoods over existing floor
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Thinking about installing hardwoods over the existing HWs in my 1920’s home. Dont want to tear out. The plank subfloor is in awful shape. Figured I would put that new white film paper over existing and run the prefinished perpendicular to the old stuff. The floor that is there now was butchered by some JA awhile back. Stapled down with 2″ floor staples (gun and all). What yall think? Bobby
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Bump.
Don't know, but how is the additional thickness gonna effect doors, trim, etc, and how will the transitions be to adjecent rooms with different floor covering types? Does the old floor squeak?
I see no problem going over the existing H/W floor with new H/W flooring. It is just like putting it over a regular floor.
1) I would check for any loose boards and secure them with nice long screws (3 or 3 1/2 inch) and also if there is any squeaking I would shoot some screws in the to try to quite it.
2) I would use a floating floor type hardwood floor so it can expand and contract independently. Because the old H/W floor would expand and contract at different rates.
3) As for the thresholds not matching up I would use a metal threshold that can be wide enough to go over the wider new H/W floor. There the would be a higher areas. Just watch when you walk over it.
What about the additional weight? How is the framing underneath? Is the floor uneven, if so you may be just as well to demo to the floor joists and start anew.
just my 2 cents