Flooring

4/16/2014 at 1:57:31 PM

Hi Mat,

I'm not sure who give you this advise. Problem is not parquet cracking, the nails will go past parquet in to a base core, what ever that material is (either plywood or particle core). Bigger problem is squeak that you'll have.

What should be done is to remove existing floor, screw plywood down to floor joists, then apply new floor.

4/16/2014 at 7:27:56 PM

Thank you

What should be done is to remove existing floor, screw plywood down to floor joists, then apply new floor.

I screwed down the floor to the Joist with 3,5 " screws however there is a bump right in the centre of the room along the Joist. Would it be ok to take off the Parquet like 3-4 Feet than use a cork or unterlay to level out with new Plywood flooring on Top?

Sorry my English.

Thanks

4/16/2014 at 7:31:22 PM

Hi Mat,

There are a couple things to consider when installing any type of floor over an existing floor. Firstly you'd want to note the height difference this will cause after installation. This will be noticeable in doorways and entry ways that require thresholds when transitioning from one floor to the hardwood floor. Be weary of this when deciding whether you should remove existing floor.

Also you want to consider the condition of the existing floor. It would be much better if the parquet flooring is solid and all planks are intact. If there are any loose boards then you will want to secure them with nails and a nail gun and 1-1/2" screws. This will secure the loose planks of the parquet flooring. Something that also makes a difference is if the parquet flooring is installed on a wooden subfloor. I am assuming it is; however, if the parquet flooring is installed on a concrete subfloor this means it was put down with glue. This may cause minor issues over time because your hardwood floor will virtually only be secured to your parquet flooring.

Nonetheless I agree with the post above. As long as the surface of the existing flooring is prepped properly and a paper under-lay is installed then you should have no problems. Make sure all planks are secured firmly (this may mean adding more screws to secure the parquet to the wooden subfloor), and if any planks are out of place, make sure you put something there (secured to the subfloor) to fill the gap.

Hopefully this helps with your considerations. It is always recommended to remove an existing floor before installing new, however it is possible as long as the right preparation is taken. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

Best of luck!

Jamal Shiwram

Progile Construction Management Inc.

Project Manager

4/16/2014 at 7:35:58 PM

Hey Mat,

As for your second question, if you are laying down a plywood subfloor on top of the parquet, then it would be wise to also build up subfloor to cover bump if the height issue I explained before is not an issue. Using cork or non-solid underlayment may give a "bouncing" feel after installation of the hardwood. Using something more solid like plywood would be better to secure hardwood to. Again, there are different factors that may be addressed, but always think, solid is better when installing flooring.

Regards,

Jamal Shiwram

4/17/2014 at 9:06:39 AM

HI Jamal,

The floor is build like this.3/4 x6 at 45Degree across the joist than 5/8 of soft particle board than 1/2 " plywood than parquet on Top. The Parquet is solid no loose pieces. What I did is screwed down the Plywood along the joist since it was done with nails. It feels very solid. But now I noticed that the floor is uneven. Like a bump along the Joist, wall to wall in the centre of the room.

I don't mind taking off the Parquet,its a pain but I was thinking of removing the Parquet where the Bump is to get level and than lay a new 1/2 floor on top.replacing the removed pices with like 1/8 Plywood

or would it be better and removing all of the parquet laying a new floor on top of the 1/2 Plywood..which still leaves a bump.

It's strange, the bump is like 2 feet wide from wall to wall jet I made sure the subfloor is srewed tight to the Beam. Could it be since this floor s above the Garage,

Thanks, Jamal

4/18/2014 at 10:20:11 AM

Hello.

Actually it is never a good idea to install hardwood flooring over existing hardwood-this doubles your potential for problems. The proper thing to do is remove parquet, remove k3, then install a plywood substrate and self level if needed. You can then install your hardwood knowing it will be level and held firmly in place.

Be careful of bad advise there's plenty of that going around. I'm NWFA certified in both installations and sand and finishing - good luck!!

4/18/2014 at 11:29:35 AM

Hello Michael,

I do agree with you that removing the parquet would be better. There is no K3 it's 1/2" plywood. The floor consist of 3/4 x6 running 45 across the Joist than 1/2 of a material. I don't know the Name. It's like particle but soft. Then 1/2" plywood like a sandwich with the parquet on top.

What kind of self levling material would you suggest? The Floor is solid butnot level. The House is 50 Years old.

Tks

4/18/2014 at 12:50:45 PM

K3 is the soft particle board. It must be removed. I'd use custom RS self leveller or mapei SLC .

1/17/2015 at 7:17:17 PM

I live in NYC and I'm thinking about doing the same thing. We found out there is Asbestos under the flooring so our option is either to put the new wood on top or pay 15K-20K for Asbestos removal and then 10K for flooring. Almost seems not worth doing the flooring if we have to pay 20K to remove the existing floor.

Thoughts?

Adam