Installing new laminate/wood flooring
4/29/2008 at 6:49:50 PM
hello,
i have a space of 650 sq ft. Existing is really old, old 1.5" wood flooring. Every single step you take - there are cracks and creaks. Some of the spots even seem like they cave in a bit?? Anyway - I'd love to remove the flooring and add new. My question is - do we need to lay down new plywood - or nail down the existing?? I've heard either or - but, would like some good concrete advise.
Please let me know ... Thanks!
5/22/2008 at 7:14:15 AM
Hi, older homes tend to creak and moan a little. Do you want to re-finish the existing floor? If you are just putting a new floor over, use 3 1/2" wood screws to fasten the 1 1/2" down to the joists. After its screwed down, walk around and note any squeaks/groans. There are products at hardware/lumber stores for really bad squeaks in floors, but they have to be fixed from below. Any rotted area should be replaced, weak areas should be 'blocked' from below if you can get to it. Depending on the final flooring choice-wood or laminate could go right over, ceramic or vinyl would require minimum 1/4" ply. Hope this helps.
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