Laying new hardwood over old

13 years ago

Could use your advise. I am going through a renovation and it was determined that is was best to lay new hardwood over my old floor. I thing it should run the same way which is along the length of the house but contractor feels they need to go opposite to current floor -therefore width wise. Is there a "right" way to do it. Will it look odd ? Thanks for your help.

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PRO

K.O.H. Construction Corporation

13 years ago

Yes you can. Make sure the existing floor is tight and no squeaks. Install 30# felt over the existing. Be aware that you will have to cut all the doors, jambs and trim. It is advisable to start fresh by removing the old floor. provided the sub floor is 3/4" thick.

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Comments (6)

Ed
13 years ago
Eileen, photos of your existing (old) floor, please ?
PRO
Dytecture
13 years ago
perpendicular would give the new flooring something to attach with.
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PRO
Ironwood Builders
13 years ago
I disagree with putting new over old...while possible it will mean trimming all doors, shorter baseboards, if they are not removed (and removal inevitably means at least some new)...and the debacle at the stairs means code problems with the first riser. If the house is all on one level that is not an issue...but what about exterior doors that swing in? Most thresholds will take a 3/4" floor up to them and the door will still function...but add another 3/4" and the door won't open at all. Even if the sub-floor is 5/8" thick the 3/4" flooring crossing the joists will be ample meat to walk on.
corinneg
13 years ago
Thanks so much everyone.....going through a whole renovation so all the interior doors are getting changed anyway and wont' be installed till floor is in. So....if floors are tight now and no squeaks I should be ok to install in the same direction. I will post a pic tomorrow of my existing floors. Reason they gave for going over old was because of the discrepency between old living/dining room and new kitchen ( I took down a wall to make an open concept) Thanks again!!!
PRO
From the Heart Woodcrafts
13 years ago
I'ts ok to install in the same direction,make sure your excisting floor is screwed down tight.And i always glue down my hardwoods w PL400.I'ts always good to install hardwood acrossthe joists.