Installing hardwood floor?
Question:I like to install a hardwood floor overtop of an existing hardwood floor which is running the opposite way of the floor joists, the old floor is nailed directly to the floor joists. would i need to put sheeting overtop of the old one and would i run the new floor the same direction of the old one or the opposite direction which would be the same direction of the floor joists. Ripping the old floor out is not an option.
Answers:
Yes, it can be done but it is not ideal.
First of all, you should pull up the last board. Wood expands and contracts. You don't want to put a new floor in and then have the sub-floor swell or buckle. If you can acess the floor from underneath, determine which way the tongue is facing and knock or cut the last board out. Wood only expands toward the tongue due to it's being nailed at a 45 degree angle.
If possible, I would then use 1/2" CDX for a smoother sub-floor. (1 nail per sq ft, and 6" apart on the edges)
Last of all, although red rosin paper is good, 15 lb felt paper is even better.
And as BNW said, the new floor must be perpendicular to the old if you don't use plywood.
Good luck
As long as the existing floor is in fairly good shape( flat and solid) you can go over the existing floor in the same direction as the floor joists.
BN'W is right on but I would add that you may want to put down a layer of red rosin paper to prevent squeaks down the road.
Red rosin paper is good, Cotton or wool cloth is better.
God Bless
As long as the old floor is sound you can apply directly over the top in whatever direction you want, if there are loose boards you make want to fasten them better first. I would also lay a layer of rosin paper between the layers
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