A couple of Hardwood flooring questions - DIY Chatroom

drtbk4ever · 01-22-2009, 05:59 PM

Hey Gang,

We are wanting to install Hardwood in our living/dining room and kitchen.

Is it OK to install the Hardwood over the vinyl flooring that is in the kitchen?

We aren't planning on touching our cabinets, but I think we may run into an issue with our dishwasher. With 3/4" hardwood, we may not get it back in there. And I don't know what my subfloor is, so if I need to add a layer, then I am really screwed.

Are there any words of wisdom out there on this topic?

Bob Mariani · 01-22-2009, 09:01 PM

best to consider a laminate in this case do to height issues. Doorways, trim, cabinets, dw and more.

JazMan · 01-22-2009, 11:46 PM

If you go over the vinyl chances are you will probably lock the DW in. You should remove the vinyl along with any 1/4" underlayment it's glued to. Remove both at the same time, leaving the vinyl glued to the underlayment.

The 3/4" hardwood can the nailed to the subfloor.

Dishwashers have adjustable feet. I would screw the feet in all the way, then shim the DW up as high as possible so that it can be pull out over the new floor, or install it on the new flooring.

Jaz

drtbk4ever · 01-23-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazMan

If you go over the vinyl chances are you will probably lock the DW in. You should remove the vinyl along with any 1/4" underlayment it's glued to. Remove both at the same time, leaving the vinyl glued to the underlayment.

The 3/4" hardwood can the nailed to the subfloor.

Dishwashers have adjustable feet. I would screw the feet in all the way, then shim the DW up as high as possible so that it can be pull out over the new floor, or install it on the new flooring.

Jaz

Hey Jaz,

I checked my floor and it appears I have a 1/2" subfloor with what looks like about 3/8" that the vinyl is attached to.

This floor is over 2X10 joists spanning 12 feet between beams.

Is that a sufficient base for 3/4" hardwood? Because if it is, my dishwasher issues will go away as I am sure I'll have more than enough room, especially using the adjustable legs you mentioned.

Bob Mariani · 01-23-2009, 11:48 AM

yes the subfloor is sufficient for a hard wood floor installation Be sure to nail into the joists.

drtbk4ever · 01-23-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Mariani

yes the subfloor is sufficient for a hard wood floor installation Be sure to nail into the joists.

Whew, Thanks Bob. That is a load off my mind.

JazMan · 01-23-2009, 04:03 PM

Please double check and accurately measure the subfloor and underlayment. There is no jurisdiction that allows a single 1/2" plywood as "the" subfloor system. The minimum is 5/8" but it's usually 3/4". Years ago they did use a double subfloor system of 1/2 + 5/8". But that doesn't sound what you have.

Most underlayments for vinyl flooring are 1/4" luaun or similar. If that is what you have it has to go for sure. So measure the subfloor again and we'll see what you've got. You can drill a small hole to measure, or you may be able to read the specs from below. Do not install hardwood or anything for that matter on a single 1/2" plywood sub.

Jaz

Bob Mariani · 01-23-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazMan

Please double check and accurately measure the subfloor and underlayment. There is no jurisdiction that allows a single 1/2" plywood as "the" subfloor system. The minimum is 5/8" but it's usually 3/4". Years ago they did use a double subfloor system of 1/2 + 5/8". But that doesn't sound what you have.

Most underlayments for vinyl flooring are 1/4" luaun or similar. If that is what you have it has to go for sure. So measure the subfloor again and we'll see what you've got. You can drill a small hole to measure, or you may be able to read the specs from below. Do not install hardwood or anything for that matter on a single 1/2" plywood sub.

Jaz

We are assuming he has a 3/4 subfloor and 1/4 luan under the vinyl. But as you stated you need to be sure. Never seen only 1/2 over joists before but you never know.

drtbk4ever · 01-23-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Mariani

We are assuming he has a 3/4 subfloor and 1/4 luan under the vinyl. But as you stated you need to be sure. Never seen only 1/2 over joists before but you never know.

I'll check.

drtbk4ever · 01-23-2009, 11:04 PM

Upon closer inspection, the subfloor is 5/8" throughout the house. Looks like vinyl is glued to 3/8" plywood on top of the 5/8".

So my plan is to remove the 3/8" plywood that the vinyl is glued to. Then install 3/8" plywood throughout.

That will give me a base of 1" for the Hardwood. The dishwasher is going to be TIGHT.

**Scuba_Dave** · 01-24-2009, 12:17 AM

Why not just put the wood floor down on the sub floor?
Or put down 1/4" which in total will be more then the normal 3/4" sub floor

drtbk4ever · 01-24-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Why not just put the wood floor down on the sub floor?
Or put down 1/4" which in total will be more then the normal 3/4" sub floor

Hey Scuba,

From what I understand, 5/8" floor under hardwood is a bare minimum. We would need a bit beefier subfloor, especially if we lay the flooring on a diagonal.

You are right that 1/4" will still be more than the ideal 3/4". It will likely come down to availability and cost.

JazMan · 01-24-2009, 11:51 AM

All 1/4" ply would do is raise the floor, It'll add almost no structural strength. And, if the 1/4" is luaun, it is specifically not recommended. If you need more stiffness, add 3/8" minimum, 1/2" or thicker would be better.

Jaz