Chapter Ten - Installation Over Existing Floors

Chapter 10 –

Installation of Hardwood Flooring Over Existing Floors

Part I – Existing Floor Requirements

A. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for installation over existing flooring

B. Glue-down parquet applications that require the use of PVA adhesives are not recommended over existing sheet vinyl or vinyl and cork tile flooring unless an underlayment is put down first. Underlayment should be in accordance with adhesive and/or flooring manufacturer’s recommendations.

C. Particleboard is not generally an acceptable underlayment, because it lacks stability. Some manufacturers approve particleboard as an acceptable underlayment, as they do not warrant against subfloor movement. In such cases, follow manufacturer’s recommendation.

D. Other types of adhesives may require the use of a primer or vinyl blocker when installing over sheet vinyl or vinyl and cork tile flooring. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

E. Nail-down applications may be successful over existing sheet vinyl or vinyl tile if fastener penetration is not significantly diminished and the subfloor meets minimum requirements. Fasteners must penetrate a proper subfloor by at least 5/8”.

F. Wood flooring can be installed over existing ceramic tile, terrazzo, or marble with proper underlayment or adhesives only on manufacturer's recommendation.

G. Installing wood flooring over an existing wood floor.

1. Sand off old finish and high spots on existing wood floor and prep to clean, dry, sound, flat subfloor. Repair, re-nail or replace loose flooring products.

2. Over an existing glue-down floor, glue direct to the existing floor. Or, if the thickness of the floor will allow it, staple to the existing floor. Check with the flooring manufacturer for recommendations.

3. When installing new wood flooring parallel to an existing solid nail-down floor, add a minimum of 3/ ” underlayment over the existing floor to increase stability. Check with the flooring manufacturer for recommendations.

4. When installing new wood flooring at a 45- to 90-degree angle to an existing solid nail-down floor, additional underlayment is not required.