I have always used #15 felt under all hardwood nail down installs. Because of the tightness of our economy and our customers, I am thinking about not using the felt under the 3/8 installs now. Whats everybodys opinions? Most maufacturers don't require it, but I have always just used it for my own peace of mind.

man thats only going to shave .03 cents a foot off. not worth skipping it at all especially if its on a crawl space.

I agree, and thats why I'm wrestling with the thought. 3 cents a foot sounds like nothing but, you can also look at it as a free 1/2 tank of gas for your truck for every 1000 sq. ft of install. I'm not scipping the felt yet, but if the customers keep beating us to death on price, price, price we will eventually have to cut somewhere.

well as the professional contractor you are suppose to follow the manufactures guidelines and all I have ever read require the use of a proper underlayment. Hate to think I would have to eat a 5-6 thousand dollar install because of a roll of 16.00 felt.

manufacturers guidlines do not require felt underlayment on 3/8 enginered.

Might depend on the manufacturer and also if they say to follow NWFA guidelines it is in there. All you need is one inspector to come out to a job and catch you on that, even if that is not the issue at hand they will blame any issue on that.

[NWFA guidelines it is in there.]

Thanks, I did not know that......It's always better to play by their rules.