I am working on a 150 year old house. No subfloor one layer of pine running perpendicular to joists. I have 3/4 by 5 and 3/4 by 7 newly milled old red oak flooring I want to install over top of existing flooring. I am ok with added height and wou
ld like to use 30 tar paper and install the flooring in the same direction as current floor. To change direction would look weird. No chance of saving existing random width flooring. Can I run new floor over old floor going in the same direction ??

First thing that comes to mind, is the subfloor flat? I could see house settling over the years considering the age. By going over the old in the same direction chances are good you may be nailing into voids or spaces between the older floorboards. This would weaken the new floor, causing squeaks, looseness, and who knows what else. Additionally the new will want to expand and contract with the old, potentially causing gaps you don't want. Going opposite provides better overall structural strength. That's my take from here.

Mixed or variable width hardwood flooring

No sub floor to speak of it is just one layer of 1" pine boards. Almost level. Would 3/8 plywood help ?? If we do go with plywood does tar paper go down first then plywood or plywood first then tar paper ?? Really want floor to go parallel to longest wall. 1" - 1 1/8 increase in height ok, would prefer no more the that.

First take the time and see if refinishing the old floor would cure the look if not then you must rip up the old floor and then lay the new. Good luck!

fist thing we have to keep in mind that, the floor is 150 years old so it is better to remove and place new oak floor it's better for owner as well. Good luck!

Thanks, refinishing was not an option. We decided to put a layer of 7/16 OSB over top and use 2" nails. Room #1 complete, solid as a rock. Not one squeak and beautiful !! Room number #2 just getting started and we are going to attempt to install a 10" walnut border (10" of oak first then 10" of walnut then all oak) I believe we got it figured out.....install border first. We'll see........

Joe post pics if you could...

Ok posted 2 pics in gallery, one of room 95% complete with 5" oak and one pic trying to figure out how to lay out a 10" oak border. This room will be 5" and 7".

Can you link it? I can't find it.

Technologically challenged......they are the last to pics posted in the photo gallery under the installing heading.

I think I got it.....