i will be installing solid ipe flooring soon. I am ripping out the carpet and installing over the subfloor. Is it absolutely necessary to install perpendicular to the joist? I have the subfloor anywayz.

Thanks, flooring gurus.

Anyone? Anyone? Thanks in advance for your advice.

What is the subfloor? O.S.B.? C.D.X.?

How thick? 5/8"? 3/4"? 1"? 1-1/8"?

How large/open is the area? Sm. room? Grat room? Hallway? High traffic?

Are you ok with the possibility of sagging over time between joists?

Can you afford an additional layer of 3/8" - 1/2" CDX to install perpendicular to current subfloor? (possibly as thin as 1/4" would be improvment as well)

The rules we play by in our industry are truly there for a reason. If you as the home owner are DIY the job and are willing to live with some of the possible side effects then go with your gut. If any of these concern you then please play by the rules.

Sorry for the vague answer but we make our professional livelyhood based on possible liabilities and obey the rules. Lots of research and funding has gone into publishing standards that help to avoid nightmare/costly outcomes.

Hope this helps,

Right now, it is carpeted. I cannot remove the carpet until August 1st week. I can check the subfloor only after that. I guess I will write to the forum again. Thanks for your help. But from your information, I gather that it is most advisable to go perpendicular. Thanks.

Oh, forgot to mention. It is a living room - 22 length x 16 breadth. Half of the room has a concrete slab underneath. The other half is what I am concerned about since the joist is parallel to the length of the room. I am feeling that it will not look good to install the wood perpendicular because then it will look odd because it will be parallel to the breadth. I have attached a photo. The family room is reverse and it is ok because I will be installing perpendicular to the joist.

Thanks.