I am starting the pre-planning and preparation of re-flooring my living room 14x16 and dining room 12x14. Let me give you some info before I start with the questions. My house was built in 1941 it has 2x10 floor joists under it, no insulation (I plan to install insulation), vapor barrier on the ground. It is currently carpeted with some very thick carpet and padding, I think previous owner did this for energy conservation and sound. I have extended the hearth out to put in a grain stove, by doing this I found that the floor is of finished yellow Douglas fir (Very Hard). The floor looks to be in good shape. However, I have found out the finished floor is the Sub-floor. So my thought is to put engineered hard wood flooring no wider than 3 inches. Being that the subfloor Squeaks louder than an ungreased bearing I was thinking of putting down Plywood 1/4 (minimum) with glue and screws to penetrate to the floor joists every 8-10 inches. Then put down the engineered flooring with the 15lb felt paper or something similar/approved. I know I have to take in account of the doors and the base boards. Which are true 1x6 and the outlets are installed in them (more labor).

1. Do you think by putting down the plywood with the glue and screw method will stop the squeaks or at least minimize them?
2. Is there a particular type of Plywood to use for this? Is 1/4" thick enough?
3. Felt paper type?
4. What would be your recommendation on flooring width? The current flooring is the standard 2.25". I was thinking of 3" max.
5. What is your thought of the padding on the boards themselves or is that laminates only that have that? NO laminates here.
6. I have seen on TV where I can rent staple guns (no mallet required)for engineered flooring installation; is this a good idea?

Sorry for my thoroughness, but preparation is the most important process.
Critter Gitter

I would screw the existing floor done before doing any plywood and I would screw each floorboard along the joists also in between to the subfloor underneath. probably do not need plywood as long as you run the new floor perpendicular to existing floor. I would think 1/4 inch would be enough if going the same direction IMO.


Felt paper? It is best to follow manufacture recommendations on this one. If none 15# felt should do.

I would stay with a 3inch or less just to help avoid shrinkage from the stove. It is also recommended to have a humidifier and to keep your house as close to constant r/h as possible.

What does "constant r/h" mean?

Constant relative humidity. You should always keep your home as close as possible to the same humidity. This can be accomplished with humidifiers or dehumidifiers depending on what part of the country you live in.

(never mind...I see there's such a thing as a warm humidifier...will get one of those this weekend)

Right now in Denver, it's below zero. Running the humidifier is making it colder in the house.
How do you run the humidifier without making the house freezing and then compensating by turning up the heat?