Hi,

I have just bought a new house and am looking at getting hardwood flooring installed in my family room, living room and dining along with 4 bed rooms upstairs.

I'm financially constrained and would like to know if it is advisable to go with standard builder carpet with upgraded padding for now and then getting the hardwood flooring installed later (Also this way I select the installer and from where I buy the material. Currently I'm limited to the builder's contracter and material supplier).

Is this something people think workable or is it that carpet and hardwood require totally different subfloor.

I like the Solid Brazillian Cherry 3/4 inch thich in 3 1/4 to 5 inch widths for the family, living and dining.

For upstairs I was considering Prego until I read the FAQ and would appreciate some suggestions. Engineered Hardwood is the option I'm currently looking at.

The main question I'm looking to answer is that I need to tell the builder what i'm installing as that will determine the subfloor he will put in. Is there something specific i need to do over here or maybe ask more questions.

I'm a newbie so please help me with my lack of knowledge. I'm trying to catch up with everything and the whole house thing is making me run in all the directions possible.

I think your plan of carpet for now, and hardwood later is a sound plan.

You will want a minimum of 5/8" T&G plywood or 3/4" T&G OSB. See the sticky note at the top of this forum.