Need some feedback on floor installation over existing oak floor?

Question

I wish to install another oak floor over an older oak floor that is badly stained. Do I need to install a layer of plywood over this old floor or can I put the new floor over the existing one, or should it be pulled up and a 3/4 plywood subfloor be put down instead? The original one had 1 1/4 wide boards and I wish to install the wider 2 1/2 type. It will be nailed down. will I need another moisture barrier as well. There is a full basement unfinished beneath

Answer 1

1) Why would you do that?

Is it so so bad that sanding wouldnt do it any justice. You usually can resand an oak floor and it can look as good as new with a coat of polyurethane.

Ok,yeah you can, do as you said, remember you will have issues with elevations such as door swings.Also,they make this pink vapor barrier that doubles as a noise reducer ( squeaks) . Another way of reducing squeak is to s***w the S**t out of the old floor and eliminate every single squeak, then vapor barrier the floor,then nail the oak. You can also use liquid nails & nail to stop floor squeak.

Good luck

PS- Dont bother with removing the old floor or putting plywood over the old floor,,,UNLESS the floor is way out of level,then it would be necessary.

Get opinions on that from friends and neighbors.