Hardwood over uneven floorboards?

Question

When you put hardwood down over uneven floorboards before you put a carpet down do you put the rough side up or the smooth side up

Answer 1

If the floorboards are really uneven, you might want to consider a membrane between the boards and the hardboard such as http://www.schluter.co.uk/143.aspx

Answer 2

you put it rough side down and use minimum 12 mm staples also use gaffer tape over the joins" you must make sure all the floor boards are secure first and BE CAREFUL OF THE PIPES UNDERNEATH if you put a nail or staple through one of those the job will cost you a fortune

Answer 3

Hardboard, I think you mean - I have seen both - I don't think it makes much odds: normal spec is actually smooth side down. If you are gluing or latexing it holds better - if using gripper strips at edges, it is matterless. What is important is to acclimatise the boards before laying to avoid them rucking. Lightly sprinkle the back (rough side) with water (flick water on from brush as in some orthodox church ceremony, don't drench them) and leave standing on edge in the room where it is to be laid for a couple of days. Use hardboard nails (wee copper brads) and nail at six inch centres. Don't expect miracles - if the floor boards are that uneven you may need thicker plywood. If you can re-lay proud boards to help even things out that will be good. A good underlay is a wise investment if it is a traditional carpet (or a waste of time if it is a nylon foam backed job).

Answer 4

Smooth side up and pin it down at intervals.

Answer 5

it dont really matter which side is up altho if putting carpet down over it some ppl like to put rough side up to give it a little extra grip so that the carpet dont slide about