How thick should the subfloor be for hardwood flooring?

We’re Installing hardwood floor in our house and we just pulled up the carpet to discover the plywood underneath is 5/8 inches thick. We’re not sure how thick I should be, so can someone help?

Your current underlayment is fine, Most underlayment is 3/4 inches, but adding your 3/4 hardwood over the current 5/8 will be fine. Just be certain to put #15 felt paper or red rosin paper between your hardwood and underlayment. That gives you a release layer and prevents squeeking.

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5 Responses to How thick should the subfloor be for hardwood flooring?

  1. Glenn C says:

    Your current underlayment is fine, Most underlayment is 3/4 inches, but adding your 3/4 hardwood over the current 5/8 will be fine. Just be certain to put #15 felt paper or red rosin paper between your hardwood and underlayment. That gives you a release layer and prevents squeeking.
    References :
    Licensed Contractor.

  2. Fred says:

    no problem.
    References :

  3. Phillip says:

    Glenn’s answer above is a good one, but before you lay the rosin paper, do a slow and careful walk all around the area to check for squeaks and squeals. Nothing is as frustrating as finishing your new floor and finding a squeak in the middle of it. If you find any, screw the underlayment down to the joists until you eliminate the problem. Good luck with your project.
    References :

  4. dusty8940 says:

    What you have will work just fine as long as it is plywood or OSB. Particle board will not hold the flooring. As someone else mentioned, since you are adding another 3/4" their will be no problems.
    References :
    Hardwood Flooring Contractor
    Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN
    http://www.rhodeshardwoodflooring.com
    http://www.rhfloors.com
    http://www.hardwoodfloorminnesota.com

  5. csyleen says:

    As long as the total thickness of the floor is 3/4, it is ok. I would seal the subfloor with a sealer they sell in the flooring dept of Lowes. It is a milky color and put it on with a paint roller
    References :