White Oak Flooring

[Jo W]

I have some solid wood flooring to lay on top of existing floor boards. I understand that I'll need to make sure these are firm and flat but can someone please advise the following:-

a) what underlay should be used and would I need a damp proof membrane or is this for concrete only?

b) what method of laying is best - hidden nailing or floating and, if I choose floating does it really stay down firmly over time? Do you not even nail a certain ratio of boards? Is there a knack to the way you use the different lengths of board?

c) Does gluing work? My dad wants to stick it down with bitumen - this sounds like a bad idea as I'll never be able to lift a board if I have to and, also, how would the wood expand and contract?

I would be very happy to pay someone to lay the floor but can't find anyone in the Leicester area who is interested! I can't even get a quote but I've a feeling my means wouldn't stretch...

Thanks for any help

Jo

[WoodYouLike]

It's either or:
either you install floating and use underlayment ( 2 - 3 mm foam and NO DPM) and floating is indeed floating, nailing one board out of 5 (or less) will stop the floor 'moving' normally during the seasons and create problems.

or you secretely nail (every board) and don't use underlayment.

Glueing is an other alternative, but bitumen? No I wouldn't go there if I were you.

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