Can I Install Hardwood Floor Parallel To Joists

Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it provides the best result aesthetically.

Can i install hardwood floor parallel to joists.

First renail the existing plywood subfloor so that the old nails are tight and add new nails to achieve a maximum nail spacing of 6 inches. If you insist on changing the recommended floor direction add a minimum nominal plywood underlayment to the existing subfloor. The subfloor is tji joists with 3 4 t g osb glued and screwed. Joist spacing will be 16 oc tji and subfloor will be 3 4 ply.

If you prefer a layout that requires the boards to run parallel to the joists you need to shore up the subfloor by adding a layer of 3 8 inch plywood. However that is mostly personal preference. Older houses with 1 inch planks running. I believe the national wood flooring association recommends a glued 5 8 1 2 subfloor combination for a parallel application.

I have a client that would like their 3 4 birch flooring to run parallel to the joists. My question pertains to an upcoming job. A flooring contractor howard brickman responds. If the subfloor is stiff enough there is no reason why solid nail down strip flooring can t be run parallel to the joists.

Is this ok or should another layer of sheathing be put on the floor perpendicular to previous and then install flooring. With 5 8 plywood or thicker the plywood itself will grip the fasteners well enough to avoid the floor from pulling up so hitting joists periodically throughout the installation is less of an issue. Hardwood floors that are installed parallel to the joists will eventually sag between those joists. If your subfloor is oriented strand board osb we d run the wood across the joists.

Determine where to start consider your starting point very carefully.