Existing 1/4" Masonite Over 15# And 1/2" Plywood - Comments???

tmdelisle

I've got about 1200 s.f. of prefinished 3/4" x 3-1/4" maple to install - the existing 1964 floor in this house is built up as follows: 1/2 plywood - 15# felt - 1/4" masonite (nailed with ring shank as if a porcupine exploded in the house) Major resistance to removing any masonite!

I plan on another layer of paper over the masonite with 2" staples until I can't use the MIIIFS any more, no paper and Bostitch's Best with 2" finish nails at tongue until the wall........then glue and face nail.

Comments anyone/everyone please.

Mike Costello

I hate Masonite! I rip it out, its no fun but I dont trust sticking anything to it.

That includes the last few rows of a wood floor

PrecisionFloors

Agreed Mike

__________________
Precision Flooring
(772) 237-9900
Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, and Resilient
Installation, Sales & Repair - "We do it right the FIRST time"

tmdelisle

Ignoring the "glue-down" portion of the comments and the distaste for the masonite, are there any serious concerns regarding the installation of a 2" staple through all this material and it not staying put? I plan on a few test pieces first with a check on pull-out?

Any horror stories

Mike Costello

Its just that much more of the hardwood staple that wont be in a solid subfloor. That and the masonite will have some give inder your new floor.

Personally I would rip it out.

Floordude

Here is what I see as the big concerns...

½" plywood is not going to be T&G(I bet it is 5/8 or 3/4)
The masonite has no structural strength what so ever, and makes a bad sandwich. You need more beef to the subfloor system, to meet standards.
The 2" nails are going to blow all the way through the substrate, as it is constructed, now. Making for a squeak factory.

You can do what you want to do. It is your dime and reputation on the line, if it does go belly up, even 5 years down the road, and they find you didn't do it to industry standards!!! Your 1 year warranty, doesn't even start until it is installed to standard, meaning...... You best do it right, unless your feeling lucky, or on your death bed and don't care.

__________________
**Education is the key to success. Learn more, earn more.**
http://www.AustinFloorguy.com