After the subfloor has been deemed dry, level, clean and free of dirt and dust, and securely fastened to the joist system below, a layer of No. 15 felt or red rosin paper should be installed. The acclimatized hardwood can then be applied perpendicularly to the joist system. In cases where the preference is to install the hardwood parallelly to the joist system, an additional layer of wood underlayment should be installed or blocking used between joists, as recommended by the NWFA. Hardwood flooring can be affixed to subflooring with cleats, nails or staples, though the fastening recommendations of the hardwood manufacturer should always be followed.

Having a high-quality subfloor to support expensive hardwood flooring is important to Brian Hall of Classic Homes in Charlotte, North Carolina. “If that part of the job isn't done correctly, it doesn't matter how you cover it up, you're going to have problems,” says Hall, who has used high-performance subfloors for more than 10 years. “It is just a far superior product for nail retention and definitely a more substantial product. When fastened to the floor system, it certainly strengthens the overall floor.”

Subflooring: A True Asset

The finish floor will be only as good as the subfloor beneath it. While a substandard subfloor will create problems, the right subfloor material and the right installation will result in long-term floor performance and user satisfaction.

Huber Engineered Woods LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, combines advanced resin and wood product technologies with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to develop top-quality products like AdvanTech® subflooring and ZIP System® sheathing. Find out more about these innovative products by visiting Huber’s online architect library www.huberarchitectlibrary.com or www.AdvanTechPerforms.com. © 2014 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation.