We want to install 3 1/4 inch by 3/4 inch oak strip flooring in our kitchen and family room. The kitchen floor was sheet vinyl and the family room floor covering was carpet, both of which we have removed. The sub floor in the family room is pressed wood, which is screwed to the joists. The sub floor in the kitchen is 1/4 inch plywood, which is fastened to the pressed wood. The plywood was laid over the kitchen area before the cabinets were installed. Should I remove the plywood from the kitchen/eating area before installing the hardwood or should I install plywood in the family room so that the entire area is the same level?
Answer:
I'd take the 1/4" underlayment off the kitchen floor and as you get to the base cabinets, just use a wood chisel. Don't forget, if you have a dishwasher you may have to allow for it in floor thickness.
