We have some old flooring that comes to a total (flooring and planks) of 1 5/8" from the top of the joists. I want to add a new section of flooring (this one) beside it, and am trying to get them to be as close as possible in height.
The planks in the section I am replacing are too far gone to be used, I have to replace them.
So my question is, for this particular floor (or flooring like it) can I combine 1/2" and 3/8" plywood for a total of 7/8" sublfoor? This was I can lay the 3/4" flooring on top and hit the 1 5/8" thickness I am looking for.
Our floor joists are 24" on center, if that helps.
Thanks!
Best Answer
Structurally, there is nothing wrong with your plan. But I suspect your floor might be prone to squeaking due to having 2 layers of plywood rubbing each other. Gluing them together will prevent the squeaking. But gluing large pieces isn't that practical thus a less reliable option would be putting lots of screws to keep the 2 together.
That being said, don't you want to put an underlayment between the plywood and the new flooring? That serves as a cushion, moisture barrier, and help w/ the sound isolation. Take that in account. It is usually 2-3mm thick.
Would 3/4" plywood plus the pad be close enough to your existing floor?