Proper underlayment for solid hardwood flooring

Q: I am in the process of buying solid hardwood maple flooring 2 1/4″ with 3/4″ thickness. I have been researching the web and have found numerous opinions, pros and cons on the use of a proper underlayment.

I have a heated insulated basement with duct work running along the ceiling and I want to maintain a good heat transfer and at the same time keep out any potential dampness or moisture from coming thru the hardwood to the main floor.

What is your expert opinion on the best type of underlayment for my solid hardwood flooring, i.e wax paper one-sided with silicone, wax paper two-sided, felt, rosin paper, aquabar? Any help you can provide me would be very much appreciated.

A: You will do well with the roofing paper.

Follow-up: Thanks, Does it emit an odour? Also do you know the life expectancy of felt as I heard it disintegrates over time?

A: Just go to a building supply store and ask for a roll of this: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/search.products.html?autoSuggest=prodcat&q=asphalt:relevance:category:l3-shingles#!q=asphalt:relevance:category:l3-shingles

No it doesn’t smell and to my understanding it doesn’t break down.

1 thought on “Proper underlayment for solid hardwood flooring”

  1. We have a second floor loft room and hallway. About 612 sq feet. Do you recommend an underlayment? Glue-ed install? We are looking at a good grade of engineered hickory. I was interested in the braided/entwined bamboo but several installers have to me they refuse to install it.

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