Laminate flooring over old wood plank flooring

Hello Everyone,

I am putting new laminate flooring and have been receiving several different opinions from the local handymen. So, I wanted to get a consensus on the approach I should take and thank you for any advice offered!

I purchased an old school house that was remodeled, but still has the original wood plank flooring. The wood planks are in good condition, but definately nothing that could be stripped and refinished. The floor/rooms is/are level and square, but the planks uneven. I was instruceted by several people that the best approach would be to put in a new subfloor over the planking to prevent problems of bowing /gaps in the long run. Where the oppinions differ is in the application of a vapror barrier. The floor is over ground. One says I should lay a vapor barrier over the planking followed by the new subfloor, padding then the laminate. The other says no vapor barrier as it may cause an environments for the planking to rot. The other layers are the same: subfloor, padding, laminate. Want to make sure it comes out right. Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

I concur with door #2. Don't sandwich a vapor barrier with wood. The wood will breathe between each other, which is vital. Stop that, and you stand a chance of moisture damage. Subflooring layers, padding and flooring. Note I did not use the word "laminate". It sounds like a really great rehab, and I'd hate to include an inferior product to the fray. Have you considered at least engineered flooring? You may have a good reason for the laminate and have a superior product picked out. I just wanted you to be aware.

 

The 6 mil. vapor barrier needs to be layed over the ground over the dirt under the floor.
Have to agree on the choice of flooring.
It will cheapen the whole job.

 

Thank you! Will proceed with option 2.BTW I actually used " laminate" generically it is actually a high quality engineered Flooring. Again thank you.