When it comes to transforming a home, few choices bring as much warmth, character, and timeless beauty as real wooden flooring. At Coppice & Crown, we’re often asked whether you can fit solid wood flooring over existing floorboards. The short answer is yes — but with some important considerations.
Why You Might Choose to Lay Solid Wood Flooring Over Existing Floorboards
Laying new wooden flooring over old boards can be a practical solution. It saves time and avoids the disruption of lifting an entire subfloor. It also means you can achieve the look of wide, solid boards without rebuilding from scratch.
Read on for our key considerations for this type of installation…
Condition of the Existing Floorboards
Before installing new flooring, the existing boards must be sound, level, and dry. Any loose or damaged boards should be repaired or replaced, and gaps filled where necessary.
Adding a new layer of flooring will raise the floor height. This can affect doors, skirting, and transitions between rooms, so it’s worth planning adjustments in advance.
Moisture and Ventilation
Wood is a natural material, and it moves with changes in humidity. Proper ventilation beneath the floor is essential to prevent moisture build-up, which could lead to warping or cupping in both the old and new boards.
Installation Method
At Coppice & Crown, we always recommend professional fitting for solid wood flooring. We would advise laying the new boards perpendicular to the existing boards. It’s worth checking the thickness of the existing boards too and we would advise these being at least 20mm.
When to Consider Starting Fresh
In some situations, laying over existing boards isn’t advisable. For example, if the subfloor is uneven, damp, or structurally unsound, it’s better to remove and replace it. That way, your new floor will have the stable foundation it needs to last a lifetime and generations to come.
