Rosin paper is intended for use under hardwood floors. Felt paper can be used, but as mentioned in another answer, it can get tar all over things that you don’t want it to.

Can rosin paper be used under hardwood floors?

Rosin paper is a multi-purpose building paper used underneath hardwood floors as an underlayment. It is used as a moisture-barrier and it allows the wood floor above it to breathe. The paper is installed just before the wood flooring and comes in rolls of various lengths.

Do you put paper under hardwood?





Felt paper is installed under hardwood flooring to provide an extra layer of moisture protection and also to dampen sound. You will need to install it under your wood floors if a padding is not already attached to the hardwood planks. Many models of hardwood planks have dampening foam already attached.

What should you put under hardwood floors?

Red Rosin Paper or Builder’s Felt



Paper or felt are two materials that are traditionally installed between hardwood flooring and the subfloor. These materials help minimize squeaking that may occur between the bottom of the floorboards and the top of the subfloor.

Is underlayment necessary for hardwood floors?

While underlayment isn’t always necessary for your hardwood floors, there are always benefits to it. One of the most significant reasons to install underlayment is the added stability and durability. Underlayment provides support for your floor and helps smooth subfloor imperfections.

Can you use roofing felt under hardwood floors?

Roofing paper should not be used under hardwood flooring. Due to its bituminous materials, it could begin to exude an unpleasant odor and even be toxic for your family. Instead, rosin or felt underlayment paper is appropriate.

Why do you put wax paper under hardwood?





The wax paper provides a professional grade thickness and performance to help ease the installation and reduce squeaks in wood floors. The wax paper is simply placed between the subfloor and the wood flooring on above grade installations.

Can I use roofing felt for floor underlayment?

The floor trim around the edges holds it all down. Floating floors can be installed over any existing hard floor surface, but should have an underlayment between the laminate flooring and the subfloor. You can buy laminate underlayment, but if you have a bunch of old roofing felt, it works just as well.

Do you need moisture barrier under hardwood flooring?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?” The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.

What is the purpose of rosin paper?

When used as an inner liner in wall, roofing, or wood flooring applications, RED ROSIN PAPER acts as a separation barrier, protecting against wind and dust infiltration, while minimizing squeaks. It is compatible with coal tar and asphalt-based roofing systems.

Is underlayment necessary?



Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don’t have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.

What happens if you dont use underlayment?

Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.

Do I need a vapor barrier between subfloor and underlayment?

Manufacturers Require a Vapor Barrier



Your plywood subfloor may look dry, but after you install the flooring, moisture can migrate up through the subfloor and penetrate the flooring, and the results are usually disastrous.

Is rosin paper a vapor barrier?



LIMITATIONS: Fortifiber Red Rosin Paper is not flame-retardant, a vapor retarder, a moisture barrier and is not waterproof. Avoid use in high moisture areas.

How do you install felt underlayment on hardwood floors?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It's gonna wrap up the wall and staple. That's gonna protect our hardwoods from any moisture. The next step is to pull off the self adhesive strip. Fold it over stick it it's time for the next piece.

Can you use synthetic felt under hardwood floors?

Synthetic underlayments can be used over wood or cement subfloors and are used primarily under floating floors.

What is black paper under hardwood floor?

ASU-15 is an asphalt saturated flooring paper that reduces the moisture vapor flow between the subfloor and your new hardwood flooring.

Is red rosin paper a good underlayment?



Rosin paper became the underlayment staple of our industry for many years until the next generation of underlayment, asphalt paper. In reality, rosin paper did little more than newspaper: It kept down dust but did nothing to retard moisture migration.

Is red rosin paper good for hardwood floors?

Wood flooring contractor and consultant Howard Brickman responds: Rosin paper, bad; 15- and 30-pound asphalt-saturated felt, good. Installers love red rosin paper because it is really cheap and easily covers up the dusty subfloor, making it easier to slide the wood flooring into position during installation.

What do you put between subfloor and underlayment?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I prefer to do 3/4 inch plywood because it adds strength.