I'm going to install a hardwood floor in the L-shaped front room of my house. The wife has picked 3/4" thick, pre-finished, solid oak, 3.25" wide, tongue and groove. I ripped up the horrible carpet only to find (what I'm 90 percent sure is) particleboard. So the current floor is joists, 1/2" plywood, roofing felt, then 1/2" particle board. If I install my new floor as is, it will be exactly the same height as the existing floor.All research says I have to pull the particleboard, screw down 1/2" plywood, and put 15 lb rosin paper on top. So I'd have plywood, roofing felt, plywood, rosin paper, then the new floor. The new floor will be held with cleats.Pictures of the roomMy questions: 1) Is this the easiest way? 2) Is standard plywood best, or is there some new product that's better? 3) Should I install 1/2" or get 3/4" plywood? I could live with the new floor being 1/4" higher than the rest of the house. 3) I was going to start on the longest wall, but some people online suggest starting in the middle and using splines. Which is easier? 4) Is there anything else I should know?Thanks all.Edit: If it matters, this is over a very dry, concrete floor crawl space. via /r/DIY http://ift.tt/2rf4eKA
