When installing hardwood floors, should I use rosin paper ...

I've installed hardwood floors over the top of an OSB subfloor with a layer of roofing felt in between. I replicated this approach from a hardwood floor contractor who once worked on my kitchen. With 20 years in the business, his advice seemed reliable. He mentioned it was to prevent squeaks, but is this true?

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Roofing felt is sometimes suggested as a way to provide a vapor barrier, which is crucial under hardwood flooring. Hardwood can warp or swell if there’s moisture beneath it, so having a vapor barrier makes sense. However, the type of felt used and whether it’s the best choice can be debated.

Understanding Different Layers: Rosin Paper vs. Roofing Felt

It's been said that rosin paper was originally used to keep floorboards clean from any construction debris like dust, and to make it easier to slide floorboards during installation. While these benefits seem minor, every bit helps. I usually clean the OSB with a shop vacuum before laying the boards, so dust isn’t a big issue for me. And as for sliding boards, I haven't noticed any difficulties. Maybe it’s because OSB provides a smooth surface, unlike plywood, which was commonly used before OSB gained popularity.

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Durability and Other Benefits

In terms of sound-deadening or anti-squeak qualities, there's ongoing debate. A well-leveled subfloor and tightly installed tongue-and-groove (T&G) boards are often credited for reducing noise. Personally, I haven't had issues with squeaks when using these methods.

This is a common question on many DIY and contractor forums, but there isn't one definitive answer. Everyone has their own experiences and preferences. For example, some experienced floor installers prefer using rosin paper for its ease of installation, while others swear by the reliability of roofing felt.

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