Build up subfloor

[DIYorBust]

There is currently a 1.5 inch differential between the subfloor in one room and the finish floor in the hallway. The finish floor for the room is expected to be 5/16th inch hardwood. That means I need to come up with about 1 and 3/16th inches to level the floor. I'd prefer to get the heights equal than use a transition, but no way is that going to cover 1+ inches.

So the question is, how can I most economically build up the subfloor? I can put plywood down, but 2 layers of 1/2 inch plywood is going to cost like 3 bucks a square foot! Should I tear up the subfloor and shim up the joists? Doesn't seem easy. Is there some other material I could use to underlay the floor?

This is not directly a plumbing question, but it's one that comes up in plumbing projects, so I was hoping you folks would have some thoughts!

Thanks!

DIY

 

[Reach4]

OSB and MDF would probably a little cheaper.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/23-32-i...ed-Oriented-Strand-Board-OSB-651940/204957965

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Common-...n-x-49-in-x-97-in-MDF-Panel-1118657/309215746

They comes in various thicknesses.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[wwhitney]

There is currently a 1.5 inch differential between the subfloor in one room and the finish floor in the hallway. The finish floor for the room is expected to be 5/16th inch hardwood. That means I need to come up with about 1 and 3/16th inches to level the floor. I'd prefer to get the heights equal than use a transition, but no way is that going to cover 1+ inches.

In my limited experience (oak), 3/4" hardwood is not particularly more expensive than 5/16" flooring, for a given grade. So maybe just put down a layer of 3/4" plywood, then 3/4" hardwood.

If the 5/16" thickness is fixed, you could put down one layer of 1-1/8" plywood. That stuff is really heavy, so a layer of 1/2" and a layer of 5/8" might be easier to install.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[DIYorBust]

Using 3/4 inch wood flooring would be a different issue because of the style of floor, and pieces for the border. so it might be difficult to do that in 3/4. 1 and 1/8 plywood is available at lowes for 1.90/ sq foot! That appears to be the winner so far.

 

[wwhitney]

Using 3/4 inch wood flooring would be a different issue because of the style of floor, and pieces for the border. so it might be difficult to do that in 3/4.

FWIW, 3/4" T&G oak is available in 1-1/2" and in 2-1/4":

http://www.lebanonoak.com/flooring/34tandg.htm

Cheers, Wayne

 

[DIYorBust]

Yes but the border is 3/8ths. I've could get the border backed with 1 1/8th plywood and then get the 1.5" oak and try to sand them smooth, but would I save any money?

 

[wwhitney]

Just providing the info in case you didn't have it. Now I'm curious, what kind of border is this?

Cheers, Wayne