ubonline

Hi, I'm about to install laminate over an old hardwood floor (the old floor looks like crap, has way too many gaps and squeaks/creaks too much to refinish). How should I prep the old floor - do I need to sand it to make flat, use screws to get rid of the squeaks? Anything else I should do?

Or should I remove it and put down plywood?

inspectorD

I would remove the floor and put down plywood. This way you can also fix the squeaks where they occur, under the existing floor.
Usually it is the nails in the plywood which go into the framing lumber (joist) underneath a floor which cause the squeaks. I would screw the floor down and countersink the nails that stick up.
Also follow all manufacturers recommendations and you will do just fine.
Good luck.

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ubonline

Thanks, makes sense!