Thanks, that's what I was thinking after he left, that the leveling stuff would go through the slats! I don't think there is a flatness issue, at least not that we have ever noticed, and I am very sensitive to that. I can feel the flatness issue in my Dad's house upstairs, but I never noticed it at home. Is that something the installers would need to measure for when they come rip the carpet out? And how flat is flat? Meaning, what is the industry standard for that? I'm fine with doing the fix if there is an issue.

What about sound-dampening layer? Since this gameroom is partially open to the formal rooms below, I was wondering if a sound dampening layer could be added under the wood. The contractor said yes, but was vague about that that is.

How do I choose if I want nail down, glue down or floating? What are the implications of each choice?

Sorry for all the questions. We've had wood floors in both our homes, but we didn't install them, so I don't even know what type of installation they were.

Thanks for responding.

It depends what you are trying to achieve. If, it's just the kids playroom and you are trying to reduce the running, jumping, throwing and screaming. A floating system with loose lay cork will work fine. If, you want a firm feel. Do a double glue installation : Glue down the cork and glue down the flooring. This will give you really good results. The glue and the cork is a sound damper, no soft feel.

Thanks! This is more information than the flooring person gave me today. But we just started looking and this is the first peron to come here, so probably won't be the company we go with if they are vague about what we should do. Double glue down is what I think sounds like the best solution. Thanks!

Also, we are changing the carpeted stairs to wood. Since we have white oak downstairs, I'm assuming that we would want white oak on the stairs also. This is a picture that I like.

I asked him what the options would be if, after living with them for a while, we decide we want to add a runner. I asked if installing the runner would put holes in the wood, thus ruining the treads. I wouldn't want to do that. He said they glue it down and use staples, but that if later down the road we wanted to remove the runner, the treads would not be ruined, but that they would have to be sanded and refinished. That doesn't seem like it would be true because of using staples. What say you on that issue?

Kids loud room = CARPET.

We have 4 kids but 2 are adults and out of the house and 2 are in high school. No throwing, jumping and screaming anymore.

GD,

I respect your posts and advice to homeowners. What about the flooring questions I've asked above? The recomendation for the double glue-down, and the questions I've asked about the staircase?