Black Paper Vs. Pink Under Hardwood Flooring

Color

• The color of the paper installed under hardwood flooring is not important. In virtually every case, this paper is black, although it's also possible to find it in dark brown. Typically, it's called tar paper because it's made from a combination of tar and paper. The addition of the tar helps make the paper waterproof, which isn't often important beneath hardwood flooring. When used below asphalt shingles, however, the paper's waterproof quality is useful.

Benefits

• The chief benefit to installing tar paper of any color under hardwood flooring is that it reduces creaking and other noises that can occur when you walk over the hardwood. The paper provides a buffer between the hardwood and the subfloor; without the paper, the two woods would rub together and make the floor noisy. Additionally, many brands of tar paper include lines that help you align the hardwood during installation.

Installation

• When you have removed a room's old flooring and only the subfloor remains, roll out the tar paper and cut it in appropriate-size strips with a utility knife. Staple it to the subfloor with staples along the edges so that the edges stay down. Overlap each subsequent strip of paper slightly until you have covered the floor of the entire room.

Considerations

• When installing hardwood flooring in your home, always consult the hardwood manufacturer to determine if it recommends using tar paper. Many companies recommend using tar paper, but some do not. For example, some hardwood manufacturers require you to add urethane glue beneath the hardwood. When this is the case, laying the paper is not ideal because you want to glue the wood to the subfloor, not the paper.