DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I want to lay a solid oak floor on top of floorboards. I have been told the best way to do this is by secret nailing. Is this good advice? I was told to put it straight on top of the floorboards but someone else mentioned that I should lay some special builders paper first. (I think it was called wax paper). If I am secret nailing what will I do with the first and last boards near the walls as these will be difficult to nail at an angle. Is it a good idea to hire a special tool for secret nailing. A local diy store suggested that I just did it by hand and showed me some special screws for the job, which had very small heads.

make sure the original floor is well fixed down and clean then lay 3mm ply and fix it firmly down.Then
Hire a floor nailer to nail your new flooring down

Thanks Welsh Bickie. Never thought about plywood but I suppose this would give it a more even surface.