Hardwood floors
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Am looking at Laying a Hardwood floor down over joists. The wood I would like to purchase is an Australian Grey box which I have been advised is a Very hard wood.
He wood is tongue and groove 19mm x 180mm. So the boards are wider than normal. As these are very wide I am concerned that the boards may cup even after nailing to the floor. I understand the boards need to rest in the room before they are laid but for now long?. Will the boards move once they have been laid?. Do I need to glue these boards to the joists, how many nails need to nailed across each board? And close to the edges will the nails be placed so cupping does not occur.
Class 1). Shrinkage is about 3.5% radial, 7.5% tangential.
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Regards Boyd
Edited 10/29/2006 11:50 pm ET by Boyds
Replies
First and foremost I have never put down a hardwood floor. A professional installer has the special tools (air nailers and devices to put pressure against the boards) to do the job better so I have always contracted the job out. Normalizing the flooring to your environment, board spacing and nail placement are very important. Finally, you must never glue the boards to the joists.
If you are still set on doing the job yourself, Fine Home Building could much better address your qustions that I can. It would take an article (or a small book) to thoroughly address all of your questions.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
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