Re-doing porch floor on my old farmhouse. Porch is 75″ wide by 20′ with a 75″ roof (thats including the gutter!)(I’m being generous here).
Question- the flooring is run parrel to the house now, can I run it perpendicular? I’m using 1×4 t&g Mahogany and my feeling is water will run out toward the ground as opposed to sitting in the groves as it does now.
Next question… if I run it perpendicular does anyone have a fancy way to finish the end grains?
Edited 4/2/2006 8:42 pm ET by johnnysawzall
Replies
I don't think it matters which way it's run, the water will not really run off. A band around the outside with mitered corners is the traditional way to hide end grain.
I don't think it matters which way it's run, the water will not really run off.
Sorry, forgot to mention its got a slight pitch away from house.
This band you speak of... ripped mahogany? Maybe hit it with a round over bit?
Sounds like a winner. Might be better if you could tongue and groove the parts together, but would be some extra work.
Edited 4/2/2006 9:54 pm ET by MarkH
I would push for running the floor purpendicular to the house for the very reason that you mentioned. this will require a lot of blocking in the jousts bays. since it is a redo of an old porch and you never had a problem with the flooring before except age, then I may be inclined to leave it the way it has always been. even though you have a covered situation with a little slope, the entire deck will get wet when you wash it. good luck.
I recently installed brazilian redwood on a covered deck and it buckled and discolored irregulary so I am not to hot on the t and g south american woods in an exterior application.
Its a step up wrap-around porch. I added the step up wrap-around to the exsisting three years ago and used the mahogany. Sanded and sealed it. So far no problems.
I'll be installing the new over the old... (now I'm going to hear all sorts of grief on that!) but seriously the floor is still in pretty good shape tdw doesn't like it.:) I'll have to fix a few boards out near the outside but I think the trade off is good. Thanks for the help.
if yer covering the old it should be laid perpendicular or diagonal to the old seams if laid on top of old and parallel to it, movement along old seams could cause new to open up id stay away from t&g on porch open to weather, moisture buildup in joint will cause heaving like some else posted
Thanks for your help.