Howdy folks. I’m new to this web site and web-discussions in general, but I’m building some or most of my house this coming year and this seems like a great resource.
My question for today is regarding recycled hardwood floor. My partner and I acquired some 60 year old maple floor from a local gym. The boards were removed in 14′ long sections by 6-12″ wide (3-6 boards wide.) We have been grinding off the nails on the back with success, but the challenge has been to separate the boards from each other. They still have a very thick layer of finish. Some come apart easily, but many seem somewhat glued together. (Maybe the finish spilling into the seams?) Any good ideas on how to separate these? Any other suggestions on how to work with these boards?
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I've salvaged some 1920's oak flooring to get matching patch material. But I always did it one strip at a time, basically rolling it up in the opposite order to the way it was installed. Bending the T&G joints towards the top finished side broke the bond created by the shellac or varnish, and only rarely broke the wood. In your case, you might get pretty much the same effect by propping up one edge of a sheet on a piece of two by, face up, and then pushing down gently all the way along.
As for the old nails, once you get the strips separated, it'll be easier to drive them back out of the tongues and pull them. If black rust stains are an issue, do get rid of all the old nails, and put the floor down with stainless nails. Especially for those places you have to face nail.
-- J.S.