I have to tear up the floor in preparation for new floor. Old floor is T&G hardwood nailed directly to joists, no subfloor, 1880’s house. Given that house is balloon framed, I wonder how much the floor is structural, and if taking it up would possibly weaken the structure. I was thinking I might take up and replace with plywood subfloor 4 ft at a time, floor is 16ft by 24 feet, take up 4×18, put in plywood, take up more, you get the picture. I’m sure many of you have questions which would help with your answers. Fire away, and thanks.
Kevin
Replies
I would just remove all of the old subfloor at once, unless the weather forecast is for 150 MPH winds. It won't cause any structural problem. Installing the new floor 4 feet at a time may make it easier, since you will have somewhere to stand.
Hey Dave,there is no subfloor, pull up the T&G, you're looking at dirt.Kevin
They may well have built the structure without the flooring in place.
You can pull it all out , or 1/2 or what ever makes sense in terms of workability.
good point, floor was finished surface, not like today where it would be plywood and later flooring on top. They might have put it in later to minimize damage.