Will be installing 2×10 T&G pine over handhewn beams in our circa 1850 limestone house. Beams are +/- 3′ o.c. Floor is open to below (ceiling). Will be screwing and plugging into beams. Want to do the best technique for dealing with potential (inevitable) material instability. Located in Eastern Ontario Canada.
Questions
Glue or not? On tongues or on beams?
Any thoughts/input/tips appreciated
Replies
I would make sure that the hole you drill in the T&G is a bit bigger in diameter than the screw, don't use any glue at all. This will allow for some movement from both the beams and the T&G. Are the beams originals or new?
Some timber framer will be along with more/better advice.
2 x 10 is pretty big, 2 X 4 or 6 would be better, blind nail in the tongue only, that way the boards are free to expand and contract, make sure the boards are well aclimatized to their new home, or they will shrink big time this winter ..
The 2x10 (1-1/2" x 9-1/8" face) is to best reflect what was originally there - true 1x10, 1x12, even a couple of 20" wide 10 - 18' long. These beauties will be carefully stored for use as finished floor later. The +/- 6x6" beams are all original 150+ years except for one replacement.
I am going to use #8 x 3-1/2" Kwiki flooring screws 3 per board/per beam. There is going to be some shimming required because of the inconsistent surface of the handhewn beams.