The existing hardwood floors are 5/16″ x 2″ oak, top nailed (lot of work).
We are remodeling a 450′ area with a sub-floor of 3.25″ T&G fir in pretty good shape.
We say “pretty good shape” because as the house has settled (plus earthquakes), the floor is not what we would call “dead flat.”
The floor feels and tests solid, but the edges of some boards have become a bit proud, etc.
The homeowner would like to match existing, 5/16″ x 2″ oak, and would settle for T&G nailed through the tongue.
We installed a small floor in the same home, over the same sub-floor, first laying down building paper between the sub-floor and new oak, top nailed.
No problems with that floor after 3 years.
1. What do you all think of a need to rough sand the existing sub-floor to smooth out some of the variations?
2. The customer does not want laminate and is hesitant about engineered because they do not like the edging … so we are looking in the direction of unfinished flooring.
3. Would you suggest 5/16″ T&G, unfinished engineered, 3/4″ T&G, or …?
As always, thanks for your feedback,
George
Replies
Never seen
5/16" flooring that's T&G, but the Bay Area is full of 5/16" x 2" oak strip flooring that's face-nailed and puttied, then sanded and finished. That's what I would do if you need a match (both in terms of look, and elevation at transitions). I would definitely rough-sand the subfloor with a floor sander before you lay the floor. Get it as flat as reasonably possible. You'll have problems if you try to bend strip flooring over humps in the subfloor.
Agreed on the sanding
The thickness of that flooring suggests the best possible flat you can get b/4 laying. It'll help you in site finishing also. Too sharp a transition and you risk cracking the groove or worse yet, the dreaded "squeek". Nothing suggest old and period than an occasional character kreek. Conversely, nothing aggravates a homowner more than the same sound.
Best of luck.
Thanks for feedback
Thanks David & Calvin!
We definitely will sand the subfloor. We'll sand at a slight angle of 20º or so to further level the surface.
It's worth the cost to prevent all sorts of problems which you mention.
There's a full basement under these floors, so we're not concerned about moisture, but we still lay an impregnated or felt paper between the subfloor and top which also reduces squeeks ... and allows a bit more movement.
Top nailing is very labor intensive ($$$) so we'll try to avoid that if the homeowners agree.
We'll get grinding!
Have a good weekend!
George
Face nailing
is the only option with 5/16". Do you have the leeway to use 3/4"? If so, it's a much nicer floor.
Always put felt under wood flooring. There is almost 100% chance of higher humidity in that basement, no matter how dry it seems. Do you have any moisture meters?
Good Installation Advice
Dave,
The owners have decided on 2.25" x 3/4" red oak as you suggested.
5/16" top nailed is too $$$ ... especially on a somewhat uneven subfloor ... at 5/16" t&g is pretty rare and $$$ in SF.
The 3/4" offers much more stability and enhanced apperance and ability to sand as necessary.
The felt underlayment for sure since SF has a moderate amount of humidity from the fog.
Yes, we'll check the moisture content plus give the flooring a few days to acclimate.
Thanks for your feedback,
George