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How to replace damaged Tassie oak boards in laundry?

1960s Melbourne house with original Tassie oak floorboards in the laundry.
I’m planning to lay vinyl planks or sheet vinyl.
I was going to lay cement tile underlay or Masonite to get a good surface first - because several of the old boards have been water damaged. I could replace these 4 planks back to the first joist but prefer not to if I don’t have to.

However, I wonder if I really should replace these boards (at least the damaged parts) or if I can just lay the cement sheet or Masonite straight over?

There is quite a bit of uneveness just in this area. But there is still some good wood in the plank. See photo. I don’t want the eventual cement sheet or Masonite to break because of the uneveness/cupping. Not sure how likely that is though…

A front loader washing machine will sit on top, eventually (on top of the Masonite or cement sheet/vinyl.

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EricL

Hello @Joynz

I vote replacing the Tassie Oak so that there will be no doubt in your mind regarding its strength and reliability when supporting the weight of the front loader. Since you are covering it with a cement sheet the replacement piece does not have to be Tassie Oak.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @Noyade and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @Joynz

I agree with @Eric in replacing the boards that are structurally rotted to the next available joist for easy replacement. Definitely do not incorporate masonite in any part of what you do next. It's not a water resistant product by any stretch. If you use cement sheet like tile underlay it will have you prepared should you decide to tile down the future.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Evening @Joynz

Replace the boards is the first step. There is no point in going to all the effort you have already done to have it fail down the track because the old boards were less than 100% (they really dont look solid enough for holding their shape)

@Nailbag raises a very good point with masonite and areas with water. I wouldnt be using masonite either. I am not sure if I would go the path of a waterproof board over the top or remove the boards first. Wet areas have their own set of rules. I just had a look on google and the AI enhanced result might be worth checking out. I searched for "wet areas in houses New Zealand goverment rules" (Taking a guess you are from NZ from your name :) ) The rules will help you in the right type of material choice.

Dave

MitchellMc

I hope you've found the advice our members have provided helpful @Joynz.

I just thought I'd add this useful step-by-step guide: How to remove floorboards.

Please reach out if you need further assistance.

Mitchell

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