How to install solid timber flooring?

[rick6947]

Hello Community,

Looking to replace flooring (installed on floor joists) in laundry due to water damage then will tile over the top after waterproofing is done. Is there a tool i should be using (Floor Nailer) to install the solid timber flooring or can I just use a hammer and galvanised nails, the boards would be tongue and groove?

Regards

Rick 

[EricL]

Hello @rick6947 

Before we make any recommendations, would it be possible for you to post a picture of the floor to give us a better idea of its condition. We can then make recommendations on how to install your flooring.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rick6947,

It sounds like you might be considering installing structural particle board flooring, which is tongue-in-groove. I've added the fixings chart below for your reference. It's preferred to screw the panels down. You can choose to use a nailer or do it by hand, but there are quite a few fixings per panel, so a drill or machine nailer would be best.

Particleboard flooring is accepted by building authorities for use beneath impervious floor surfacings in wet area rooms such as bathrooms, laundries and toilets. The waterproofing of the floor surface should comply with AS 3740, Waterproofing of Wet Areas in Residential Buildings. Bastion 15kg Under Tile Waterproofing Membrane is a suitable coating for your structural flooring and complies with that code.

If you require a gradient to a central floor drain, it can be achieved by laying a cement screed onto your suitably prepared substrate.

Both waterproofing the bathroom and adjusting the gradients of the floor are not simple D.I.Y. projects, and I'd encourage you to discuss with a builder and decide whether it's best to enlist the services of professionals for this work. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[rick6947]

Hello Mitchell , 

Thank you for your response i am actually replacing the floor with pine floor boards that are tongue and groove which is sirmilar to what i already had. Followed by cement sheeting, waterproofing then tile. 

Regards 

Rick 

[MitchellMc]

If the structural flooring is the same height (19,22,25mm) as the existing boards, then I recommend you change to it. It would be far easier and faster to install @rick6947, and it would also be more suitable for complying with current building regulations.

Mitchell

[rick6947]

Hello Mitchell , 

that was my thoughts just trying to work out what nails to use as I don’t want to use a gun. 

regards 

Rick 

[MitchellMc]

Would screwing them down be an option @rick6947?

They require 40 fixtures per full sheet, so driving the nails by hand would be a bit of a mission. We hire framing nail guns for the day, which would be a lot easier.

Mitchell

[rick6947]

Hello Mitchell,

Thank you for your detailed plan not against a framing nail gun hire would these be suitable for flooring and is there a nail gauge that you would recommend?

Regards

Rick 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rick6947,

There are different requirements for the various thicknesses of structural flooring and the type of joists you have. Details below.

Mitchell