I live in a house built in 1926 which has standard wooden floorboards (about 119mm width) that are laid on the wooden joists and then nailed in place. I need to replace two of these floorboards as the previous owner cut a hole across them to facilitate a vent for a (now removed) gas fire. The problem I'm finding is that all "official" floorboards sold by retailers are tongue and groove rather than the traditional type that just falls into place. Can anyone recommend any wood types that I can use? I know softwood is not recommended but I'm struggling to find any ordinary shops that sell anything good. https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Redwood-PSE-Timber---20-5mm-x-119mm-x-2-4m/p/9000036459 would fit perfectly but I'm not sure it's the right thing.
You can always cut the tongue off if you want square edge. The board may be the same width but could be different thickness, so may need to use packers. Redwood is good but would get from local merchants instead.
Personally I wouldn't buy any timber bar sheets from Wickes. I find a lot of their natural timber tends to be more kinky and twisted than my mind !
Unfortunately it’s the only choice I’ve got really, local shops are Homebase, Wickes, Jewson’s and Travis Perkins, the other retailers don’t seem to have the right size or are secretive over what they sell.
That's one reason for suggesting a reclamation yard as the reclaimed timber is on size and in a sound condition and not sourced from a banana plantation.
The reason I asked if floorboards are being left exposed or carpeted over is that as the OP has now answered ‘carpeted’ - just replace the section with whatever ..... why does it matter, soft wood, reclaimed timber, hardwood, redwood, etc Any timber can be cut/planned to size so as long as same thickness (saves using packers) so can be chipboard, ply, mdf, etc It’s a small section that’s gonna be carpeted over ,,,,, Not difficult surely ? Sure some timber is poor quality but that goes for any usage A slight twist here will be ok by the time is screwed to each joist - it ain’t gonna move Crack on
If buying white/redwood floorboards, and are doing a large area, if you have the chance, bring them in to the room you are going to install in, and leave them there for a couple of weeks with the heating on. I find that most softwood, often stacked in unheated sheds, bought in winter when the air is damp shrinks a fair bit in a centrally heated house.