Wood type for floorboards?

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by bobo29, Feb 13, 2020.

  1. bobo29

    bobo29 Member

    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.
     
  2. That will be fine, the vast majority of floorboards are softwood.
     
  3. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    Yep fine as Deleted member 11267 says.
     
  4. Jitender

    Jitender Screwfix Select

    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.
     
  5. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Are these floorboards exposed or covered by carpet, vinyl, etc ?!
     
  6. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Go to buy from a salvage/reclamation yard the size you need.
     
  7. bobo29

    bobo29 Member

    Thanks for replies all. They will be covered by carpet and underlay when my work is completed.
     
  8. barbaricduck

    barbaricduck Active Member

    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 ! o_O
     
    Astramax likes this.
  9. bobo29

    bobo29 Member

    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.
     
  10. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    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.
     
  11. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    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 :)
     
  12. Mr Rusty

    Mr Rusty Screwfix Select

    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.
     
  13. teabreak

    teabreak Screwfix Select

    If it's from a tree that's fine.;)
     

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