Preparing Softwood Floorboards

[Jamest]

Hi

We are laying a new softwood floor, 25x200mm boards.

How long do you recommend we leave the boards in the house before laying to minimise gaps appearing in the floor.

 

[masona]

3 to 4 weeks,obviously longer the better.

Timber will absorb or lose moisture in relation to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air in the room and eventually reaching a moisture content that is consistent with the temperature and humidity.

Best to stack them on top of each others with a thin batten in between for circulation of air.

 

[Jamest]

Thanks Masona, not sure if I can survive that long with a large pile of wood in the house, but obviously shall have to try.

 

[masona]

Okay,if you use floor joist cramp as it will tighten the floorboards to together should help to minimise the gaps.