New floorboards - What type/fixings etc

[Draughtsman]

Hello all, am thinking of putting down 20mm pine t&g floorboards on 1st floor. I'll probably just leave them blonde with a varnish. I have a couple of cramps, they really are the business. Experience has taught that floorboards are APPALLING at sound insulation but I'll be putting up an insulated plasterboard ceiling in the room below.

Are there any other solid wood options that could be sourced with a low MC that won't break the bank? Do any of the DIY outlets have alternatives along these lines that can be recommended?

How long should I acclimatise pine boards for?

If I screw them down, what screws might be suitable? I have used lost heads in another room, they still seem to be fine but I wouldn't mind screwing for ease of removal.

Any thoughts?

 

[Burnerman]

Get the boards inside for as long as you can, and store them flat.....a month, maybe? Obviously it can depend on where and how they were stored before purchase.
I like to use 5x50 screws but of course the heads remain visible, if this is an issue. Consider using a flooring nailer (through the board tongues) for secret nailing.
John

 

[vinn]

T&G flooring is usually skew nailed through the tongue.
To prevent splits you could drill a pilot hole before driving in a fixing whether its a nail or a screw.

Face fixing sounds bizarre in new boards esp. as you aim to leave the surface untouched.

You could lay 12mm plaster boards on the joists before fixing the T&G boards.
P/B's act as a reasonable sound proofer.