Painting floorboards

[Pompeyfan]

I'm thinking of pulling up my old carpet and painting the floorboards, and was wondering if I could get some advice.
My reason for doing this, is I have a severely Autistic Son, who is proving difficult to toilet train, and I want a surface easy to clean, having said that I don't have much money because I had to give up work to look after my wife and son, I am a full time carer. Also, my because of my son's behaviour, I don't want to go to the trouble of pollished floorboards, as they will be quickly scratched up and damaged anyway, the same with Vinyl which I cant afford anyway.
So, my questions are, what type of paint would I use, and what could I do about the gaps between the floorboards so that they don't trap all sorts of dirt etc.
I'm not really worried about the job looking flash, just something practical, as it is hard to keep this place looking good as you might appreciate, I'm expecting holes in the walls and doors as my son gets stronger.
Any replies would be appreciated.

 

[kevplumb]

having been in the situation myself what we did was hardboard the floor and lay heavy duty vynil not the cheapest option but 5 years later it still looks ok

quick run over with a mop bobs your wotsit

btw mine throws things tvs and the like

 

[WoodYouLike]

So, my questions are, what type of paint would I use, and what could I do about the gaps between the floorboards so that they don't trap all sorts of dirt etc.
I'm not really worried about the job looking flash, just something practical, as it is hard to keep this place looking good as you might appreciate, .

You will always keep drafts this way. And bare floorboards will 'sound' louder, could that become a problem for you?
Suggestion: Wood-Veneer (simple to install with click-system, very durable - ours are C32 category = light commercial use - and not that expansive) and 2mm foam insulation.

 

[Pompeyfan]

You will always keep drafts this way. And bare floorboards will 'sound' louder, could that become a problem for you?

Yes, I realise they sound louder, whilst not entirely happy with that, I think I could get used to it. Can you seal the gaps not only to stop them collecting dirt, but also to stop drafts?

Suggestion: Wood-Veneer (simple to install with click-system, very durable - ours are C32 category = light commercial use - and not that expansive) and 2mm foam insulation.

I'll try costing that to see if we can afford it, thanks.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Can you seal the gaps not only to stop them collecting dirt, but also to stop drafts?

Only temporarely. Due to movement any filler will fall through eventually (could be after a week, could be after a month).

 

[Pompeyfan]

Due to movement any filler will fall through eventually

I did suspect that

 

[Pompeyfan]

I am now thinking that this http://www.carpetcourt.com.au/indexb.html Ezi-Klik Laminate is the go for us, I could probably do this myself a room at a time, it just clicks together, and no smelly glues required which would I surely would be alergic to, and damaged panels can be replaced.
It starts from $29 a square metre, and that includes underlay.