Replacing old floorboards - screw or nail?

[ibarrett]

After a few problems with pipes/plumbing etc, I lifted the carpet up and noticed that most of hte floorboards were either woodwormed or rotten etc due to the water damage. I intend to get some reclaimed floorboards and replace the old, and then sand and stain.

Is it advisable to screw the boards down or nail them? does wood filler really match the colour of the wood, or if I use screws would it look like a whole load of spots on the floor once the screw heads are filled.

Also, is there any advice for filling the gaps between boards to prevent drafts etc?

Thanks

 

[breezer]

screw them down, nails can become loose over time

try a search regarding gaps, some say sawdust and pva, others say "string" problem is it has to stay put

 

[ibarrett]

Thanks,

would you screw at every joist? or just every other etc, ensuring the ends are always screwed down?

any recommendations for wood filler to cover the sunk screw heads?

 

[markie]

Screw them at every joist.

 

[ibarrett]

thanks,

promise this is the last question...!... what size wood screws are advisable for the job?

 

[masona]

3 x the thickness of the timber, eg: 20mm floor timber thickness will need 60mm length screw or there about