Solid Wood Floor Fixed to Joists?

[rob8506]

Hi

Currently renovating my house and I would like to fit a hard wood floor, Oak or similar throughout the ground floor. Current floor has boards on joists, suspended over dry concrete slab, approx 18” void. House is mid 60’s build.

I am considering removing the existing floor boards and fixing the new floor direct to the joists. I am assuming new boards will be at least as thick as the existing boards (19-22mm).

I would be grateful for your comments on this approach as it does not appear to be common. With regard to insulation would it be appropriate to use a foil backed sheet type under the boards.

Regards

Rob

 

[Symptoms]

rob - fixing a replacement floor directly to the joist is common practice; we always try to do it this way for a number of good reasons. By replacing the existing boards with matching thickness you can maintain floor levels/heights, you can often slip the new boards under the skirtings and door trims without removing them, But I think the most important reason is you'd be securly nailing into structural timber (directly into the joists); of course you'd have to secret nail with floor cleats - hire an air floor nailer & compressor.

 

[rob8506]

Symptoms

Thanks for the reply, you have confirmed what I was thinking even if I had to batten to the joists to get centres down, it would be a proper job.

However time has become an issue, therefore I will need to progress with a 6mm ply and a 14mm board over the existing floorboards. You have highlighted my biggest concern about heights, but this approach should not end up too much higher than carpet and underlay and I am replacing the skirting and doors.

Also none of the installers I spoke to were very keen to take up and replace existing boards.

Regards

Rob