New oak floor

[tedarth]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting an oak floor laid in my living room (5m x 4m).
The strips I've been considering are 130mm x 18mm.

My fitter has indicated that he would lift the existing pine floor and lay the strips directly on to the joists, (18" centres).

For this approach what would you recommend as the minimum length of the strips for overall structural strength.

thanks

 

[WoodYouLike]

Rule of thumb: every board needs to connect with at least 5 joists and joists not further apart than 30 - 35cm.
(No need for every board to 'end' up on a joists.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Rule of thumb: every board needs to connect with at least 5 joists and joists not further apart than 30 - 35cm.
(No need for every board to 'end' up on a joists.

Typo! !

Should be at least 3 joists, not 5! Sorry

 

[tedarth]

Thanks, WYL,

Seems then that in my case I'd be looking for a minimum strip length of roughly 1.5m, to cover three joists.
Are there any pack suppliers that do such a minimum length guarantee, or alternatively what is the most economical way to purchase strips so that they are no shorter than say 1.5 m.

 

[WoodYouLike]

We do
But some - well, many - suppliers who offer solid 18mm thick below or around £ 30.00 sq m put many short lengths in the packs - 50% shorter than 700mm - so be aware.

 

[tedarth]

ok, will need to do a bit of research here. I suppose also from appearance and ease of laying aspects, then decent size lengths would be preferable.
thanks again