Hard-boarding over floor boards?

[Ateallthepies]

I wonder if anyone can help with a question on hard-boarding an iffy floor that I have to do tomorrow?

I have been reading up on the web and it seems the general consensus is that the boards need to be laid shiny side down.
The things I am un-sure of is that many recommend wetting the boards first then some say lay them wet and others say wait till dry then lay?

Also what fixings should be used?

I would like to use my air stapler with 20mm staples as this would be mega quick but people are recommending ring shank 20mm nails?

Anyone have any advice?

Thanks,

Steve.

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Whats going over it?

 

[Ateallthepies]

Just underlay and carpet.

Steve.

 

[chippy1970]

I just lay it shiney side up and use 20mm ring shank nails done it loads of times never had a problem. I have heard about wetting the boards but never done it. I once used my air stapler which fires narrow crown staples and it was a quick job but I had to go back with ring shanks as nearly every staple had gone almost all the way through I have no depth adjustment apart from lowering the pressure which is a bit hit and miss.

 

[Ateallthepies]

Thanks.

I believe my stapler has a depth control so being able to use it would be great. I am a bit paranoid about floors and nails since I used my 16 gauge paslode to 'fix' a couple of loose boards down a while ago. Didn't take them long to work themselves up through the carpet :shock: and another learn the hard way lesson!!!


Steve.

 

[Rob Platt]

Used to do it with hardboard, wetted first, now only do it with ply. Always with ring shanks.
All the best
Rob

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Just underlay and carpet.

Steve.

I wouldn't give it a second thought for carpet and underlay. Shiny up.

crown staples are not great as they tend to tear the fibers. Use ring shank

 

[Ateallthepies]

Ta,

Looks like the old ring shanks are the way to go.

Steve.