"George \(dicegeorge\)" wrote in
:

Is there any reason why my old floorboards are nailed, other than
that it's quicker?

As I will want to take my floorboards up in a year or so
I think I should screw the ones I'm repairing and replacing,
but what kind of screw?

As I plan on pulling them up again in a year
maybe a shorter narrower screw
so next year's can be secure?

It really depends on the 'look' you want to achieve for the finished
job.

If the boards will never be seen again, then posidriv cross head screws
will be fine. On the other hand, if the floor is visible (eg stained
and waxed or varnished or sealed) then cross head screws (especially
bright plated varieties) look very out-of-place, particularly in a
period property.

I have renovated several Victorian / Edwardian houses. I use 8 x 1.5"
slotted countersunk brass wood screws. Bought in bulk (boxes of 200)
these are affordable, although more expensive than steel screws. Don't
buy from the sheds or you will end up v. poor - use a local fastener
company (try a local trading estate) or buy online from
http://www.screwsline.co.uk/brass_wood_screws_csk.php

As mentioned elsethread, get yourself a combined drill + countersink
bit, and adjust it to the depth required. Position the boards, drill
the holes, then finish by driving in the screws with a drill/driver.
I've put in many thousand of screws in old boards - and my experience
is that slotted brass woodscrews give a 'proper looking' finish.

And yes, they will come out again - in my experience, easier than cross
head screws which tend to 'cam out' when attempting to extract with a
power tool.

Hope this helps

--
Richard Perkin
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richard.perkinATmyrealbox.com

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