On 28 Jul 2004 01:02:36 -0700, (David Ware) wrote:

Thanks for your comments Andy. I did a bit of experimenting last
night, I tried plugging screw holes and, as I feared, that just looks
like I'm trying to hide something (which I guess I am) but failing. So
I'm going to go with traditional face nailing the boards, I'm
definitely not looking for perfection (reclaimed boards were my first
choice but they're like hens teeth, but more expensive) and this will
be more in keeping with the rest of the house (beams, exposed original
wooden floors, wonky walls - although that's more my plastering). I
found http://www.oldhousestore.co.uk last night, they produce a wide
range of traditional nails and I've already placed my order :-) Now
all I have to do is cancel my hire of a porta-nailer for the weekend.

Hi,

You might want square nails (cut clasp?), as these punch through the
wood instead of splitting it apart. Another alternative is to rout a
groove in the edges of the boards, and use a strip of plywood in the
groove, or rout them into T&G, to allow them to be secret nailed,

Also find out about the difference between quarter sawn and flat sawn
boards, and which way they will cup. It would be better to use quarter
sawn boards over pipes and next to radiators.

If the boards are acclimatised in lowest humidity the room will see
(20%?) they won't leave gaps in the winter. A dehumififier and heat
should be able to help achieve this.

Trawl Google and seek out the opinions of some experts (I'm not one
BTW...)

cheers,
Pete