Replies

1. 
   theRev | Aug 17, 2003 01:09pm | #1

   Probably better answered over at Fine Shackbuilding <g>. However, I have done more than my share of floors over the years. I don't think using osb will be a problem. Not sure if there is a difference on the nail holding power of one vs the other. One word of caution if these are first floor rooms. Make sure you lay some building paper down between the osb and the flooring as a moisture barrier.

   Scott

1. 
   StevenPleva | Aug 17, 2003 06:32pm | #3

   Thanks for the answers. My gut told me it was going to be okay with OSB, but I wanted confirmation from the experts since this is my first installation. The floors are upstairs, but I will be using red rosin paper anyway.

   Yes, I will hit the floor joists as often as possible.

   Thanks again!

   Steve

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 18, 2003 02:53am | #4

   As a veteran of more floors than I care to admit to, I would like to offer the following:

   1. Renail or better yet, screw the sub floor down.

   2. Use a pneumatic stapler, if possible. The staples are tenatious to say the least.

   3. Definitley hit the joists as much as possible.

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   StevenPleva | Aug 18, 2003 09:09am | #5

   John,

   Thanks for the reply. I got started today with the following:

   1) Screwed down the floor in spots that seemed like they needed it. I may take your advice and screw in the subfloor (maybe using 50% screws compared to the number of nails).

   2) I'm using a non-pneumatic porta nailer, seems to work fine for me. I'm aiming for the joists at every opportunity.

   I do have one more question. What's the usual process for sanding a new red oak floor? Drum sander or random orbit? What grits to use? Nothing like on the job training...

   Thanks again!

   Steve

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 18, 2003 11:12pm | #7

   The Porter-Nailer is very good. The racheting action is especially helpful. I always sub out the finishing, which the fininshing crews do with drum & disc sanders. I've heard of people using Ramdom Orbit with very good results, but I've never seen it done. CAUTION: IF YOU CHOOSE TO FINISH THE FLOOR YOURSELF:

   1. Drum sanders are EXTEMELY aggressive. It is very easy to dig a hole with one.

   2. The Random orbit sanders are not as aggresive, so it may be a safer bet.

   If it were me, I would use the Random orbit sander, simply because there is less chance of error.

   Good Luck!

   John

2. 
   robkress | Aug 17, 2003 03:32pm | #2

   Steve,

   Yes, there is a nail holding power difference between OSB and plywood (plywood being better).  You definitely need rosin paper down between the floor and sub-floor.  OSB should not be a problem.  Lots of contractors do it every day.  You should be nailing through the subfloor and into the floor joists so the subfloor material is only slightly significant.

   Rob Kress

3. 
   IMERC | Aug 18, 2003 10:00am | #6

   Done all the time. But... The OSB, after a short period of time, won't hold the fastners any more. The floor will loosen unless you hit the joist a high percentage of the time.

   IMERC... Just one of the shack builders. LOL

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Aug 18, 2003 11:26pm | #8

   Steve,

   Just want to reiterate John's point.  I've seen some beautiful floors ruined by DIY finishers.  On this one, I would always go with the pros.  They have the equipment (such as in line sanders for those pesky corners) to do the job right.  Try to find somebody who refinishes bowling alley floors - great/tough finishes and they'll get the job done fast.

   Jeff