[samderwin]

Installing 5" 3/4 clear braz. cherry over aquaB over 3/4" osb.

Brought the wood and left in the house for acclimation a week back. When testing for moisture reads 0-1% for the wood and subfloor - 2-3%. Is my meter bad or is this normal? too hard to believe.

never worked with this wood!

Are cleats better or staples? Any insight would help.

@sam

 

[angus242]

Sam,

You should first go to the introduction thread and post a bit about yourself and while you're at it, fill out your profile so we know who you are.
http://www.contractortalk.com/f44/


Next, you can always use the search feature to see if your topic has already been discussed:
http://www.contractortalk.com/f10/brazillian-cherry-hardwood-question-48985/
http://www.contractortalk.com/f10/reading-brazilian-cherry-gapping-thread-have-question-53155/
http://www.contractortalk.com/f10/brazilian-cherry-gapping-52991/

Welcome

 

[finaltouchfloor]

Moisture level is normal . The AquaB will handle any moisture in the subfloor.

Make sure you sand down any edges where the subfloor sheets meet, if they unlevel,

I think staples hold better , but cleats are easier to pull if you need to remove a damaged or scratched board.

Make sure you have plenty of spline where needed or just wear your safety glasses when you make your own.

Put some tape on the bottom of your floor nailer to prevent scratching boards as you install.

Beware of mis-milled boards because 5" cherry always has mis-milled boards , especially on the shorties.

 

[samderwin]

Thanks guys. I buy my splines before hand at the supply store.:thumbup:

After removing carpet I noticed that there is a concrete lip coming from under the fireplace. Folks would like the hardwood going under the fireplace...so I guess jamb cutting it.

Are there any issues with hardwood corner getting tucked over concrete for that 2 1/2" area? The direction of the hardwood on concrete is length wise.

 

[finaltouchfloor]

You just need undercut saw with a diamond blade . I use a crain 825 , they cost about $280 , plus $45 for the extra diamond blade. It has hieght adjustment knobs to make the cut perfect .We undercut all brick/stone fireplaces, walls and tile. It also works great for door casings , wood stair landings, etc.You might be able to rent one at your local tool shop.

 

[samderwin]

Thank you for the tip. They don't rent crain though I could find roberts jamb saw for buying.

Are there any issues with wood laying on top of concrete in that 2" area in your experience?

 

[finaltouchfloor]

With the right undercut saw you can handle any undercut. But it should never be 2" . 3/4" for the sub-floor , 3/4 " for the floor. 1.5in total.