“Lap & gap”

by

Q: I was told my new “lap & gap” red pine may cause problems with curving, lifting, and not being able to lay down evenly. Do you have any insight on the practicality of using “lap & gap” red pine for flooring and installing “lap & gap”?

A: I am not familiar with lap and gap joints.   However, I don’t see why these boards would curve after 100 years of seasoning.   I think I would use a combination of adhesive and perhaps screws through the face, into the floor joists to install it.   It will have to be professionally sanded and finished, but I don’t think you necessarily wasted your money.   Depends the look you are after.

Related Questions

  • Minimum gap between boards

    On a new installation of wood flooring what is the minimum gap between boards for raw and pre finished wood?

  • Lap marks from staining

    I have lap marks on my hardwood floor from the stain. Is there any way of minimizing or removing these, short of starting all over again?

  • Getting rid of staining lap marks

    I have just finished staining my pine floor. I used a wood conditioner and then used an oil based stain. I did this in two parts, and now I have lap marks. How do I get rid of these?

  • Lap marks in amberized sealer

    Q: I am in the middle of refinishing a 75 year old white oak parquet floor. The customer wanted the older yellowed look and opted for amberized sealer. While applying I noticed I left a large 10 inch path a few feet long where it wasn't smoothed enough and now…

  • I forgot the mandatory 3/8 gap around the outside edges

    Q: I got half way through laying down my hardwood when I realized that I hadn't left the 'mandatory' 3/8' gap around the outside edges. Obviously, this is necessary for expansion. I will finish the job leaving the gap. Am I doomed to see warping or lifting in the section…

  • Leave a gap around the banister?

    Q: I'm removing the banister in the hall way to install laminate flooring. I understand that we have to leave a gap around the banister. What do we use to cover the gap? Quarter round? A: If your banister / picket assembly also has a shoe plate that the pickets…