Oiling floorboards

[Kalico]

An old friend of mine has recalled the days when he would brush boiled linseed oil into stair treads to keep them a little softer and stop them squeaking so much.

As I have a problem at the moment with quite a few of my floorboards drying out and splitting I thought this might be the answer.

The reason they are so dry might be because I have not had carpets over them for about 5 years (yes, it is one of those 'big' projects, unfortunately). Some floors I have sanded and oiled/waxed but the others are just bare as before.

My only concern with adding linseed oil is that it could be an increased fire hazard, since it is flammable and would help spread a fire. But then, the proprietry oil I have applied in some rooms would surely do the same.

What thinkest you all?

Rob

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[Michael Mcneil]

Squeaking stairs are repaired by glueing and screwing a 2x2 down the flight (underneath.) You might try corner blocks glued and screwed. Of course this all depends on being able to get at them.

Careful with the screws coming through.

It is most unlikely that the wedges in the strings will be available. If you can get at them your problem is solved with a tap of an hammer and a couple of pins.

Oiling the floorboards will not work; they need supporting. And the oil will become greasy, tacky and smelly.

Find out where the joists are (and where the pipes and wires aren't) and screw them down. That's all they need.

[Andy Hall]

I agree with you regarding mechanical support, but oiling wood does not make it greasy, tacky or smelly if you use the proper materials and do the job correctly.

[Kalico]

I can see what you say but I am less bothered about the squeeking and more bothered by the way other floors are drying out and the wood spliting along its grain.

For that would oiling work?

Rob

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