I've read plenty of advice on this list against making your own hardwood flooring. But since I'm not so bright and stubborn as hell I'm going to do it anyway ;-) I'm going to do a small room (only about
150 square feet) tht my daughter will use as a dance/play room. Its an upstairs room with a plywood subfloor (currently carpeted).I've got a ton of beautiful 8/4 hard maple in 10' lengths, from 6"-13" wide. I've also got enough brazilian cherry to trim the perimeter of the room. Its a mortal sin not to do something with this wood! Here's my plan- if you're so inclined please respond with any advice/comments etc. I'm not experienced at this, but have all the tools I should need.
1) Resaw some 8/4 planks to 4/4. Let sit a couple weeks to readjust. 2) Jointer the bottom and one edge, flat & square 3) Rip to a conistent width (I've read 2 1/2" is standard and advised because of wood movement, any advice?) 4) Surface plane down to 3/4" 5) T&G the edges on a router table. 6) Since I don't have a shaper, I'd need to do the bottom reliefs using the table saw. Any reason not to do this? 7) Sand the top smooth using a drum sander 8) Rip up the carpet, mesure cut etc & install the boards. Any advice here on nailing? Would any kind of rubber pad or moisture barrier be helpful/desired? 9) Will I need to do any additional sanding on the installed floor, if I've already got it smooth before installing? 10) Finishing advice for hard maple? (I want clear, probably mild gloss) 11) Know any good chiropracters in the bay area?Thanks a million. Eric