Floorboard replacement in lounge

[jugglingfloorer]

Hi all!!
Long time lurker, first time poster!

I'm replacing very old floorboards in my lounge.
I've taken up old boards, removed all nails, screws and debris before insulating. It's already warmer!!

How long should 25mm boards ,ptg 5th redwood I believe, be left in the room to acclimatise?
I googled and saw an answer between 7 days and 4 weeks!!

The joists are sound but not level, if I go over the joists without packing them level will the t&g still go in ok?
I know laminate etc doesnt like that!

Also, the "random" lengths are all 3.9m so i could do the whole floor with whole boards, no cuts. It makes sense to me to do it this way, easier, stronger and a bit quicker. With the 20mm total expansion gap I'll be leaving they will pop right in.
Anyone any thoughts?
It's a terraced house with front door into lounge so gets a fair bit of wear.

All the best!!

Paul

 

[Bingy man]

Hi - do you plan to fix the new boards and then varnish/ stain and or paint the new boards or simply underlay and carpet . I guess it comes down to the moisture content in the new boards but as you have removed the old boards then is it practical to wait 4 weeks to install the new ones . I replaced my mates bedroom and landing floor ( chipboard) after a bust pipe destroyed it . Had no choice as the t/g was delivered and left kerbside. No time to let it acclimatise had to jyst go for it . Several years later no problems and he’s recently had new carpets .

 

[Terry - Somerset]

I would be more concerned about the uneven joists - a couple of mm probably does not matter - but a 25-50mm sag in some joists probably does.

It will make fitting the T&G more challenging (but probably doable) and could compromise final flooring - as you note putting laminate down could leave voids underneath on installation and stress the "click" as it settles.

 

[Bingy man]

Agreed a few mm can be dealt with by using glazing packers or similar , anything greater can mean replacing the joist or at least sistering a new one to it although the op has not said by how much the floor is out.. as he has removed the existing flooring then levelling out the joists would not be too difficult imo .