replacing T&G porch floor

[Ward Elliott]

I need to replace the T&G flooring on my front porch as it's rotten on the ends of some pieces and got some sags in it that collect rainwater. The strips run the 8' or so depth of the porch, so if the ends begin to deteriorate it's awkward to replace just those rotten strips. Is there any reason that I couldn't run the strips the LENGTH of the floor, so that when the front edge begins to have problems I can just replace the 2 or 3 strips closest to the edge? Does that make sense? Also, I'm wondering if I could use exterior grade plywood as a subfloor so that the finish floor would be smoother. This porch gets A LOT of use and I'd like it to be very smooth and solid. The rain does blow onto it some, but it will be painted immediately and the subfloor would be completely protected. Is there a reason that it wouldn't be a good idea, or is it just because it costs more that it's not normally done this way? One more question if you don't mind. Should I put a primer or something like Thompson's Water Seal on the underside of the T&G strips, or is it best to leave them untreated? Thanks for your help! Ward

[Rich]

Rule of thumb is that the flooring material should run perpendicular to the flow of traffic. If this doesn't work in your case I would suggest putting 2-3 strips of border around the edges that can then be replaced and it gives a nice look too. I don't think there would be any problem with placing a subfloor under the T&G. I would at a minimum prime all sides of the flooring and edges and 1' border of subfloor just to be safe. By painting / sealing all sides there will be less chance of climate changes effecting the wood (i.e. cupping). Hope that helps.

[Ward Elliott]

Thanks for the advice. Most of the damage is within a foot of the edge, maybe I'll just cut it at that point and add some border strips to it as it is!

[Rich]

That would work. The only problem I see is the tongue and groove part of the equation. If you could cut the ends so there is a tongue left over :D you could splice right in.

[Ward Elliott]

I've got a slotting cutter for my router. It would be some trouble, but I suppose I could use a long fence, make a square cut with the circular saw, then slot it to match the tongue on the new wood.

[Rich]

Yep.. that would work just fine. I've used my biscuit joiner before.. takes awhile to get a continuous cut though. :D