Hello,

I'm a newbie to your site. I've been reading it for a couple of weeks and have gotten some great info from it.

I have about 500 sq ft of above grade area and I have decided to use solid wood planks. I really like the BR111 brand and think I've narrowed it down to either Brazilian Cherry or Brazilian Teak.

Here are my questions:
1) If I use a Bostitch MIIIFS will the hardness of Teak be a problem, does it split more easily if using staples?

2) I looked at the subflooring from below in the basement laundry room with unfinished ceilings and it's OSB, I think I remember seeing not all OSB can be used for nail down, how do I determine if mine can be?

3) Does someone have experience with both of these products from BR111? If so, is the Brazilian Cherry more brown or red? I don't mind some red but not a lot and not a deep red... If it's too red then I'll spend the extra money and get teak.

4) If I use teak will a 15 gauge bostitch finish nailer be able to top nail and hidden nail the first run or is the wood too hard? Can I use the flooring nailer on the 2nd run?

5) Finally, do the harder woods expand/contract less than the softer woods, or would I still need to go with 3/4"?

Thanks in advance for any help. Once again, Great site!!

1)It splits easily. ALL brittle hardwood does. Staples can cause tongue splits easier but many, including myself, have successfully stapled down exotic solids.
2) NOFMA states 3/4" OSB (if it is OSB and not something else) can be used as an acceptable subfloor. Plywood is better but OSB will work.
3) How red is too red? B. Cherry will develope into a deep redish brown. It is attractive and most like it. It is not fire engine red.
4) Yes, No, and Yes.
5)???? Do you mean the expansion gap suggested at the walls? 3/4" is overkill, IMO. If it is a large area, undercut the sheetrock and use a 1/2" expansion. Then you'll have a 1" expansion space but you don't really need it.

Gary,

Thanks for your reply. Would you consider the Cherry wood to be a more formal wood than the Teak? Which one would you go with? Once again, thanks for your help.