I intend to go inexpensive and have the rustic look of wide plank flooring. I even intend to distress it some before the install. I DIY most everything but the hardwood flooring is a first for me. I am familiar with wood-working a bit being that I restore old pianos which include lots of cabinet repair and fabricating broken/lost parts.

So now my question: What is plank flooring called when it does not have tongue and groove? Been searching and all I get is T&G stuff! Non T&G is what I am looking to install and I want to find a installation guidance that addresses that type of installation. I know T&G is better but this is the way I prefer to go. I am open to hear pros and cons but if installation of non-T&G is doable with success then that's what I want to do. Ive seen it done in historical renovations but no installation procedure was given. Work, I am not afraid of but what I do not want is a poorly executed job from lack of information.

Thanks much for your input.

Robert:

You're likely to find some information by using the term "top nail hardwood floors" A few more are "non end matched" "square end", but you're not going to find much on that subject either. Another, "antique cut nails."

As far as the information you may find on the subjects above. Avoid the fluff and as you're probably aware there is far too much out there.
Places like TOH, BobVila.com, may offer some good information. Another one that could offer the best information is Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, but I'm not sure if they go into detail.

Oh, finehomebuilding.com. I should have started there. You may not find a better message board on the planet for what you're seeking, but it may take awhile to find it. Great group of guys too.

http://forums.finehomebuilding.com/

nothing wrong with a square edged flooring its just has to be topnailed. You subfloor needs to be solid and flat within specs. Nothing all that diffrent than a blind nail, m/c of subfloor and wood floor have to be within two points of each other, 1/2" expansion around all verticle non-moving parts. 15lb felt/aquabar b as a vapor retarder.