Have read through loads of threads on this subject, but before I start on the work I have a few questions since there seems to be differing views (ie use of liquid nails adhesive, or not... filling the gaps with caulking, or not... etc).

I'm renovating my Victorian Terrace. The upstairs bedroom is 3.6m square and the original kauri pine boards were in bad shape, having been chopped up to make way for electrical cables etc. Also many of the boards had big splits in them, hastily filled with various things like cement. It's been carpeted over for decades, so I am going to bring it back.

I lifted the boards as carefully as I could - not easy with rusty old nails into 100+ year old hardwood joists! Rescued enough to cover about a third of the room. Have purchased recycled boards (150mm x 22mm T&G) from Heritage in Rockdale - what a fantastic place that is if you ever need anything!

So, questions...
1. Some of my original boards are missing sections of the tongue and/or parts of the bottom section of the groove. Will this be a problem when laid, leading to creaking?
What should I do? A bit difficult to rebuild the missing bits, is there an easier/better way or perhaps it won't matter if it's missing?

2. The joists have sunken or bowed slightly over the years, so across the 3.6m span some of them are about 5-7mm (at worst) lower in the middle. Is this a big enoughproblem to warrant packing? If so, what material should I use?

3. What kind of nails should I use and should I pre-drill since I am guessing it will be very hard going penetrating the joists - that hardwood is like an iron beam!

4. should I use liquid nails as well, does this offer any advantage in terms of minimising risk of creaking?

5. The boards before coming up showed a gap of about 2-3mm . Should I replicate that, or is that more than I need? I'm in Sydney so I am guessing there will be some swelling in the hotter more humid months. From all I have read it seems sensible to leave the gaps unfilled, right?

6. for the various holes (old nailholes etc) what is recommended for filling them? And should I do that now, before I lay them even (when its easier to work from a bench) or should that be done after sanding and just prior to finishing?

I plan to bring in a professional to sand & finish - having read a few hills & valleys horror stories in other threads! I'm reasonably handy but I know some things take serious skill with specialist tools and others years of experience, so I'll pass to someone with just that.

Thanks if you have read through my 1st post and esp if you have advice for me. Promise in future to use less words and keep it brief!


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