staggering t&G

We have an old kauri pine T&G floor.Some years ago a 5mx1.0m section, and a few smaller areas were replaced by particle board due to rot, and whole floor was carpeted.Unfortunately the 5.0m runs across the boards not along the length so covers around 50 boards.We are thinking of replacing the particle board with recycled boards and polishing it all.

I have sourced some matching recycled flooring but when thinking about the job realise that to avoid all the joins being in a straight line I will have to find a way to pull up 50 boards,at different lengths( to stagger the joins), preferably without breaking the the tongues or grooves of neighbouring pieces, and also make a cut which does not run into the next board.
I have thought of replacing the whole floor, but it's a large area, about 45sq metres, whilst SWMBO now thinks recarpeting might be the go.
Any comments on whether a good job can be made or how to slide out boards and make neat cut.Nails possibly could be punched through, but floor is 100years old and timber will be very dry and prone to cracking.
If I start this job and stuff up I'll never be allowed to forget it.

A similar problem was addressed on "Ask This Old House." Episode 401, originally aired 6 Oct 2005, according to this link:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tvpr...110417,00.html

The web page is somewhat skimpy on details, but I almost recall they staggered the replacement flooring with some finesse. A videotape may, or may not, be available through your public or uni library, or perhaps another forumite.

Joe

This might help you a bit.

And this might help a little more.

G'day.
Great Job Dusty.

Very good show and tell for future reference.
Here, Have a Greenie.

what he said. smart work mate. love this place.;)

Excellent, Dusty! Excellent! Much better than the video I suggested. This is a keeper.

Joe

Thanks Dusty, they will be a great help.
If you have any small gaps after fitting replacement boards, can you suggest a filler to use which would suit a tung oil finish ?

Go with Timbermate putty in a Cedar or hardwood colour. Mix it up with a little water (I use an electric beater) 'till it is about the consistency of toothpaste. Pack it in as tight as you can with a flat blade scraper, let it dry off a bit, also you'll find that it should sink a little. Once dry you can go over it again so that the putty is slightly raised prior to sanding it level.

When applying Tung Oil to Kauri you will have to take extra care not to spill any, or leave runs and dribbles as you apply it, 'cause for some reason with Kauri it leaves a stain from any spillages, as in darker blobs and blotches where ever a spill or dribble has occured. This doesn't happen on many other timbers. But, Kauri's the worst.

Good luck with your project.

Thanks again Dusty. Much appreciated.