The first floorboard

Friday, April 8: I found an hour-and-a-half before work this morning to take down the temporary barrier and get to work on the floor.



The right edge of the 3/4" plywood laps over the edge of the existing bridge (where I have cut away part of the carpet). I say 3/4", but the actual dimensions these days are 23/32" – kind of like a one-pound can of coffee is now about 11 ozs.



Prior to fastening the sheet, I placed it onto the joists and used a chalk line to mark some slight cuts so that the far end would fall exactly over the center of a joist – and so that the long edge would fall over the center of the cross-blocking. I scooted the plywood into the center of the room and made the cuts with my circular saw.

  

To prevent any future creaking, particularly in a house like this that can be buffeted by Santa Ana winds, I put Liquid Nails subfloor adhesive over the joists prior to screwing down the plywood. (I covered the tile floor below in case any glue dripped down.)

My fasteners: 2 1/2" interior decking screws.  Halfway through, the battery started giving out on my Makita, so I switched to an electric drill to drive the remaining screws.



Once I got the floorboard down, I quickly rigged up another temporary barrier. Once all the plywood is screwed down next to the bridge, I won't bother with a barrier. But for now, Anne is still worried she might fall through at night.



I intend to stagger the sheets in a checkerboard pattern – a generally used concept in construction that makes everything stronger.  The next full piece will run in the same direction – but will start at the window.  Once I get the full sheets in, I will cut the smaller pieces.

It may only be one sheet on a Friday morning, but it's another place to throw my tools!