Restoration & Refurbishment

How best to level Victorian floors: packing or sistering the joists?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.56 PM

Hi, I would like to restore the pine wood floors in my Victorian house (insofar as it's possible). The first problem is that I have been told (and as far as I can check it seems correct) that in many places the floorboards are only about 15mm thick, which makes them weak and probably beyond restoration (as sanding would only exacerbate the issue). Is that right? What thickness should they be to be 'sound'? The second problems is that my floors have a pronounced bow. I hear many people choose to ignore it as it is part of the charm of old houses. However I would like to take this opportunity to level the floor. Is it better to pack material on top of the joists or to sister the joists? Sistering the joists sounds like a more durable solution. Is it? How much more expensive is it then? Thanks.