How to fix a poorly installed wood nosing joint
In short: A bad flooring joint can ruin the look of a room, but it is not a permanent disaster. By using precise cutting techniques and traditional joinery, you can strip away the error and rebuild a seamless connection that lasts.
Repairing a faulty wood nosing requires more than just covering the gap; it involves a systematic removal and reconstruction of the joint. According to general contractor Tom Silva, the process begins by using a dull chisel to slightly lift the nosing, creating enough space to insert a reciprocating saw blade. This blade is used to sever the nails holding the piece in place, allowing for its complete removal.
Once the old nosing is out, the work shifts to preparing the surfaces. Any leftover adhesive or filler must be scraped away from the removed piece. To ensure a clean finish, a straight edge is placed across the widest gap in the existing flooring. A track saw or circular saw is then used to cut the floorboards evenly, creating a uniform edge. In areas where a saw blade cannot reach, the boards must be manually chiseled until they are flush with the rest of the floor.
The structural integrity of the repair relies on precision joinery. After checking the fit, the installer marks the locations for mortises on both the nosing and the floorboards. Using a mortising machine, these recesses are cut into both surfaces. The repair is then secured by installing floating tenons into these mortises using wood glue. To ensure a permanent bond, construction adhesive is applied to the subfloor beneath the nosing, while wood glue is applied along the edge of the flooring.
The final step involves aligning the tenons with the mortises and slowly tapping the nosing into position with a hammer. Once the joint is tight, the piece is permanently secured using 16d nails.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Repair a Bad Flooring Joint | Ask This Old House
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