Strength of floorboards

[Creamegg11]

I’m probably worrying over nothing but I just want some reassurance. We have exposed original sanded floorboards in our lounge and underneath the floorboards, water pipes, I assume for the radiators.

My husband is 6ft and weighs 17 stones and does his weekly karate lesson on the floorboards which includes him leaping into the air during part of the lesson. I’m worried by him doing so, his weekly lesson will damage the floorboards/cause it to collapse or cause some of the pipes to burst without us knowing. He thinks I’m over worrying, perhaps I am?

if they're floorboards, not chipboard, and haven't been hacked about by plumbers and electricians, I think they will be OK.

Boards that have been sawn for access usually have much less support under them, unless the joists have been sistered or strutted.

It's not unusual for Chipboard flooring to crack or break at the foot of the stairs, where people tend to jump off; or in front of the sink, where people stand a lot; or for the leg of a bed to punch a hole through it. I've only known floorboards give way like that when they have been weakened by rot or worm.

I don't like chipboard.

Thanks PigletJohn. I did have the radiators repositioned in the lounge so had the original floorboards lifted but I think that must have been the only time. Definitely no chipboard.

N.B. Make sure he does not 'chop' the floorboards with his hand during one of his karate lessons.