What is the best material for subfloor?

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Plywood

A few builders say that they prefer OSB over plywood for flooring because the surface (when new) is always clean, flat, and knot-free. Simply put, many contractors find OSB to be a more consistent product than plywood or other types of material for subfloor: every sheet is the same.

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Also, Which side goes up on OSB subfloor?

Answer. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up.

Hereof, How thick should a subfloor be?

The recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor is governed by the spacing of the joists. Some experts suggest that 15/32-inch plywood should be standard if the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart or less, but slightly thicker 3/4-inch plywood should be used for joists spaced further apart.

How do you fasten OSB subfloor?

Use OSB panels rated for the distance between the floor joists. Run a bead of construction adhesive along each joist and lay the OSB panel on the joists. Nail the panels with 10d common nails or #10, 2 1/2-inch wood screws spaced 6 inches apart along the edges and 12 inches apart in the middle.

Likewise, How thick should subfloor be for hardwood floors?

A wood subfloor should be OSB or plywood of 3/4″ or thicker for a hardwood floor installation. Particle board and chipboard are unacceptable for solid hardwood installations, but may be used in an engineered flooring install.


30 Related Question Answers Found

 

Which side of plywood subfloor goes up?

“This side down” applies to when it’s used as subflooring. That side should be facing down, against the joists. When used as wall sheathing, that side should be against the studs.

How thick should underlayment be?

2-3mm

What is the best plywood to use for subfloor?

Plywood Subflooring Plywood has been a standard subfloor material since the 1950s and remains the preferred subflooring for many builders. Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but a better material is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

How do you install OSB subfloor?

Watch the video

Is OSB okay for subfloor?

A few builders say that they prefer OSB over plywood for flooring because the surface (when new) is always clean, flat, and knot-free. Simply put, many contractors find OSB to be a more consistent product than plywood or other types of material for subfloor: every sheet is the same.

How do you attach plywood to a subfloor?

Attach the smaller piece to the subfloor with a 1-inch wood screw every six inches in each direction using a power drill. Push the full sheet tightly against the small section of plywood and the wall, and attach to the subfloor with a screw every six inches.

Is OSB or plywood better for subfloor?

The National Tile Contractors Association and the Resilient Floor Covering Institute both recommend plywood for subflooring and underlayment, because it doesn’t have the risk of swollen edges that OSB does. Plywood also has a slight advantage in stiffness, which means that subflooring panels need not be quite as thick.

Does it matter which way you lay plywood?

Impact of Plywood Underlayment Direction¹ Beginning in 2007, the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation listed in bold print the following requirement for two-layer wood sheathing installation methods: face grain of plywood shall run perpendicular to joists for maximum stiffness.

Is it OK to use OSB for subfloor?

A well-installed subfloor should last as long as the house itself, but OSB is slightly more flexible than plywood, so it is not the best choice under heavy flooring like ceramic or stone tile.

How do you lay plywood flooring?

Watch the video

How do you install OSB over subfloor?

Watch the video

How do you install plywood over existing subfloor?

Things to take into account when laying ply over plank subfloors: Take time to make sure your existing planks are well secured in place. Repair any broken planks. Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks.


Last Updated: 6 days ago – Co-authors : 12 – Users : 5

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