Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but a better material is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring. The tongue-and-groove edges interlock to resist movement along the panel edges and create an overall stiffer floor.

How thick should subfloor plywood be?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation.

Can you use plywood subfloor as floor?

Most plywoods are less than ¾ inches in thickness. As a result, they are not suitable for long-term use, especially as finished flooring. Still, you can use the plywood subfloor for long but not in a high traffic room.

What is the best material to use for a subfloor?

Plywood. Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

What are 3 common subfloor materials?

Common Subfloor Materials. There are four primary materials used as subfloor: plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), concrete, and high-performance panels. There are other subfloors materials out there, but they are used in more niche situations.

Do you need tongue and groove for subfloor?

For subflooring, you use tongue and groove plywood. The tongue and groove are only along the 8 foot edges. On the four foot edges, your seams will fall on joist tops, so no need for tongue and groove. But to start off, we will need to remove the tongue so the plywood is tight with the exterior ICF walls.

Can I use plywood sheathing for subfloor?

As you can see, both OSB and plywood sheathing are good options for the construction of structural sub-floors. Both are strong, durable and long-lasting.

What is standard plywood for flooring?

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.

Is it better to nail or screw subfloor?

Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower.

Which is better OSB or plywood?

Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.

Can you use 1/2 inch plywood flooring?

Glue is sprayed between each layer and the sheet is hot pressed. CDX plywood should be a minimum of 7/16 inch thick. The thicknesses are as follows: 7/16-, 15/32- and 1/2-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 16 inches on center; 19/32- and 5/8-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 20 inches on center.

Is it OK to walk on subfloor?

Subflooring is sturdy and strong, but definitely not pleasing to look at or walk on.

Is it OK to live on subfloor?

Well-constructed wood subflooring is sturdy, but using it as regular flooring could damage its surface and reduce its lifespan. According to MSN Real Estate, plywood can mold, rot and become brittle because of moisture and sun exposure, if it’s left uncovered for a period of time.

How do you make plywood floors look good?

Step 1: Apply the Base Coat. Brush or roll a coat of floor-grade primer to seal the grain and prevent bleed-through, wait for it to dry, then apply a coat of floor enamel. Step 2: Draw Planks. Step 3: Gouge the Lines and Stain the Floor. Step 4: Make a Glaze. Step 5: Paint the Grain. Step 6: Apply Clear Finish.

Can I use OSB as a subfloor?

Most local codes allow OSB to be used for subflooring. It’s always best to check with your local permitting office before using OSB for your subfloor. One advantage that OSB has over plywood is its larger formatting. For plywood, 8-foot and 10-foot long sheets of plywood are standard.

Is pine plywood good for subfloor?

Yes, you can use pine subfloors as primary flooring. In many older houses, the pine subfloor was the only floor and it held up well. Uncovered pine subflooring appeals to recycling enthusiasts as well as fans of distressed wood.

How many layers of plywood do you need for a subfloor?

If you are using plywood for your subfloor, you should use a minimum of one layer that is between ¾” and ⅝” thick. This thickness will suffice for most floors; however, codes will vary and a second layer is a good idea if your floor covering is going to be a heavy material like ceramic tiles or natural stone.