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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.
Is plywood or OSB better for a 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.
What is the strongest subfloor?
Because plywood is the stronger material, very observant home buyers may place a small premium on plywood subfloors.
Is it OK to use OSB for subfloor?
OSB subfloor serves as a base under the finish floor (hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl tile, etc.) 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.
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. The construction industry is constantly evolving.
What’s the best plywood for subfloor?
CDX plywood is the most popular type of traditional plywood. It’s made with a rough outer layer that typically grades C, D or X. Almost all subfloor plywood is some type of CDX. There’s no reason to buy high grade finished plywood for use as a subfloor if your just going to cover it up with finished flooring.
What is the best plywood for subfloor?
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.
Which is better OSB or plywood?
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. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications.
Is particle board good for subfloor?
Particleboard, which kind of looks like oatmeal, is comprised of small wood particles that are glued and formed into sheets. These boards, which are typically manufactured in 4″ x 8″ sheets, are not suitable as a subfloor. Structurally, they lack the strength and height needed for a hardwood flooring installation.
What size plywood is best for subfloor?
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 waterproof subfloor?
Waterproof plywood for bathrooms is moisture-resistant and can be used for subfloors. To waterproof the plywood yourself, first repair it if needed and then sand it down and clean it off. Use a waterproof sealant, stain or paint and apply two to three layers.
Do I need tongue-and-groove 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.
Can you waterproof OSB?
OSB is manufactured using waterproof resin adhesives that coat all wood strands, making the panel more water-resistant than other panels. The edges are also sealed for further protection when the panels are sized at the mill. OSB is highly water-resistant, but not waterproof.
Is MDF good for subfloor?
Using a water-resistant membrane underneath your MDF is advisable, also, especially if the underlay is over a concrete subfloor.Pros and Cons of MDF as an Underlay Material. Pros Cons Smooth finish Brittle Capable of withstanding humidity more than wood material Potentially toxic dust.
Can I put new subfloor over old subfloor?
One of the benefits of removing the old flooring is it allows you the chance to fix any loose subflooring or squeaks by re-securing the main subfloor to the floor joists prior to installing the new flooring. With all that being said though the answer is YES you can install New Wood Flooring over the old.
What is CDX plywood?
CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.
Is birch plywood good for subfloor?
APA Trademarked Plywood or Equivalent Agency Certified Plywood rated as suitable underlayment for resilient floor coverings such as tile or sheet vinyl. Poplar or Birch Plywood with a fully sanded face and exterior glue. Lauan Plywood, when used as an underlayment, should be Type 1 (Exterior).
Is it OK to use treated plywood for subfloor?
There’s no need to worry about making treated wood safer that is completely covered in other materials and hidden from access, such as subflooring. Pressure treated wood doesn’t release any gases or particulates that could harm you and your family.
Can I use CDX for subfloor?
OSB and CDX subfloors come in tongue and groove. It’s ideal for subflooring, because it prevents the edges of the plywood from moving and squeaking after insulation. Construction adhesive is used to better seal the tongue-and-groove joint.
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.
How many layers of plywood do you need for a subfloor?
Just 1 layer of 3/4 “ or 5/8” will do for most applications. If your finished floor is going to be heavy ceramic tiles, natural stone, and alike it may need to be thicker and or have more supports. Codes vary. In the US, ¾” is common, but that’s still one layer.
How much does it cost to put in a new subfloor?
Average Cost of Replacing Subfloor. Replacing subfloors will cost between $1.45 and $7 per square foot for materials. Labor costs will be around $27.50 per hour. The project requires the removal of the finished flooring and damaged area and the installation of a new material.
