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.
How do you know what a subfloor is?
The subfloor is the thick flat surface on which all other layers rest. The subfloor is the bottom-most layer and it rests on the joists. If you have a concrete slab floor, the slab may be considered the subfloor.
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 material is used for a subfloor?
The subfloor is always a structural layer of sheet good material—usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), or occasionally particleboard. Of the two most common subfloor materials, builders often debate which is best: plywood or OSB.
What thickness subfloor is recommended?
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.
What is the best sub flooring?
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 is underneath a subfloor?
Underlayment: Some types of flooring can be installed directly on top of the subfloor, such as vinyl flooring. Other types need a middle layer, called underlayment, such as laminate,carpet and tile.
Do I need 2 layers of subfloor?
Almost no one puts down double-thick subfloor in residential applications (for cost and handling reasons), and both layers need to be fastened to joists. Only thin underlayment can be fastened just to the subfloor.
What is under my subfloor?
A subfloor is the solid material beneath your floor covering. It is attached to your home’s floor joists and acts as a base for your finished flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, etc. Typically, a subfloor is made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) panels.
Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?
This evolved plywood may claim an overall advantage over OSB, since plywood is a stiffer, longer-lasting subfloor option. It will also hold up better under flooring accidents like leaks or flooding, and has greater nail withdrawal strength to hold the nail in under stress.
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.
What goes between subfloor and underlayment?
Use building paper! Yep, put down an underlayment of 15-pound felt building paper between a wood subfloor and your hardwood planks, and you can reduce the chance of squeaky floors and control moisture.
Do I need tongue and groove subfloor?
Tongue and groove gives added support at the seems and makes for a more solid floor. If it was not tongue and groove, you could possibly step hard enough around a seam in the plywood and see the seams separate a bit. Plus, tongue and groove will help force a more level floor. Leaks have no bearing on why they are used.
Is OSB OK for 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 it better to nail or screw subfloor?
Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. If using nails for subfloor installation, stick with ring-shank nails; smooth nails may withdraw easier, leading to squeaks.
Can you use subfloor as your floor?
Concrete subflooring is acceptable as regular flooring, as long as it’s in a moisture-proof environment. Consider the long-term effects of leaving your subflooring exposed.
