Can I use plywood as a finished flooring?
Get the facts and then go on to gorgeous DIY results with this inexpensive alternative to hardwood. Once reserved for subfloors and sheathing, construction-grade plywood is now making a splash as affordable residential finish flooring.
What is a suitable finish for plywood flooring?
Any type of plywood used for flooring should be finished properly. Even plywood with waterproof glue can benefit from finishing. You don’t need to put a glassy finish on the plywood, only seal it against moisture penetration. The edges of the plywood, even if the plywood is rated waterproof, are not sealed.
How do you waterproof plywood flooring?
Liquid Latex Spray – on or paint – on Latex is another effective plywood protector. It’s available at hardware stores and forms a waterproof layer on the surface of the plywood to protect it from moisture. Liquid Latex products are easy to apply and relatively inexpensive.
How thick should a plywood floor 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.
Does a plywood floor need to be sealed?
Using plywood flooring can save you time and money, especially if your dwelling will be used short term, such as a hunting cabin. One way to preserve plywood flooring is to coat it with layers of clear sealant, which will prevent the plywood from becoming damaged by moisture or wear.
How do you use plywood for flooring?
There are two ways of applying plywood flooring, either as a sub-floor for other finishes and as a visible, working surface. Sub-floors are typically applied in full sheet form on joists secured with screws or nails. The sheets are then clad with carpeting, cork, vinyl, or ceramic tile.
Which is the best plywood?
– Birch plywood – Oak plywood – Maple plywood – Walnut plywood – Poplar plywood
Which plywood should I use?
Most Common Thickness. For rafters spaced 20 or more inches apart, 1/2- or 5/8-inch plywood is recommended. The most common rafter spacing is 24 inches, and 5/8-inch plywood is recommended for that. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.
What type of plywood to use for a 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.