Is 1/2 inch plywood good for a subfloor?
A plywood subfloor generally uses 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick sheets of plywood that have one rough side (which faces down) and one smooth side, which faces up. The sheets are generally 4 x 8 or 4 x 12 feet in size. The recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor is governed by the spacing of the joists.
Is 1 2 plywood strong enough for a floor?
Thick plywood sheets are durable, but they’re also heavy, and it may be safer to use 1/2-inch plywood — which is actually 15/32 inch thick — to avoid loading the ceiling joists with extra weight.
How far can you SPAN 1 2 plywood?
g. Maximum span 24 inches for 15/32-and 1/2-inch panels.
Is half inch plywood OK for subfloor?
1/2″ plywood is not suitable as a single layer subfloor regardless of what you cover it with.
How thick should plywood subfloor be?
about 5/8 inch
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.
Should subfloor be screwed or nailed?
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.
How far apart should screws be in subfloor?
6-8 inches
Screw Spacing When installing subflooring, you will want to place the screws every 6-8 inches apart. This will allow some normal movement of the wood, while still keeping it nice and secure.
Does plywood need expansion gap?
APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur.
Is it better to nail or screw subfloor?
What plywood should I use for a sub floor?
Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but it is more common to use tongue-and-groove sheets that interlock along the edges. The recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor is governed by the spacing of the joists.
What size plywood do I use for a subfloor?
The thickness of your plywood subfloor depends on the joist spans. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends a minimum plywood panel thickness of 7/8-inch for joist spans of 19.2 to 24 inches, and a minimum plywood panel thickness of 5/8-inch for joist spans of 16 inches or less.
How do you install plywood floors?
Steps to Install 3/4 Inch Plywood Subfloor Step 1: Get the plywood to the right level of the house. Step 2: Measure and dry-set the first piece. Step 3: Lift up the plywood and put construction adhesive across the joists. Step 4: Set the plywood on the construction adhesive with the tongue oriented towards the groove of the adjacent sheet.
How far apart should I space screws in subfloor?
How many screws do I need for subfloor? The 3/4-inch-thick subfloor takes a 2-inch screw. A thicker subfloor takes a 3-inch screw. Use a heavy-duty drill to drive Phillips head wood screws through the subfloor into the floor joists. Drive the screws approximately 8 inches apart.