Can you put new plywood over old subfloor?

Plywood is a great underlayment to install over a subfloor. It is strong and durable and often very smooth without a lot of imperfections or knots. In this article, we have laid out the steps to installing plywood over a subfloor. By following these steps, you can get your flooring ready for its final form.

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.

How do you install plywood over existing subfloor?

Can you put plywood over old flooring?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

How do you add a second layer to a subfloor?

Second Layer Installation

First layer must be dry prior to laying the second layer. Place a layer of 15-lb felt on top of the subflooring prior to installing second layer. Adhesives should not be used to fasten the two layers together. Install second layer on top of the first layer inside of the wall studs.

How to install plywood on top of your subfloor

Can you double 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.

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.

Do I need to replace my subfloor?

“Adequately protected from moisture, most subfloor materials can be expected to last for the lifespan of the home.” However, if the subfloor is consistently exposed to moisture, you may need to replace it after 20 to 30 years or sooner.

Can you screw plywood to subfloor?

You'll want the screw to go about an inch past the plywood into the joist or underlying layer beneath it. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. If the plywood subfloor you're placing is 5/8 of an inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it's a superior material for use on the subfloor.

What can I put over subfloor?

Plywood underlayment is typically needed when a floor material must have a very smooth, flat surface. For example, if you install resilient tiles or sheet flooring over a subfloor, any bumps, dips, or voids in the subfloor may be evident in the finished flooring.

What goes over 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.

How do I make my subfloor stronger?

Fix bouncy floors by adding bridging, adding a layer of plywood or adding a wall or beam. We'll show you three ways to stiffen up your bouncy floor—by adding bridging, installing plywood along the joists and adding a wall or beam under the floor. Any one of the three can solve your problem, depending on your situation.

Can you lay new flooring over old flooring?

If the current flooring is fixed to the subfloor and in good condition, you may be able to apply a new flooring over top. However, if the there are broken or worn parts of the current flooring, or if the subfloor itself needs some work, you will need to remove what's there and start from the bottom.

Can you put plywood over wood floors?

Once that existing wood flooring is ready to act as a subfloor, you will need to install your new floor at a 45-degree angle or perpendicular to the existing flooring. If you must install parallel to the existing floor, lay a minimum of 3⁄8-inch plywood over the top to increase stability.

What type of plywood is best for subfloor?

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.

Do I need to glue plywood to subfloor?

The answer: Glue. Although using a subfloor adhesive (or subfloor glue) is not required by code, it is a standard practice that can help prevent floor squeaks by reducing the chance for movement at the panel-to-joist connection. A quality subfloor adhesive will also increase the overall stiffness of the floor.

Is it better to screw or nail 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.

How thick is typical subfloor?

What Determines Subfloor Thickness. The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch.

How do you remove plywood subfloor?

One method is to use a small hole saw and drill around the nails, just the thickness of the floor. Then (after getting the sheet of plywood up) you end up with a bunch of small plywood plugs you can break off the screws/nails fairly easily, and enough nail/screw to get a grip on for removal.

Can you live on subfloor?

Well-constructed subflooring is built to withstand the weight of interior walls, a roof, household furniture, finished flooring, and people. However, wood subflooring isn't designed to accommodate daily wear-and-tear, moisture or soiling. Concrete subflooring is generally durable enough to withstand daily use.

How thick should subfloor plywood be?

The recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor is governed by the spacing of the joists. 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.

Do you need a moisture barrier on wood subfloor?

Do I need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors?" The answer is YES! Moisture can destroy hardwood flooring. It causes cupping, warping, and even mildew if not treated. You must install a moisture barrier to protect your flooring from water wicking up from below.

What is the difference between subfloor and underlayment?

Basically, subfloors are a structural part of your home that provide strength and rigidity to your home's flooring. Underlays, on the other hand, protect your floor covering from moisture, help soundproof your floor, and offer cushioning and comfort underfoot. You can think of your floor like a sandwich cookie.