What kind of plywood do you use 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.

What thickness of plywood should you use for a subfloor?

A plywood subfloor generally uses 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick sheets of plywood with one rough side (which faces down) and one smooth side, which faces up. The sheets are typically 4 by 8 or 4 by 12 feet in size.

What is the best wood to use for subfloor?

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.

Which is better for subfloor plywood or OSB?

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.

Should I 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.

Installing the Subfloor

What is ACX plywood used for?

ACX plywood is ideal for outdoor projects like sheds, which need durable floorboards and outside covering. However, it is also generally great for rooms that are frequently exposed to moisture.

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.

Can I use 7/16 for subfloor?

Glue is sprayed between each layer and the sheet is hot pressed. CDX plywood should be a minimum of 7/16 inch thick. The thicknesses are as follows: 7/16-, 15/32- and 1/2-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 16 inches on center; 19/32- and 5/8-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 20 inches on center.

Which is stronger 3/4 plywood or 3/4 OSB?

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.

Do you nail or screw 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.

Can you use sanded plywood for subfloor?

However these letter grades don't represent structural properties. They're all about cosmetics. Higher grade plywood is made of better looking wood that's sanded and sometimes stain grade. Premium grade plywood is most commonly used for making furniture or cabinetry and not as a subfloor material.

Is OSB OK for subfloor?

Around the 1990s, OSB began to make in-roads into the plywood market for subflooring. 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.

Which way do you lay plywood subfloor?

Install plywood underlayment smooth side up. To avoid damage to the surface, install underlayment immediately before laying the finish flooring.

What type of plywood should be used under hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring: Plywood is the best subfloor for hardwood flooring installation. CDX plywood ranging from 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick and rated A/C will serve well for any hardwood flooring installation. Tongue-and-groove plywood is available to reduce squeaks and help the subfloor fit together better.

How much does a 4x8 sheet of plywood cost?

The average cost of a 4×8 plywood.

The cost will vary depending on what size you are looking for. A 4×8 sheet that's 1/4 inch thick could cost you anywhere from $6 to $45, while an 11/32″ thicker one would run about $15 dollar to $120 per sheet of the same size.

What's cheaper OSB or plywood?

OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood. OSB is considered by many to be a “green” building material because it can be made from smaller-diameter trees, such as poplars, that are often farmed.

Do you have to use tongue and groove for 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. But to start off, we will need to remove the tongue so the plywood is tight with the exterior ICF walls.

Why is 7/16 OSB so expensive?

Increasing OSB prices are due to demand over supply, increasing construction starts, and several natural disasters. As contractors, architects, and building owners struggle to offset the high OSB prices, an excellent alternative sheathing product to consider is Barricade Thermo-Brace.

What thickness is 23 32 plywood?

Plywood is often sold in ¹/₄“, ¹/₂“, or ³/₄” nominal thicknesses, but the actual thickness is often ¹/₃₂” thinner. Because the actual thickness may vary measuring the plywood is the only accurate way to determine its thickness. A ³/₄” sheet is actually ²³/₃₂” thick. A ¹/₂” sheet is actually ¹⁵/₃₂” thick.

Can CDX plywood be used 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.

What is the difference between CDX and ACX plywood?

Since ACX plywood is a higher grade material than say CDX plywood, it is specifically used in cases that require good appearance or a smooth finish, along with durability. Because this plywood is more expensive than other grades of softwood plywood, it is only used where needed, not in all situations.

What is the difference between CD and CDX plywood?

CDX sheathing is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. The letters “CD” represent the veneer grades used on the front and back, and “X” means the glue (not the wood) is rated for outdoor exposure—but only for a short time.

What is difference between ACX and BCX plywood?

A smooth surface is still the norm for this category.

ACX vs. BCX plywood are normally very similar, but the BCX is typically just those sheets that couldn't quite make the cut for an A grade. Letters C and D indicate a much a lower quality veneer than those found in ACX and BCX plywood.

What are the 3 types of plywood?