Yes, you can lay plywood over existing subfloors. Plywood is an ideal material for subfloors, as it is very strong, durable, and easy to install. It also offers an excellent soundproofing quality and provides a sturdy base for most flooring materials.
When laying plywood over an existing subfloor, it is important to make sure the surface is level and structurally sound. Depending on the existing subfloor and your needs, you may or may not need to use an additional underlayment and/or adhesive.
If necessary, you can use nails or screws to secure the plywood to the subfloor. Additionally, if your home is subject to adverse moisture and temperature conditions, you may want to use a moisture-resistant plywood to prevent any issues with warping or buckling.
Installing plywood over an existing subfloor is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective way to strengthen and upgrade the flooring of your home.
How thick is the subfloor in a mobile home?
The thickness of the subfloor in a mobile home will vary depending on the age and condition of the home. Generally speaking, a subfloor in a mobile home is normally between 0.5 and 1 inch thick. It is important to check for any water damage or soft spots first, as this could impact the integrity of the flooring in your mobile home.
An inspection will help determine the condition of the subfloor. If the subfloor is weak or has experienced damage, it should be replaced before attempting any major repair work. Additionally, some builders will use engineered wood or marine-grade plywood when building a mobile home, which provides more stability and insulation than traditional plywood.
What type of plywood goes over subfloor?
The most common type of plywood used to cover a subfloor is known as underlayment grade plywood. This type of plywood typically comes in 4’x8’ sheets in either 1/4” or 1/2” thicknesses. It is recommended to use an underlayment grade plywood that has been sanded or treated with a sanding sealer or a waterproofing sealer.
Underlayment grade plywood is the best choice for a subfloor since it has a smooth surface, is uniform in thickness, and is made to tolerate minor bumps, dents, and scratches without damage. In addition, this type of plywood tends to be more moisture-resistant than other types and can handle minor fluctuations in temperature and humidity without warping.
It is important to choose a high-quality plywood underlayment material that has been “rated” for the type of subfloor it will be placed on.
Substrate plywood is also occasionally used for subflooring, but should only be used if the underlayment grade plywood is not available or appropriate. Substrate plywood typically has large voids, knots, or other characteristics that will lead to an uneven subfloor.
It also tends to be much more susceptible to moisture damage than underlayment grade plywood.
What kind of plywood do you use for a mobile home floor?
When choosing plywood for a mobile home floor, it is important to consider the specific requirements for your particular situation. For most mobile home floors, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or other highly-engineered plywood is the best choice, due to its strength and dimensional stability.
OSB is made from interlocking strands of wood chips, glued together and pressed into a board form. It is relatively low-cost, reliable and dimensionally stable, making it an ideal choice for mobile homes.
It is also less prone to warping than other kinds of plywood, so it is less likely to separate or crack, even in extreme temperatures. However, it is not as moisture resistant as other types of plywood, so make sure to seal it after installation to ensure its longevity.
In addition to OSB, other highly-engineered products like particle board, chip board, and Hardboard are all suitable for mobile home floors. However, these products tend to be less durable than plywood and can be easily damaged, so extra precautions should be taken for their installation.
How many layers of plywood do you need for a subfloor?
The number of layers of plywood you need for a subfloor depends on several factors, such as the type of flooring material to be installed, the purpose of the subfloor, and the size and weight of the objects or fixtures that will be situated on top of the subfloor.
Generally, subfloors made of plywood use two or more layers of plywood, with a minimum of two layers recommended. If installing carpet or other softer flooring, three layers are recommended. If a radiant heating system will be installed, five layers of plywood should be used.
For heavier objects or fixtures, such as a pool table or a spa, five layers are recommended. Additionally, if the subfloor is installed over a concrete slab, then two layers of quarter-inch plywood should be used with a layer of fifteen-pound felt paper sandwiched between the two layers of plywood to act as a moisture barrier.
What is the material for a trailer floor?
The material used for a trailer floor depends on the type of trailer and the intended use. For a cargo trailer, the most common and popular material used is plywood, which is strong and relatively easy to clean.
Plywood floors require regular varnishing and maintenance to keep them protective against moisture and pests. Alternatively, aluminum flooring is also popular as it is lighter, more durable, and rust-resistant compared to steel and plywood.
However, aluminum can be more difficult to clean and pricy. For livestock or horse trailers, rubber mats are often used as it provides padding and cushioning, as well as being able to absorb and deflect impacts and shocks.
Rubber floors are easy to clean, are resistant to moisture, and hold up well in different temperatures, but can be cost prohibitive. Some trailers may also use treated wood flooring for a combination of strength and durability, although this needs to be inspected regularly to ensure it remains durable when exposed to the elements.
What thickness plywood should I use for flooring?
The thickness of plywood you should use for flooring depends on the space for installation and the type of flooring you’re looking to install. For a permanent installation, it’s recommended to use materials that are a minimum of 7/8” thick, with residential installations requiring a minimum of ⅝” thick plywood.
For underlayment, thinner materials like 1/4” or 1/2” are typically used. Additionally, if you’re replacing existing flooring, you want to make sure the thickness of the plywood is consistent with what’s already there.
When choosing a type of plywood for flooring, there are a few factors to consider. For example, interior plywood is often used as it’s made with a water-resistant glue that helps protect it from moisture and condensation.
Other types of plywood like exterior-grade can also be used, but it typically requires additional protection from water. You also want to make sure you pick the right grade of plywood in order for the flooring to look the way you intended it to.
Overall, the thickness of plywood you use for flooring will ultimately depend on your needs and the type of flooring you’re installing. It’s important to make sure the plywood is thick enough and that it’s made with the right type of glue and grade of wood.
This will ensure a more professional and aesthetically pleasing result.
How thick should mobile home subfloor be?
For new mobile homes, the subfloor should typically be made of 5/8-inch plywood, OSB or particle board. This thickness is designed to provide a solid base for floor coverings, like carpet or vinyl, while still being light enough to be moved.
By using thicker material, like 3/4-inch plywood, OSB or particle board, you can increase the stiffness and reduce the possibility of deflection. Additionally, thicker subfloors can help to reduce sound transmission from one part of the home to another.
When repairing existing mobile homes, it’s important to identify the existing subfloor material and thickness. Relying on the original subfloor material and thickness will help to ensure the home keeps its original weight and construction integrity.
If there is a need to replace the existing subfloor because of damage or to meet industry standards, then 5/8-inch plywood, OSB or particle board is usually the recommended material. However, if additional sound-proofing or stiffness is desired, then thicker materials may be an ideal solution.
What kind of subfloor is in a manufactured home?
The most common type of subfloor in a manufactured home is plywood. The plywood is typically nailed or screwed down to the framework of the home. This ensures a stable and secure subfloor. It should also be noted that the plywood used in a manufactured home should be at least ¾ of an inch thick.
Depending on the application, the plywood usually has some sort of underlayment or other protective layer between it and the flooring materials that will be installed. This is important for protecting against moisture and temperature changes which can cause damage to the interior of the home.
Additionally, some manufactured homes may also have OSB (oriented strand board) or fiberboard used for the subfloor instead of plywood. This is becoming more common in newer manufactured homes and provides a more sturdy base foundation.
Can you use 7/16 plywood flooring?
Yes, you can use 7/16 plywood for flooring. Plywood is a durable material that is easy to install and is often considered a more affordable solution than other types of flooring. It can be used in both residential and commercial settings and is available in a variety of thicknesses, including 7/16 inch.
Plywood is great for DIY projects, as it’s easy to cut, and can be painted, stained, or sanded to create the perfect look for any space. It is also very durable and resistant to moisture and warping, making it ideal for flooring.
Furthermore, 7/16 plywood can be used to create a floating floor, using special click-lock systems. This allows you to install it quickly and with minimal effort.
Is plywood or OSB better for a subfloor?
Plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) are commonly used for subflooring, but which is better depends on the application and your personal preference. Plywood tends to be more expensive, but is stronger and can provide a smoother surface, which makes it a better choice for laying finished flooring.
OSB is more economical and is considered an acceptable subfloor material as long as it is applied properly with nails or screws spaced properly. OSB tends to be more moisture resistant than plywood, so it would be a better choice for damp areas or areas that can be exposed to moisture.
Additionally, OSB is often preferred for structural sheathing applications like wall, roof, and floor systems because the wide panel size reduces the amount of labor and potential errors in cutting and fitting.
Both plywood and OSB are good choices for subflooring, and the choice comes down to application and budget.
How far can you SPAN 1 2 plywood?
The span of a one-by-two plywood sheet depends on a number of factors, including the spacing of its supporting members and the type of plywood being used. Generally, a one-by-two sheet of standard 3/4″ thick construction grade plywood can span distances up to 8 feet when spaced 16” on center between supporting members.
However, to ensure an acceptable level of performance, 1/2″ plywood should not span more than 6 feet. When exposed to a significantly higher load, for example when used for roof sheathing, 1/2″ plywood should be limited to spans of 4 feet, and the spacing of supports should be reduced to 12”.
For the greatest degree of performance and longest spans, 5/8″ or thicker plywood is recommended. Such plywood can span distances up to 12 feet, depending on the spacing of supports and the load being applied.
Finally, engineered plywood products such as OSB, LVL, and I-beams may be able to span longer distances than standard plywood, up to 20 feet or more depending on their construction and use.
How thick is 3/4 plywood Really?
The actual thickness of 3/4 inch plywood is 0.719 inches. However, due to inconsistencies in manufacturing and the natural variation that can occur in the hardwood veneers used to make plywood, the actual thickness can vary by as much as ±1/32 inch, or 0.031 inches.
This means that a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood can range anywhere from 0.688 inches thick to 0.75 inches thick. As you can see, there is quite a range of difference between the bottom and top of the potential measureable range!.
How far apart are mobile home floor joist?
Generally, most mobile home floors consist of wooden floor joists that rest on a series of metal I-beams. This framework should be spaced every 16” on center (the space between each joist), with supports placed under each joist at the end of each span.
This spaced guideline is generally considered a standard for mobile homes made after 1976, but it is always recommended to check with a professional to determine the spacing in your specific mobile home.
Additionally, depending on the width of your mobile home, the floor joists may need to be doubled near the center beams in order to support the load of the entire structure. This is a measure used to prevent squeaking, cracking, and sagging of the floor over time.
It is always a good idea to consult a professional to ensure that your mobile home’s floor joists are properly placed, as getting them wrong might lead to a dangerous and unstable foundation.
Why do mobile home floors get soft?
Mobile home floors can get soft for a variety of different reasons. One of the most common reasons is due to water damage. If water gets underneath your mobile home, either from a leaky roof, plumbing issues, or even flooding, it can cause the floor to become soft and spongy.
This is because when moisture is allowed to soak into the wood, it causes it to swell and rot, which can lead to sagging, uneven floors. Additionally, inadequate or improper installation of the floors can also cause them to become soft, as the subfloor may not have been correctly secured or supported.
Lastly, if there is too frequent foot traffic on the floor, it can become worn down over time, which can cause it to become soft and weak.
How thick should plywood be for trailer floor?
The type and thickness of plywood you should use for a trailer floor will depend on the purpose and size of your trailer as well as the type of materials you plan to haul. Generally, it is recommended to use at least 3/4-inch AC-grade plywood for the floors of most medium-to-large trailers.
This type of plywood is made of several thin layers glued together for strength. It is strong enough to carry medium- to heavy-duty loads and can handle the vibrations from hauling. For smaller trailers, something like 1/2-inch AC plywood or even higher-grade plywood will work as long as you don’t plan to haul heavy items.
For heavy-duty trailers, you may want to opt for something like a 3/4-inch BC-grade plywood, which is rot- and moisture-resistant and more suitable for heavier loads. Regardless of the grade or thickness of plywood you choose, make sure it is pressure-treated to protect it from the elements and reinforce its strength for hauling.
What is marine plywood called?
Marine plywood is a type of special-purpose plywood that is typically made with durable face and core veneers, with few defects so it performs longer in an environment with higher moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
It is used for marine applications such as boat construction, docks, and more. Marine plywood is called many different names, such as experience plywood, marine-grade plywood, and marine ply. The term “marine plywood” is actually a generic name, and might refer to any type of plywood that is suitable for marine use.
In most cases, it is manufactured with Douglas-fir or Western Larch, although some are made from other woods, such as cedar and mahogany. Marine plywood is manufactured in different grades and thickness, so it is important to make sure you purchase the right grade and thickness for your project.
