Plywood flooring can be a good idea, depending on your needs and considerations. It is a great, cost-effective option for DIY projects, and it is relatively easy to install. It provides a clean, finished look that can be dressed up with rugs and other decorations.
It can also handle high levels of foot traffic and is strong and durable enough to be used in multi-family dwellings. The cons of plywood flooring are that it is affected by moisture, and is not as comfortable to walk on as a softer floor, such as carpet or laminate.
It is also not as slick-resistant as other flooring materials and can be noisy. However, given its durability and affordability, it can be a great choice for covering your floors.
Do plywood floors last?
Plywood floors can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Plywood is a much stronger material than solid hardwood, making it more durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic and furniture.
However, because plywood is composed of thin layers of wood, it is more susceptible to splits and cracks over time, particularly with changes in moisture and humidity levels. In addition, if the floor is exposed to direct sunlight, the finish may fade or yellow.
To help your plywood floors last as long as possible, it is important to regularly vacuum and mop the floor, repair scratches and cracks as soon as they occur, and protect the floors from excess moisture or sunlight.
What is the cheapest sub flooring?
The cheapest sub flooring option is usually plywood. Plywood is relatively inexpensive, compared to other flooring options, and is easily obtainable from most home improvement stores. Plywood is also easy to install and maintain, making it an economical and popular choice for sub flooring.
For more rigid support of heavier loads, an additional layer of OSB (oriented strand board) or particle board sheets may be added on top of the plywood. For extra protection against moisture, an additional layer of a waterproof membrane may be installed.
Additionally, an underlayment of foam or cork can be added to reduce impact and improve insulation. Other less common sub flooring options include concrete and engineered wood products, while typically priced higher than plywood, they may still be used with minimal investments.
How thick should a plywood floor be?
The thickness of plywood used for flooring depends on a few factors, such as the location of the floor, the type of subfloor, and the purpose of the floor. Generally, plywood floors should be at least 1/2-inch thick.
However, flooring in areas with heavier traffic, such as hallways and bathrooms, as well as floors that need more stability due to more moisture, should be thicker, from 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. When laying plywood over a concrete slab, 3/4-inch plywood is often used, to allow for a layer of 1/4-inch thick cement backer board, which is installed to protect the plywood and provide a durable surface for flooring.
Plywood used for flooring should also bear the correct stamp for its intended purpose.
What kind of plywood is for flooring?
Plywood designed specifically for flooring is typically classified as either structural plywood or underlayment grade plywood. Structural plywood is most commonly used in new construction, where the thicker and stronger plywood provides the structural stability needed to support the flooring surface.
Underlayment grade plywood is thinner and not as strong as structural plywood, making it suitable for use in existing building projects. It is used as a base layer to prevent squeaking, and to provide a smooth, even surface for all types of flooring surfaces.
Structural plywood, also known as sheathing grade plywood, is made up of three or more common inner plies of softwood and a veneer layer on the face. It typically ranges from 7/16” to 5/8” in thickness.
This type of plywood has great strength and is commonly used on floor joists, subfloors, roof decks, and other areas where strength, stiffness and stability are important.
Underlayment grade plywood generally ranges from 1/4” to 3/8” in thickness and is composed of two inner plies of softwood and a veneer layer on the face. This type of plywood is not as strong as structural, making it more suitable for floors where the thickness is needed to provide adequate stability, but not enough to enhance structural stability.
It is often used as an underlayment for laminate or engineered wood flooring, helping to absorb impacts, prevent squeaking and provide a smooth, even surface for a wide range of flooring surfaces.
How much weight can a plywood floor hold?
The amount of weight a plywood floor can hold depends on the thickness of the plywood, the span of the floor joists, and the type of load being placed on the floor. Generally speaking, 3/4-inch thick plywood subflooring can hold up to 60 pounds per square foot when properly supported.
However, if the load on a plywood floor is unevenly distributed, it can cause the plywood floor to flex and sag. Therefore, it is important that an engineer or a skilled contractor do the necessary calculations to determine the best type of plywood and joist span for your particular floor load.
What is the minimum thickness for flooring?
The minimum thickness for flooring typically depends on the type of flooring. For hardwood, the minimum is usually 3/4-inch solid; however, engineered wood floors can be installed with as little as a 1/4-inch thickness.
Laminate flooring generally requires an underlayment of at least 1/8-inch thick, but no higher than 3/8-inch thick. For tile, the subfloor should be at least 1 1/8-inch thick, while the tile itself can range from 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick.
For carpet, the minimum subfloor thickness is usually 3/8-inch plywood, with the pile at least 1/4-inch thick. Vinyl and linoleum can be installed with as little as a 1/8-inch underlayment and flooring material, respectively.
What is a good floor thickness?
The thickness of a floor depends on the intended purpose of the floor, the type of material it’s made of, and the existing subfloor. Generally speaking, a good range for floor thickness is from 1/2” to 1” for residential applications.
For commercial applications, such as retail stores, the thickness can vary more, from 3/4” to 1-1/4”.
For concrete floors in residential applications, a 4” to 6” thickness should generally be sufficient. For commercial applications, the thickness increases to 6” to 8”, or even 10” depending on the purpose of the floor.
It’s also important to consider the type of material that will be used for the flooring. Hardwoods, linoleum, or vinyl floors require a minimum thickness of 1/2”, while tile floors should be no thinner than 1/4”.
Laminate and engineered wood floors should be no less than 1/4”, but no thicker than 5/8”.
The existing subfloor should also be taken into account when determining the appropriate floor thickness. A full substrate is essential for any type of floor thinner than 1”. Substrates should also be of equal thickness to the flooring material itself; for example, if a 1/2” hardwood floor is installed, the substrate should also be 1/2”.
Finally, the climate of the area should be considered. For areas with extreme climates and fluctuating temperatures, thicker flooring may be necessary to protect against expanding and contracting.
In short, the best floor thickness for any given room depends on a number of factors, including the purpose of the floor, the material used, and the existing subfloor. For most residential applications, a thickness between 1/2” to 1” is typically sufficient.
For commercial applications, the thickness can vary between 3/4” to 1-1/4”. In any case, it’s important to consider the type of flooring material and the existing subfloor when determining the appropriate floor thickness.
What type of floor lasts the longest?
The type of floor that lasts the longest is typically determined by the material used. Generally, the most durable flooring types include those that are made of natural stone or solid hardwood. Natural stone is extremely durable and keeps its color better over time than most other types of flooring.
If installed and properly maintained, stone floors can last hundreds of years. Solid hardwood, while not as durable as stone, can last decades when properly sealed and maintained. Other flooring materials such as tile, vinyl and laminate can also last a long time, but do not typically have the same longevity as stone or solid hardwood.
What is the flooring for the entire house?
The flooring for the entire house is hardwood. It is a medium tone hardwood with a slightly distressed finish that helps give the home a rustic charm. Throughout the main living areas, such as the living room and kitchen, the hardwood flooring has been laid in a narrow plank pattern, while additional rooms such as the bedrooms and hallway have been laid in a wider plank pattern that adds an extra level of visual interest.
The hardwood floors have been sealed and coated with polyurethane to protect against water damage and wear, and the natural wood grain of the wood helps create depth, warmth and character to the entire home.
What flooring is the least maintenance?
Strategically choosing the right type of flooring for your home can help you avoid unnecessary maintenance down the line. When it comes to low-maintenance flooring, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is an excellent option.
Luxury vinyl plank is incredibly durable, waterproof, and can even be installed over existing floors. It is also stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Another low-maintenance option is ceramic tile, which is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
However, it can be cold on the feet and difficult to install. Laminate flooring is also a good choice. It’s water-resistant and comes in a variety of styles and colors. It also offers an impressive level of toughness and is easy to clean.
Finally, bamboo flooring is another low-maintenance option. It’s naturally water-resistant, making it a great flooring option for wet areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. It is also relatively easy to clean and maintain.
As you can see, there are several flooring options available that can help you avoid having to spend too much time on maintenance.
What is the plywood under flooring called?
The plywood under flooring is called underlayment. It is a thin plywood material that is installed directly over the subfloor of a room. It provides an even, stable surface for the finished flooring to be installed on and also serves other functions, such as creating a moisture barrier and acting as a sound dampener.
Underlayment is installed before any hard surface flooring and is generally made up of several layers of plywood, including a vapor barrier, felt, foam, or similar material. Depending on the type of flooring being installed, it may also require additional types of underlayment pads to help protect the subfloor and reduce noise.
What type of plywood should be used under hardwood flooring?
The type of plywood best suited for use under hardwood flooring is tongue-and-groove exterior-grade plywood, commonly referred to as CDX plywood. It is durable, waterproof, and has greater stability than ordinary interior-grade plywood, and its tongue-and-groove construction allows for expansion and contraction due to environmental changes.
Plywood should be at least 3/4-inch thick with at least one square edge face for nailing the hardwood. Make sure that the plywood is rated for exterior use, not interior use, which is typically not moisture-resistant.
Moisture exposure from below can be catastrophic for any hardwood floor, so using the appropriate plywood is critical for a long-lasting installation.
What disadvantages are there when using plywood?
Using plywood can come with a range of potential disadvantages depending on the application. One of the main drawbacks is its weight. Plywood is much heavier than other engineered boards like particle board and chipboard, so it may not be suitable for large-scale applications where weight is a factor.
It is also more expensive than other boards, particularly when using thicker plywood, making it a costlier material for some projects. Plywood is also not as hard as other boards, making it easier to dent and scratch.
It is also not as durable as some other woods, and can be prone to warping and swelling when exposed to moisture or changes in humidity. In addition, if the plywood is not finished well or treated properly, it can be susceptible to insect damage and rot.
Lastly, if it is not installed with the right adhesive and protected with a coat of sealant, it can be subject to delamination due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
What happens if you lay tile on plywood?
Laying tile on plywood isn’t a good idea, unless the plywood is exterior-grade, at least 5/8″ thick and treated with two coats of an asphalt-based sealing compound. Even then, any type of plywood should never be installed on floors subject to wet conditions, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even entryways.
This is because plywood has a tendency to swell and warp from exposure to moisture, which can cause widening of the joints and cause tiles to come loose and crack. In order to keep tiles secure, you’ll need to use a mortar or thinset bed, then back butter each tile with a layer of thinset and attach it to an appropriate backer board.
This allows tiles to be securely attached to surfaces that are more impervious to water and moisture damage.
