subfloors... 3/4", 5/8", etc

[AA0913]

question regarding subfloors, I know thicker is generally regarded as better, but we have an option at upgrading our "aspenite" 5/8" subfloor to plywood and then to 3/4".

for a 2400sq/ft home, they are looking at roughly, $4700 to upgrade.
Overtop of this will lay 3/4" stained hardwood.


should we spend the upgrade money on other places where we can see it?

[redflagdog]

I'd spend the money on a better subfloor. More durable, less deflection.
What's behind the walls and beneath the floors is just as important as what you see as the finish.

[Drthorne]

a 5/8" sheet of OSB is $12, 3/4" sheet of T&G plywood $30 at Home Depot. 2400 square feet is around 75 sheets. Material difference is $1500, labour and fasteners would be the same for both. There might be some engineering and admin. costs to update paperwork and drawings

[Mr Nobody]

I would pay to have screws put in instead of nails. Or make an agreement with the contractor/foreman to come in and do it yourself. No squeeks!

[loudsubz]

3/4 will always be better. We put down 5/8" ply on top of original 5/8" OSB. Floors on main floor are rock solid.

[abstract808]

Plywood also holds up against moisture and water much better than OSB.

[sunnybono]

I would pay to have screws put in instead of nails. Or make an agreement with the contractor/foreman to come in and do it yourself. No squeeks!

Nailing subfloors is just as good, if not stronger than screwing, as long as you apply construction adhesive to the joists!! this is code in the region of peel

sk

[johnboy]

I hate OSB subfloors. Sure, if it never gets wet during construction or after but how often does that happen.

Just an example, I left small sheet of 3/4" plywood outside against fence for years, fully exposed to the elements and all it did was turn grey. Try doing that to OSB. It'll swell and sag.

[Cough]

First of all as sheet of OSB wont swell if it gets wet. The edges of OSB will swell if they have been cut and they get wet because the seal is cut off the edge.

Plywood also can delaminate if it gets wet.

In Albert min for either is 22/32". I would encourage an upgrade to 3/4" in either, but I wouldnt get excited about ply vs OSB - opinions are just about 50/50 divided.

[loudsubz]

Nailing subfloors is just as good, if not stronger than screwing, as long as you apply construction adhesive to the joists!! this is code in the region of peel

sk

Nails stronger than screws? thats a first....

[boyoflondon]

Nails stronger than screws? thats a first....


After putting over 5000 screws in the last house, screwing the subfloor, that comment made me scratch my head too.

[Mr Nobody]

Nailing subfloors is just as good, if not stronger than screwing, as long as you apply construction adhesive to the joists!! this is code in the region of peel

sk

It's not about strength. Nails eventually pop out. Screws don't. Its nice to know that adhesive on the joists is code in Peel. Hope contractors follow it! ;)

[z613]

If you have the money - go for it. I wish this was an option with my builder. I HATE squeaky floors.

[loudsubz]

If you have the money - go for it. I wish this was an option with my builder. I HATE squeaky floors.

Squeeky floors = lack of screws/nails.

I went around our master bedroom and put 2" screws in every 12" and its dead quiet now. Thats with stock 5/8" osb.