Be sure to install in the same direction as the subfloor, (across the joists), and off-set to the subfloor both ways. To prevent shrinkage problems, which can also contribute to squeaks, the subfloor should be dry at the time of installation. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Framing a subfloor can be quick and carried out by using an air nailer like a Paslode device. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. Whoever drives the nails through the subfloor needs to make sure that the nails are well secured. The extra torque on the plywood will drive the screw further inside, enough to make the head countersink. The drywall screws have a lot of thread to hold the drywall itself, but have very little shear strength. The head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate easy sinking into the plywood. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. If your joists are dry and you nail the floor right away when the adhesive is wet then the bond should last the life of the house. If possible, store panels indoors. Well explain in depth the critical considerations in this procedure. The screws threads effortlessly cut through OSB and plywood. When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? Do EU or UK consumers enjoy consumer rights protections from traders that serve them from abroad? STARTING AT. Nails, with their smooth shanks, are more likely to simply pull out of it. If it isn't sods law says you will hit something. - M.K. Gluing your subfloor down can help prevent unwanted squeaks and noise when you walk on the floor. Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face. a. They create an airtight seal against any moisture or animal intrusion from beneath. Thus, it has everything to do with torque distribution during the screwing process. While it is generally easier to install nails, its generally easier to remove a screw. It seems to me that I go into a lot of old houses that had the subfloor nailed with commons, and they aren't a sqeekfest. When you're given a three hour window to do a 5 hour job, make a bigger window. Using Nails to Put Down a Subfloor Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. Be sure that you cut them at a 45-degree angle. Overall, nails tend to have more flexibility, whereas screws tend to overall have more strength and durability. Existence of rational points on generalized Fermat quintics. Therefore, they are easier to work with than the common Phillips drive screws that often slip. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Next, lay a second layer of plywood at a 45-degree angle to the first layer. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Leave a 1/16-inch space between the luan panel and the walls. You might need to do this at some point when you want to replace your subfloor. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. Install fasteners beginning 3/8 inchfrom panel corner and then 6 incheson-center along the panel edges, and at 12 incheson-center along center supports. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Think of the fasteners used to attach a subfloor to a joist, where repeated deflections (that is the bending of the subfloor under a load) can cause a nail to work its way up and out of the subfloor over time. Therefore, you should settle for steel screws for your plywood project. Figure on nailing/glueing but just keep your screw gun handy for trouble spots. Get the latest updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and more. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. In contrast, the shank of the screw has a spiral groove that yields much more resistance to being pulled out of the wood it has penetrated. Your choice will ultimately depend on you. For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. So do it right. Air nails are not only faster than screws but also more convenient for quick installations to make sure that no time is wasted on the project at hand. will nails be a better choice for me? Do you know if the underfloor is clear of services? This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is best to use a 1-inch screw. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. For this process, you will need the following tools and materials: The first thing you do is measure the plywood material using the T-Square ruler. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? Therefore, working on a tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for nails over screws. Due to the extra torque that the stardrive avails, it is ideal for use on dense plywood. I can confidently your inbox. Nevertheless, there are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power. Also, they feature a sharp end which makes them ideal for self-drilling. Glue and screw is popular for more reasons than just rhyming You're going through this effort to make it right. Please browse our large stock of Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Lengths: 1-3/4"2"2-1/2" 3". At Lowe's and HD, the smallest exterior screw they had (be it phillips, star, or square drive) was 1-1/4" (too . Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! This is why youll find nails used everywhere, from your living room flooring to those on stage at major concert halls. The glue is insurance, the nails do the work. Check for shiners underneath right away before the glue dries. Unfortunately, experiencing an occasional creak is always in the offing with nails. But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" There are many types of screws for plywood and OSB subfloor. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? There is no need for any gaps between the sheets. Repair or replace as necessary. Nails are usually the fastening method that works best for putting down a subfloor, but it depends on your situation. If the plywood is quite dense in thickness, you can use a number 8 weight drywall screw. Please contact us at (406) 752-5253 and our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you. Here are some of their pros and cons: Here are all the good and the bad characteristics of using screws on your subfloor installation: Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. Acclimate the underlayment. Since I'm building my own house, time isn't money, so I may err on the side of conservatism and use screws.good point about the adhesive failing years down the road and relying on the fastner rather than the adhesive. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. They possess a sharp end that seamlessly drives into the wood without the need to apply excessive force. The nail needs to be installed in a 45 degree angle, which ensures the floorboard is pushed towards the one adjacent to it and fixed firmly in place. If nails, ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4". Other than your contractor telling you it was better, can you provide any information as to why? Panels with tongue-and-groove sides will self-gap, as long as theyre not pressed together too tightly (dont force or hammer TNG sides together). I have other obligations in the evening as well. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." In this case, the smaller thread on a ring shank nail offers less grip than the larger threads commonly found on screws. Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). When did they start using screws? Local building codes govern screw placement but spacing them 6 to 8 inches apart along the edges of the board is the most common practice. Thanks for the detailed info. Need to get your project done faster? For 3/4 inch plywood, it would be best to step up to a 2-inch wood screw to account for the added thickness. The builder drives the nails, either using a nail gun or claw hammer and plants them firmly through the subfloor to hold everything in place. If buying drywall screws to secure your subfloor, be sure youre purchasing the correct weight screw. Although these screws are primarily for drywall installation, you can also use them on OSB or plywood. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. You can use either nails or screws. As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the joist and decking connection. As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). Depending on your preference, choose your ideal kind. Fasten the subfloor boards in place using screws or nails. And in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks. So you are basically doing more work for slightly slightly more hold. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. If stored outside, cover panels with plastic sheets or tarps. Screws can help you avoid the problem with an old floor that has started to creak. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. After nailing, you glue the joists getting ready to lay the next sheet. That IS the three-hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and I'm still at work tonight. These screws are popular in woodwork projects primarily due to their reliability, durability, and ease of use. Alternatively, dont leave too much space. I would use 1 1/2" but 1 3/4" will work too. "Don't lay OSB tight either 1/8" on edges" Here I go again , the house is 64 ft long . Many people use nails in plywood and OSB subfloor, but nails often do not create a tight connection. Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling? Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. John 3:16. If the plywood is an inch or less, a 2-inch screw should work well enough since it will go about 1 inch past the bottom board and penetrate the joist below instead of just sitting on top and coming loose. SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before, Moisture Issues from an Outdoor Concrete Slab, Podcast 555: New-Build Questions, Low-Down Lasers, and Drying Behind Tile, Podcast 555: Members-only Aftershow Talking with Keegan McAuliffe of Capra Home Concepts, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. Why should I use advanced nails instead of wood screws for strength? Find the pine branches you want to use and cut them from the tree. Thanks for the advice. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws. Panels may be sanded on one or both sides. If the principal concern is preventing two materials from pulling apart, then screws are the better fastener. Familiar tools, straightforward methods, and a small bit of attention are all thats required to ensure a solid subfloor in everyday applications. So when did people start using glue? If nail or screw heads are sticking up, drive them deeper. Screws will likely hold longer than nails, but with the way higher nailing rate and the right nails (suggestions?) A screw has a larger thread for gripping the surface of the flooring, allowing for much less wiggle room. Screws or nails? Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. 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