If nails, ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4". But should you nail or screw down the subfloor?Ideall. He has worked in R&D, manufacturing and sales throughout his career in the building products industry. Does it then matter whether I nail or screw the subfloor down? Many people use nails in plywood and OSB subfloor, but nails often do not create a tight connection. One other question.do you lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the direction of the TJI's or longwise? If you experience an issue, please check back later. With a nailer you can nail off a sheet in less than a minute. It is time-consuming since you may have to drill holes before actually installing the screws. Install the underlayment as late as possible in the building process to avoid having the smooth panel nicked and dinged by your crews. Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. .Thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Also, note that there is little chance of slipping due to the increased contact area. You might need to do this at some point when you want to replace your subfloor. Again, using nails to attach plywood isnt ideal because screws are typically better, but framing nails are your best option if you absolutely must. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Find the pine branches you want to use and cut them from the tree. Next, well look at some of the various top screw brands that you can use for your plywood project. Structural projects and weight-bearing installations, MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. Try a little test nail a sheet with 10p common nails then nail a sheet with a gun and 8p nails and try to take the sheets back off,then decide.Vince Carbone, Riverside Builders Franklin NY ICQ #47917652. Nonetheless, if you are looking for an extra tight joint, the drive will deliver precisely that. We, therefore, recommend the use of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable. This is where nails excel. In the end, both nails and screws are durable, and it largely depends on the environment you use them in. Framing a subfloor can be quick and carried out by using an air nailer like a Paslode device. I don't mind a squeaky floor. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Glue some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and break the sample a couple days later. Panels may be sanded on one or both sides. Glue and screw is popular for more reasons than just rhyming You're going through this effort to make it right. You can use either nails or screws. When it comes to finishing up your floor installation in record time, you need tools like the framing nail gun mentioned above. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. 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. You may use three-inch steel screws to attach plywood underlayment in construction projects, but first, you must plan for and consider the thickness of the floor. Overall, you will want your subfloor to be sturdy and last for as long as possible. Therefore, working on a tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for nails over screws. What Is Thinset? Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. Questions? It's a nail that misses the joist. Screws or nails for securing 2" lumber to overhead joists as fireblocking? Their installation might take longer than just using some regular nails, but your floors will be rock solid once you attach those final few pieces. The few hand nailers left generally use 2" ring-shank. Still, you should opt for screws over nails despite these advantages. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Screws are more durable than nails if you use an electric drill, Screws will typically be cheaper because they cost less per pound, Its much easier to remove a screw than a nail, There is more risk of screwing up the spacing between boards if you do not measure correctly before installation, It may lead to increased humidity which can cause rot or mold growth on. If the branches will not be used right away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with water. Sometimes in the future, you may want to remove the board or replace some parts. A few other rules, the fasteners need to be every 4" on the edges, 6 to 8" in the field. New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. STARTING AT. Consider opting for either high quality nails or screws to ensure durability and sturdiness for many years to come. Here is why: Screws can be tedious to screw into a subfloor, which takes considerably more time than simply shooting in a nail using a nail gun. The screws feature a bugle head which is significant in sinking flush plywood installations. Most drywall screws are 6 weight screws which are one size smaller than the number 8 weight screws. You need a screw which isn't fully threaded so it pulls down properly. Nopes, I have better things to do. Oh, by the way, it is a matter of time before these houses have to be taken apart, don't make it a horror. The size of the screws matters a lot as they will keep the subfloor supported. Alternative ways to code something like a table within a table? 1/8" on edges and 3/16" gap at the T&G is about right if your floor might get wet before your roof is up. My home is 112 years old. Theyre also easier to remove. Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Check the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments. You have to make accurate measurements since the plywood you cut must fit into each other perfectly. Fasten panels to studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along edges and 12 inches in the middle. Here are a few of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and how to avoid them. Well introduce a dark-colored kind but still with the key features of a top-quality wood screw. If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet. Screws can also be used to repair and prevent head popthe tendency of nails to pop out of the framing and penetrate a houses drywall. I don't agree that you can take the nails out after the glue has dried. When securing OSB or plywood subflooring, you should use a screw every 8 inches along the floor joist or truss. CAG is right - You really opened up a can of worms. Nails are cheaper, faster to install, and easier to hide in finish details. No problem. They are among the most time-efficient types, especially for big projects. The type of screws you ideally use is dependent on the thickness of the subfloor. What is a 'shiner'? Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. If so, why spend the extra on screws when #12Ds will hold in place? If using nails for subfloor installation, stick with ring-shank nails; smooth nails may withdraw easier, leading to squeaks. Once you find the wall joist, use a chalk line to mark that edge. Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. How far apart should nails be on subfloor? Settle for this model if you live in a humid area or near a salty water body. Some will sink flush while others cannot. You might want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout. Making tree house bed. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Shear strength refers to the ability of a fastener or other construction element to withstand lateral, or side to side, pressures: Think of wind blowing against a house. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. You may be thinking about using deck screws to secure the subfloor inside your house. 4) I would rather use screws than nails. According to construction and renovation experts, some of the best screws for subfloor include the Senco 08200Y screws, the Simpson Strong-Tie screws, and the Hillman Group 48248 subfloor screws. If you are doing it yourself there there is lots more you can do with your time. Thus, the driver has a firmer grip on the screw facilitating the delivery of extra torque. Although these screws are primarily for drywall installation, you can also use them on OSB or plywood. The mechanical fasteners also act as a back up system for areas where the glue may not bond for some reason. You are now probably wondering if you can use just any type of screw that is readily accessible. Bulge head screws are ideal for attaching subfloor to the floor joists. Why dont structures fall down or come apart? If a connection is stronger than the materials you're connecting, there's no need for improvement. I can confidently The screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a PPG E-coating. a. Familiar tools, straightforward methods, and a small bit of attention are all thats required to ensure a solid subfloor in everyday applications. Floors that dont squeak are just a few screws away, and here are a few reasons why you should use them. It thus forms tighter joints than all the other three screw drives. Well explain in depth the critical considerations in this procedure. My opinion is that screws are far better. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. So when did people start using glue? Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling? Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? The six points of the Torx drive head ensure that there is no chance of the driver slipping. Wood screws are the way to go when it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood. gavin.. there is no gain.. only loss our floors don't squeak they don't move.. and the glue doesn't fail.. so.. extra cost for the screws, extra cost for the labor of screwing.. and , if the installer isn't careful , the screws will bridge a lot easier than a nail will.. use the time and money to upgrade a different component in your homeMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. 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. If you don't use something pretty tough and/or pre-drill and your joists are even a little old you risk snapping a lot of screws. Sign up today! I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. What you have will work but why not over do it a little bit? Glue and screw is popular for more reasons than just rhyming. The only way to effectively clamp decking to joists is with screws or nails. Even if you make a mistake during installation, it can remove screws. 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. John 3:16. The attribute is also key to solid joints. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. Get the latest updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and more. That gives you a better bond. And theyll stay put without needlessly twisting every time. The only way to get a solid, lasting bond with the adhesive is to tightly clamp both pieces together while the glue is still "active". Should I Use the Screw or Nail for Installing Subfloor? Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. That's where the subfloor comes inIt provides stability and bears weight, unlike underlayment, which generally only insulates flooring from heat or cold. Structural screws have completely replaced lag bolts and large nails for structural fastening, given their high failure strength. Youll want to use #8 1-1/2 inch wood screws spaced 8 inches apart to secure a 5/8 OSB subfloor to the floor joist or floor truss. If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. Sub-floors are exposed to heat and cold throughout the year. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Is there a way to use any communication without a CPU? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Like this answer. But should you nail or screw down the subfloor? (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure apart. If the principal concern is preventing two materials from pulling apart, then screws are the better fastener. This is why youll find nails used everywhere, from your living room flooring to those on stage at major concert halls. I have available to me a nice corded drill, and an air-powered framing nailer. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Underlayment is a thinner material that lies over the subfloor. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Thus, you dont run the risk of breaking their heads when driving them in. Thus, it has everything to do with torque distribution during the screwing process. Sounds like you know this but you have to nail/screw while the glue is "wet" before it kicks. Subfloor: Screws or Nails? Then there is also oriented strand-board, also known as OSB, and lastly, concrete slabs. As always, refer to the manufacturers installation instructions for complete details. When deciding between screws vs. nails, the most important factor to consider is the types of pressures that they can best withstand. The lack of corrosion protection makes metal wear out faster. Don't lay OSB tight either. The fastener will anchor your boards securely in place so they dont move as much when people walk on them or during natural weather changes. When you compare the two, nailing is more economical than using screws. If you are an amateur in plywood flooring installation, these should be your go-to screws. You can use drywall screws to screw down OSB or plywood subflooring, provided the drywall screw is a number 8 weight screw. Be sure that you cut them at a 45-degree angle. I'll continue to glue and nail with ringnails, on the proper pattern my buddy Cag told you about. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inchat panel ends and edges. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and . If buying drywall screws to secure your subfloor, be sure youre purchasing the correct weight screw. If you are considering whether you should use the screw or nail for installing subfloor, you'll want to factor in the level of holding power your project requires. Consider the thickness, material, and location of the subfloor when making your decision. screwing is for decks, nailing is for sub-floors.. look up the nailing schedule in your code we glue and nail.. and we've glued and nailed since '75.. Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. They can be used in wooden subfloors or metal framing where there are no pre-drilled holes available for installation. If you visually compare a nail and a screw, you'll see that the shank of the nails is smooth, assuming regular nails. Opinions vary. 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. Subfloor adhesive can help prevent those annoying floor noises that can be extremely annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist connections. Suppose you decide not to use nails; screwing is the next option. Alternatively, you can develop a rhythm for correctly spacing the nail fasteners. And, as always, keep building codes in mind. You're going through this effort to make it right. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. 1) Nails have much greater shear strength and are better than screws when that is a concern, for your application screws are fine. You ensure that you mark the cutting points using a pencil. You'll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. They have a Phillips drive. This flexibility also makes them great for securing hardwood floors. If stored outside, cover panels with plastic sheets or tarps. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. There are, however, some situations where trim will require more holding strength than a nail can provide, and in those cases youll want to reach for a trim screw (which has a smaller head than a typical screw). The latest updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and at 12 incheson-center along floor! 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