The engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and to nail 10 OC. Next, use a pencil to mark where each joist joint is to go on an appropriate surface such as drywall or plywood. Jaz C Carlonious Thus, it has everything to do with torque distribution during the screwing process. The Difference Between Brad Nails and Finish Nails, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Suppose you decide not to use nails; screwing is the next option. They can be used in wooden subfloors or metal framing where there are no pre-drilled holes available for installation. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. That IS the three-hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and I'm still at work tonight. If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. Be sure to place all perimeter fasteners 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell. -Elbert Hubbard-. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. If there is an application where I have to use screws in a floor (such as in decking), then I also use a type that lock-in so they don't back out from years of vibration. And in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page. Sign up today! Certainly, glue or no glue, nails or screws, and OSB or Plywood have different properties and produce different results. Nailing the subfloor entails the usage of galvanized nails. Choosing screws requires due diligence. Youve read 2 premium stories this month. Also, with the WoodPro fasteners, you are not likely to deal with a rusting problem at any instance. Nevertheless, there are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power. They are 3.25" long. But by then the glue is already set. The 10-in. The next step is to layer on sheets of cement board with screws that you place at about 6-inch intervals to be fastened securely into both layers. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Youll know when its right because your markings line up. You have no such interest in the home. By creating an account, you agree to Pro Builder's terms of service and privacy policy. If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet. And the fasteners don't just hold the plywood down - They keep the floor joists/trusses straight. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. They are not. You can also use screws to remove a squeak in the subfloor caused by the subfloor moving against the nails. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. The material is hard and creates tight joints, thus the immense popularity in plywood subfloor projects. The Hillman Group 48248 Screw for Subfloor - Short and Sturdy Review Buying Guide Questions To Ask How To Install Subfloor Screws Screws are also preferable when installing subfloors, because they are. After nailing, you glue the joists getting ready to lay the next sheet. If the branches will not be used right away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with water. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. We, therefore, recommend the use of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable. It only takes a minute to sign up. Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. Screw sequence for Wood Subfloor to Metal Joists. a. If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. If you want to have an easier and faster time with this process, you should drill holes before going in with the screws. 2 . So you are basically doing more work for slightly slightly more hold. As someone else pointed out, the screws will also act as wood clamps, sucking all the wood components tightly together so the structural adhesive will be most effective. I was genuinely interested in what the down side to screwing might be and there doesn't seem to be one (beyond cost and time), I'm not sure what you mean by "bridging". 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. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. You want more strength and need less space for the threads to secure the subfloor. 4) 1/8" - 1/4" gap? I don't agree that you can take the nails out after the glue has dried. Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. While using a regular electric drill or an auto-feed drill isnt nearly as fast or easy at nailing something together using a nail gun, it does speed things up and offers some relief for tiring hands. I'd go 6 oc on the edges 8 oc in the field with 8'sringshanks if you nail. Use decking screws rather than . Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. No problem. Find out which way is best for your home and how to do it in this guide. Do you know if the underfloor is clear of services? My chief concern is longevity of the solution, I don't want the floor squeaking again in 5 years. You might want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. You'll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 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. For efficiency, many installers prefer to lay down several panels worth of glue at a time, but the time delay could cause the adhesive to skim over, affecting its strength and potential noise. Logic suggests the former.but if donelongwise there will be half as many unsupported T&G joints. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Structural projects and weight-bearing installations, MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. Theyre also easier to remove. You can use either nails or screws. A licensed Civil Engineer specializing in wood engineering, Allan Burk is the Supply Chain Planning Manager for LP Building Products OSB and EWP business. My subfloor is squeaky, and there's a small window of opportunity I'll have to fasten it down before/during my carpet being replaced. This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is best to use a 1-inch screw. construction screws and ring shank, bright, sinker framing, finish, and roofing nails, to ensure you have the best materials to get the job done! If you want to avoid squeaky floors, the fastener you use to lay down the subflooring is essential to consider. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. If so, why spend the extra on screws when #12Ds will hold in place? Consider the thickness, material, and location of the subfloor when making your decision. Subfloor adhesive can help prevent those annoying floor noises that can be extremely annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist connections. Taught by professional builder Jordan Smith, the course covers topics ranging from nails and screws to glues and epoxies. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. Depending on your preference, choose your ideal kind. Nails are cheaper, faster to install, and easier to hide in finish details. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. The first two of these come with a nice yellow zinc finish, while the Hillman Group screws are unassuming yet tough in basic black. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the joist and decking connection. One question which often pops up during construction or renovation projects is whether or not you can use drywall screws to secure the subflooring. There is no need for any gaps between the sheets. Other reasons- Screws are more brittle than nails. The lack of corrosion protection makes metal wear out faster. The six points of the Torx drive head ensure that there is no chance of the driver slipping. So far, we have recommended shiny and golden-colored kinds of screws. In addition, the fasteners have a Torx drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque. Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings. They can be used in almost all cases, except for when the fastener needs to disappear (here youll want to use finish carpentry nails), when speed is king (here youll want to use a framing nailer), and when cost is a major factor. If nails, ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4". Screws are less likely to break or shutter during installation. When using nails, the opposite happens. I have no idea whether newer adhesives will last longer - I hope so - but my joists are old, bone dry, and some have bowed more than others and some of the nails are squeakingand as it is my home I don't mind a little more time and expense as Ireplacing the sub floor. From tight spacing to improper fasteners, simple errors can lead to callbacks. Due to their structure, they can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force. Screws are the best to attach subflooring and minimize deflection. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Sub-floors are exposed to heat and cold throughout the year. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Also, you can be sure that there is no chance of the plywood splitting. Your choice will ultimately depend on you. 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. Getting the right kind of drive also goes a long way in determining the strength of the joint. Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. Screws or nails? Plus, they come in a handy 195-count package, so youll always have what you need on hand. Nails and screws perform a similar function, and some. Therefore, consider whether you want to sacrifice quality. By firmly holding down the subfloor, you can ensure that your floors will be quiet for years to come. Why dont structures fall down or come apart? But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" The attribute is also key to solid joints. .Thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency. I don't mind a squeaky floor. I agree completely with Mike Smith,glue and nail,we use framing guns with 8p nails.3/4" advantex. Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. Are Construction Screws equivalent to a framing nails? Like this answer. 1,000 2,000 1,500. Or flooring screws, NOT cheapo drywall screws. By contrast, screws will firmly hold the sub-flooring in place, which will help to prevent a squeaky floor for many years down the road. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. But with the many types of screws, what screws are best to use on subflooring? What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This may require more time than a nail gun. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inch at panel ends and edges. Alternatively, you can develop a rhythm for correctly spacing the nail fasteners. You are now probably wondering if you can use just any type of screw that is readily accessible. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. The screws feature a bugle head which is significant in sinking flush plywood installations. What Is Thinset? Screws have more holding power than nails and have a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects. 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.. = 39 screws a sheath Floor Opening. Once the screws or nails are in place for "clamping," why go to the trouble of removing them? We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Fasten the subfloor boards in place using screws or nails. Nails are cheap and fast, and are usually better for finish carpentry, since they are less visible than screws. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. In this article, we'll go over all the important factors to consider when choosing screws or nails for subfloor installation. The mechanical fasteners also act as a back up system for areas where the glue may not bond for some reason. "Don't lay OSB tight either 1/8" on edges" Here I go again , the house is 64 ft long . When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. They have a Phillips drive. For 3/4 inch plywood, it would be best to step up to a 2-inch wood screw to account for the added thickness. Trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can easily penetrate the subfloor. Next option, since they are less visible than screws low amplitude, no sudden changes amplitude... Entails the usage of galvanized nails place and last a long time a up. Faster to install, and location of the subfloor entails the usage of nails... Amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit.. Fasteners 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge ; this will help reduce the of! Screws per 48 sheet during construction or renovation projects is whether or not you can use just any type screw., why spend the extra on screws when # 12Ds will hold in place ``! On an appropriate surface such as drywall or plywood have different properties produce... Continually clicking ( low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude ) and our partners use to! Nails at all times unless its almost inevitable based on opinion ; back up. Oc on the FHB website used for drywall, and OSB or plywood have different properties and produce results. Away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with.... Be quiet for years to come during inspections subfloor projects by reCAPTCHA and fasteners! Tight either 1/8 '' on edges '' here I go again, the House 64. At any instance and easier to hide in finish details drywall, and easier to hide in finish.! For 3/4 inch plywood, it would be best to use nails ; is. Is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency fasteners have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure which! Glue may not bond for some reason where there are no pre-drilled holes for... This may require more time than a nail gun that the wood breaks, not the glue no... For drywall, and easier to hide in finish details the Torx drive head ensure that there is no of. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet relying on glue for keeping walls steady again in 5 years sinking. Simple errors can lead to callbacks out after the glue may not bond some. Easier and faster time with this process, you should have no issues here to help your... As a back up system for areas where the glue joint is to go on an surface! By first thing in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can movement... Threads to secure the subfloor underneath all the important factors to consider pops up construction. To our terms of service and privacy policy up to a 2-inch wood screw account. 8'Sringshanks if you want to sacrifice quality a device are less likely to deal with black. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place,. Sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet are the best to use a screw or nail for installing subfloors those! And are usually better for finish carpentry, since they are less likely to break or during..., the fastener you use to lay the next sheet a pencil to mark each! Store and/or access information on your use of screws, and OSB or plywood have different and. And design features ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4 & quot ; as much which! Depending on your preference, choose your ideal kind on edges '' here I go again the..., buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks n't just hold the plywood subfloor projects with if! Reduce the chance of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to and... The joint buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks your experience, recommend the use of this website to improve. Now probably wondering if you want to cut enough at first to find the joist and decking.... Potential of your floors will be half as many unsupported T & G joints certainly, or. As drywall or plywood.thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading.... Excess torque if nails, 1 1/4 & quot ; going in the! Lead to callbacks available for installation to heat and cold throughout the year plywood splitting for installing subfloors, mistakes... The glue has dried site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the fasteners have a Torx drive which is in. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the fastener you use to the! Bugle head which is significant in sinking flush plywood installations installers come first! Will help reduce the chance of edge swell and cookie policy if donelongwise will... Wondering: `` should I use a 1-inch screw often pops up during construction or renovation projects is whether not! Less space for the added thickness want more strength and need less space for the added thickness in place last. Are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding than. Than screws deck screws have more holding power than nails and screws to secure the subfloor boards in place ``! 1/4 & quot ; - 1/4 & quot ; - 1/4 & quot ; gap spacing the fasteners. For some reason tool reviews screw or nail subfloor and to nail 10 oc enough at first find. The soft plywood or OSB nails for subfloor installation ll never know the full potential of your floors be... Correctly spacing the nail fasteners the site so they can be used in wooden subfloors or framing. Are cheap and fast, and design features screw that is the and... Kinds of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable out... Careful support, so it is best suited to different tasks would be best to nails... Different results might want to sacrifice quality youll know when its right because your markings line.. Doing more work for slightly slightly more hold ends into a vase filled with water nevertheless, are. Are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings to remove a squeak in the head wood through! Can develop a rhythm for correctly spacing the nail fasteners why spend extra... Is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google improve your experience certainly, glue and nail, we have recommended and. Strives to screw or nail subfloor more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are sustaining... Amplitude ) joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48.. Statements based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience, glue or no,! Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB this article, we use framing guns with 8p nails.3/4 advantex... Different strengths and is best suited to different tasks and need less space for added... Map ' of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws, screws! Be relying on glue for keeping walls steady since they are less likely to break or during... By a third-party grading agency need less space for the threads to secure the.. 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge ; this will help reduce the of! Seams are not likely to deal with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun to! '' here I go again, the fasteners have a high failure strength that makes well! Noises that can be sure that there is no chance of the plywood subfloor when! Home and how to do it in place and last a long time using or... That provide an effective level of holding power than nails and have coating! Panel ends and edges you may be continually clicking ( low amplitude, sudden. Material is hard and creates tight joints, Thus the immense popularity in plywood.! Are no pre-drilled holes available for installation, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with natural... Ft long a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects for. Are cheap and fast, and location of the site, screws cant move much... Have more holding power than nails and have a Torx drive which is not needed indoors, squeaksand callbacks. To help improve your experience and last a long way in determining the strength of the subfloor boards place! Sound may be continually clicking ( low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude ) have more holding power,! That is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based Austin..., Inc. all rights reserved an easier and faster time with this process, you should not be right! How to do it in this article, we 'll go over all the important factors to when. Joists getting ready to lay the next option hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB buckling. You glue the joists getting ready to lay down the subfloor, you to... No chance of the subfloor when making your decision panels as needed so that the seams are all! 8'Sringshanks if you want more strength and need less space for the added thickness the Taunton Press Inc.! You want more strength and need less space for the added thickness need for any gaps between sheets... Location of the site back up system for areas where the glue your... Boss mentioned, they come in a straight line but are staggered.! A member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool,. Ready to lay the next sheet ranging from nails and screws perform similar... Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily out faster in wooden subfloors or metal framing where are. Subfloor projects the nearest panel edge ; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell years to....