Is it OK to screw down subfloor?

Author: Merritt Marquardt  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Rather than nails, screws are best to use for subfloors — these fasteners are convenient, easy to remove and capable of providing torque that nails lack. Because of their structure, screws can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.

Should you screw down the subfloor?

Yes, do both. To avoid squeaks, use screws (not nails) everywhere for the flooring.

Is it better to nail or screw floorboards down?

Don't use nails. Screws are far better. 1. If you ever want the boards up again its easier. 2. Screws never cause squeaky boards like nails do. Trust me, its worth the extra effort.

Is it better to nail or screw floor joists?

Nails are much stronger in shear strength while screws are stronger against pull out. If the bridging is to keep joists from twisting, then screws would be better. If bridging is for hanging something, nails would be better.

Should I nail or screw subfloor reddit?

Nails are your best bet for subfloor because a pnuematic nailer can move hardware faster and cheaper than screws. Also, nails allow for more seasonal movement than screws.

How to Fix Your Plywood Subfloor Squeaks for Laminate Flooring Installation Mryoucandoityourself

Is it OK to nail subfloor?

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. For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power.

What is the best screw for subfloor?

You need to use the right fastener to ensure a long-lasting grip. PAMFast AutoFeed Screws are the preferred choice for interior and exterior subfloor.

Are ring shanks better than screws for subflooring?

A ring shank has extra grip and holding power, compared to other shank types, and creates a tighter subfloor. Although ring shank nails have a good hold, screws have more overall holding power by comparison.

What size nails to use for a subfloor?

Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings.

What screws are best for joist?

The screws must be strong enough to hold the weight of the joist and provide a secure connection. Structural screws or lag screws are recommended for this purpose, as they are designed to be used in load-bearing applications and provide a secure and long-lasting connection.

What is secret nailing?

Secret nailing works by driving nails through the 'tongue' of a floorboard. The nail goes through the board and into the subfloor, thus fixing it in place. 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.

Can you screw down wood flooring?

Especially when renovating old buildings, screwing solid wood floorboards to a wooden substructure is an excellent option. This method is also ideal for situations where changes need to be made to the height of the installation or to the distance between the fill materials.

In what way is a screw better than a nail?

A screw is better than nails as it holds the things better than a nail. This is due to the presence of threading in screws that grips the surrounding material tightly. Also screws are easier to control than nails and can be removed easily.

How much does it cost to screw down a subfloor?

Typically secured directly to joists with nails, screws, or adhesives, costing between $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot depending on thickness.

Does subfloor go under studs?

Wall studs are nailed vertically to the bottom wall plate, and the wall plate itself is nailed (downward) into the subfloor, with nails even extending into the joist. All items except underlayment and floor covering rest under and are nailed to the bottom wall plate.

Does subfloor need to be perfectly level?

No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span.

Is it better to nail or screw down a subfloor?

Rather than nails, screws are best to use for subfloors — these fasteners are convenient, easy to remove and capable of providing torque that nails lack. Because of their structure, screws can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.

What is the pattern for screwing subfloor?

Subfloor. Screw spacing should be 6" o.c. at the boundaries and 12" o.c. in the field, assuming an unblocked diaphragm. For blocked diaphragms increase the numbers of screws by 15%.

Should there be a gap between subfloor and wall?

It might sound counter intuitive at first to leave space between your floor and your wall, but you should always leave a ½ inch to ⅝ inch gap between drywall and the floor. There are several reasons for this: Drywall absorbs moisture.

Can you screw down a subfloor?

I like to screw down subfloor using a stand up cordless auto feed system. While not as fast as nailing off a floor, it is easier on the body and reduces squeaks.

When not to use ring shank nails?

When Not to Use Them? Whilst ring shank nails are versatile, they are not always the best choice. For instance, in hardwood applications or where a less visible finish is required, other types of nails like smooth shank or screw shank might be more appropriate.

What is the best fastener for subflooring?

SPAX® countersinking head constructions screws are a perfect substitution for ring shank nails and adhesives to hold down subflooring in order to provide a secure attachment that doesn't squeak for the homeowner down the road.

What is the best fastener for AdvanTech subfloor?

PAMFast High Density SubFloor screws are designed for AdvanTech® subfloors and other dense subfloors. Thread and tip are optimized for dense, stiff panels. Box of 1,000.

How long do screws need to be for subfloor?

Screws are preferred and should be 3/4" - 1" long with a bugle head course thread type, similar to drywall screws but made for decks or flooring since drywall screws can not take to much torque and will break off at the heads. You also don't want the screw length to go through the subfloor.

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