What is the best fastener for plywood subfloor?

Author: Arvid Kozey  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

PAMFast AutoFeed Screws are the preferred choice for interior and exterior subfloor.

How to secure a plywood subfloor?

Yes, gluing plywood to a subfloor can add strength and reduce the chances of squeaking. Use a construction adhesive like Liquid Nails and apply it in a zigzag pattern before screwing the plywood down. This helps to bond the layers more securely, especially in high-traffic areas.

Is it best to nail or screw plywood subfloor?

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 should subfloor be fastened?

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. For a two person crew, one framer glues and sets sheets while the framer fastening can usually help pack material and fasten sheets.

What is the nailing pattern for plywood 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. Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face.

What Screw to Use For Your DIY Project | Fasteners & Tools Guide

What are the best fasteners for plywood subfloor?

PAMFast AutoFeed Screws are the preferred choice for interior and exterior subfloor. They provide a firm grip between connecting lumber, which makes them perfect for subfloor. They have a head that works with a variety of bits, including Phillips and torque-head screws.

What nails do you use for a subfloor?

For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. Do you want to prevent floor squeaks? Choosing a screw or nail will contribute to whether your sub flooring will squeak or not.

How long of screws for 3/4 plywood?

I would use #8 x 1-1/2 screws. That gives you at least 3/4" of thread into the studs. A 1-1/4" screw only gives you 1/2" of thread into the stud, which is not enough for a good grip. In 3/4" material you would want to have the screw shank only into the plywood so that the wood is pulled tight to the stud.

What is the screw pattern for a 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%.

Do you nail or staple plywood underlayment?

Installers usually lay the underlayment on the floor and start installing the laminate flooring on top. There is no fastening the underlayment to the subfloor.

What do you put between plywood and subfloor?

The underlayment sheets usually run in the same direction as the plywood subflooring, but it is critical that the seams of the underlayment are offset from those in the subflooring, so the underlayment bridges over the subfloor joints.

Does plywood or OSB hold screws better?

Environmental Impact: OSB's manufacturing process utilises smaller, fast-growing trees, which could be considered more sustainable. Ease of Installation: Both materials are relatively easy to install, with plywood being slightly more forgiving due to its ability to hold screws along the edges better.

Should plywood subfloor be nailed or screwed?

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.

Do you leave a gap between plywood subfloor?

Mistake #2: Not Leaving Proper Spacing

To avoid this, you must leave a proper expansion gap of 1/8” to 1/16” between the subfloor panels.

How many screws per sheet of subfloor for plywood?

Every 6 to 8 inches along the edges and every 12 inches in the center of the plywood. I always screw mine every 6 inches along the edges and every 6 inches in the center. And you want to ensure that you are hitting the floor joists below it.

What size nails for 3/4 plywood subfloor?

When installing a 3/4″ plywood subfloor, using the correct nail size is crucial for stability and preventing floor movement. The recommended size is 8d or 10d nails, which are 2-1/2″ to 3″ long (64 mm to 76 mm).

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.

How many drywall screws per 4x8 sheet?

Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.

Can you use pocket screws on 3 4 plywood?

Pockethole Screws work well in traditional cabinetry using 3/4 in. to 1-1/4in. material and allow the user to create miter joints and piece joints quickly and easily without clamps.

What is the rule of thumb for screw length?

First off, a good rule of thumb for picking screws or nails for your project is this: The length should be twice the thickness of the wood you're driving through. So if you're driving through a one-by-four board, which is ¾” thick, then you should opt for a 1 ½” long screw or nail.

How far can 3 4 plywood span without sagging?

3/4" plywood can span up to about 36" without support, but at 32" wide, the length of 76" makes it prone to sagging over time without additional support. Adding a center support will help prevent sagging and ensure the shelf holds up properly.

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 nailing pattern for subflooring?

The most important function of a subfloor is to create a structural diaphragm that helps to distribute wind and seismic loads through the house frame. That's the main reason subflooring has a code-specified nailing schedule (every 6 in. on edges parallel to joists, and 12-in. spacing in the field).

What do contractors use for subfloor?

Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

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