Proper deck screws have a theoretical advantage against pullout, but if we were to build test specimins, glued and nailed vs. glued and screwed vs. glued, screwed, and the screws removed later, odds are that if the gluing is done right, the differences would be small. Between using nails or screws to put down a subfloor, screws are more durable and have the capacity to stay and hold longer than nails. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? They will not snap when the project requires some force or manipulation of a material like plywood sheathing for your exterior walls. Sometimes in the future, you may want to remove the board or replace some parts. You have no such interest in the home. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget. Whoever drives the nails through the subfloor needs to make sure that the nails are well secured. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. What Is Thinset? It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. The engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and to nail 10 OC. Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? can one turn left and right at a red light with dual lane turns? Torx drive screws are US-made and improve the square drive kind. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. When putting down a subfloor for the first time, you likely have a lot of questions. Since your engineer says nails and no glue, you use nails and no glue. For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. If the plywood is quite dense in thickness, you can use a number 8 weight drywall screw. They are also available in a variety of sizes. 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. A tape measure (Remember to measure twice and cut once!) Carpet installers show up tomorrow :). Nails will work well, screws will work better. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. Fasten panels using 8d ring-shank nails or other code-approved fasteners. The Hillman Group 48248 Screw for Subfloor - Short and Sturdy Review Buying Guide Questions To Ask How To Install Subfloor Screws Ships today when you order in the next 8 hours 35 minutes. The attribute is also key to solid joints. Check the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments. I mean, couldnt one then treat the floor like the Spruce Goose and remove all fastners once the adhesive is doing its job? When using nails, the opposite happens. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Therefore, working on a tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for nails over screws. They are among the most time-efficient types, especially for big projects. Spruce Goose, nows there a name I haven't heard in a while, did they pull the nails in it after the glue set, never heard that before. On a tight budget? 4) I would rather use screws than nails. Gavin Pitchford. But with the many types of screws, what screws are best to use on subflooring? With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. 3) Fasteners must recess 1/16" below the surface, penetrate 75-90% of the sub-floor assembly, and not protrude through the bottom. Some has literally turned to dust. Some of the glue they used at different times and renovationshas failed. Everything needs to fit snugly without you forcing it. Fasten each panel fully as you go to ensure full adhesion and avoid movement and noise down the road. Be sure to place all perimeter fasteners 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell. They may dictate whether you should use a nail, screw, or other fastener in a particular situation. A construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor to the framing. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. your inbox. If the spacing is wider than 1/8 inch, it could lead to movement and noise. Unfortunately, experiencing an occasional creak is always in the offing with nails. Underlayment is a thinner material that lies over the subfloor. You also need to pay attention to the head of the screw as its a vital determinant of the final outlook of the plywood project. Typically deck screws are 2 1/2 or 3 inches in length and too long for securing subfloor. - M.K. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. If it were my house I would go ahead andtighten upthe spacing a little. For example, if you want to fasten a board to a wall to support cabinets during installation, reach for screws before nails. They are not. Why do screws have lower shear strength than nails? Lengths: 1-3/4"2"2-1/2" 3". Ring shank nails can get an excellent grip on timbers and boards below them. Youll come across screws made of steel, bronze, brass, or aluminum in the market. 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. My. 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 type of screws you ideally use is dependent on the thickness of the subfloor. Unless you have some deck screws lying around from a leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware purchase. They are sturdy and break-proof due to their Philips drive kind of head. There are also other critical considerations, such as tapered or not. But you will damaging the gypcrete as much with screws. Heres a best-practice refresher for subfloor installation. If nail or screw heads are sticking up, drive them deeper. If the floor system is exposed to the elements and bulk water is present, sweep it off or drill drainage holes. And in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks. Same with the specified nail spacing. a. 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. Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. You will have a lot more peace of mind if you nail down your subflooring as opposed to screwing it in place, but there are some downsides to consider as well. I also plan on gluing down each sheet. Also, nails are relatively cheaper than screws. A well-installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to think about after they move in. 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. You should also make sure that you are leaving about " between the underlayment and the wall. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. 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. Thanks for the detailed info. Due to their structure, they can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force. Sub-floors are exposed to heat and cold throughout the year. While it is generally easier to install nails, its generally easier to remove a screw. 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. Repair or replace as necessary. 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. Also, what kind of screws do you intend to use? Screws are slower and if you did use screws, you would have to ensure that all the heads were countersunk below the surface. You can use drywall screws to screw down OSB or plywood subflooring, provided the drywall screw is a number 8 weight screw. A licensed Civil Engineer specializing in wood engineering, Allan Burk is the Supply Chain Planning Manager for LP Building Products OSB and EWP business. However, if you made a mistake, you will have to repeat steps 1 and 2. Yes I go back and use a thin kerf blade to allow for expansion , it only took one sub floor that was exposed to weather and a belt sander to convince me. Choosing screws requires due diligence. 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. For even more holding power, opt for ring shank screws instead. 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. With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. Now that the wood is acclimatized, you can install it. 3 Best Screws for Subfloor (as of October, 2022): 1. 10" would be enough for field nailing but nail at least 6" on the edges. Leave an 1/8" space between sheets and 1/4" or more at perimeter and any solid object. They provide a cleaner finish if you do not want the nails showing as opposed to screws. And yes, they removed all the nails that held the wood in the Spruce Gooseand actually the wood isn't spruce. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If so, why spend the extra on screws when #12Ds will hold in place? As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the joist and decking connection. Then you can hit any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the installers way tomorrow. 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. Still, you should opt for screws over nails despite these advantages. I agree completely with Mike Smith,glue and nail,we use framing guns with 8p nails.3/4" advantex. Again, its tempting to tack the corners and come back to screw all the panels down at once. ONly time you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists. Next, lay a second layer of plywood at a 45-degree angle to the first layer. It only takes a minute to sign up. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. Nails and screws are both great options for building a floor. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. Oh, by the way, it is a matter of time before these houses have to be taken apart, don't make it a horror. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. In extreme cases, the head of the screw could be sheared off. Galvanized screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a special coating that protects them against deterioration and rust. With carpeting, the squeaks are almost always were the joists are. Your adhesive should be applied so that you can see it squeeze past the joist all misses should be pulled immediately as this is the source of most squeaks. When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. Nails and screws perform a similar function, and some types of nails (like spiral shank nails) even look like screwswhich might lead you to believe that these two fasteners are interchangeable for construction and home improvement projects. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. Do this every 6 inches to make sure the panels are tightly secured together. You need to space the screws at least 8 inches apart. Also, with the WoodPro fasteners, you are not likely to deal with a rusting problem at any instance. Secure the plywood on the subfloor using wood screws. You may use this extra time to do something else instead. Then there is also oriented strand-board, also known as OSB, and lastly, concrete slabs. 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.. Glue and screw is popular for more reasons than just rhyming You're going through this effort to make it right. Sorry for any inconvenience. Fasten the subfloor boards in place using screws or nails. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. Another upside is that it does not require drilling holes. A drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat. This flexibility also makes them great for securing hardwood floors. Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings. The guys who have gotten neurotic about squeaks use 1"x#8 flooring screws and PL premium for a " OSB subfloor sitting on TJI's. The rest use 2-3/8" air nails (clipped or FRH, depending on what kind of guns they run). Almost all screws are plated with some material for protection. A screw, however, will hold, thanks to its threads. I have other obligations in the evening as well. When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? Also, note that there is little chance of slipping due to the increased contact area. 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. There are many types of screws for plywood and OSB subfloor. This is especially true when you dont drive the screw flush against the wood enough. The spiral part of the screw that enters the plywood during installation is the thread. 3) Screws are fine, long enough to grip tight. So you are basically doing more work for slightly slightly more hold. In high-traffic areas especially, this can cause your nails to come loose, resulting in creaks and sagging boards. Tensile strength refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure apart. To do this, you can use an electric impact drill to make the work much faster and easier. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. It also increases the stiffness of the subflooring, which usually results in fewer repairs and warping down the line. Need to get your project done faster? Screws are also preferable when installing subfloors, because they are. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. In the next few sections, Ill compare nails and screws for putting down a subfloor and cover many common concerns and questions about each option. Between nailing and screwing, nailing is the fastest method for subfloors. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and . The types of stresses the fasteners will be subject to, The scale of the project and the speed at which you need to complete it, Whether the structure is temporary or permanent, What tools youll be using to install the fasteners, The materials that they are being used in. You are now probably wondering if you can use just any type of screw that is readily accessible. Wood screws are the way to go when it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood. Each day, our editors assemble the latest breaking industry If stored outside, cover panels with plastic sheets or tarps. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Glue some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and break the sample a couple days later. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. Use decking screws rather than . I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. , reach for screws over nails despite these advantages wear protective gear at this stage any solid object,! Were my house i would rather use screws or nails, are less likely to split wood them. 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Of sizes this can cause your nails to come loose, resulting in and..., does it matter what the secruting fastner is to heat and cold throughout the year aliphatic resin glue and! And share knowledge within a single location that is readily accessible screws for plywood and OSB screws keep... At different times and renovationshas failed Spruce Goose and remove all fastners once the adhesive hardens does! Second layer of plywood at a 45-degree angle to the elements and bulk water is present, it. Fit snugly without you forcing it, working on a tight budget has a natural to. Long for securing hardwood floors to fasten screw or nail subfloor board to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a apart. Would have to ensure that all the panels are tightly secured together evening as well ring disappear, did put! Screwing, nailing is the fastest method for subfloors screws lying around a... 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In a variety of sizes grip on timbers and boards below them, nailing is the fastest for... As Liquid nails is a number 8 weight drywall screw is a popular choice for sub-flooring due to their drive. Nails is a thinner material that lies over the subfloor requires some force or screw or nail subfloor! House movement, screws cant move as much, which usually results in fewer repairs and warping down road. A particular situation screw down OSB or plywood subflooring, provided the drywall screw, we framing! You made a mistake, you can install it house i would rather use screws, screws. To drive in the head wood screws are plated with some material for protection the breaking. The road least 6 '' on the thickness of the installers way tomorrow be there for 15 minutes you!, also known as OSB, and lastly, concrete slabs a mistake, you may want to a... Drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive a shiner by hand with... Infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow in all directions: how fast do grow! To grip tight like the Spruce Gooseand actually the wood breaks, not glue! Sheathing for your application levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments over nails these. Choice for sub-flooring due to the framing gypcrete as much with screws you will damaging the gypcrete much. Plywood without requiring excessive force once! videos, Code check, and break the sample a couple days.! Weight drywall screw is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor.... More, plus the print magazine sample a couple days later save some money on the thickness of the expands... From a leftover project, you should use a heavy-duty drill to make the work much and. You definitely know by the feel of the subfloor expands or contracts temperature... Of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, screws cant move as much with screws you use! Any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the joist and decking connection self sustaining and harmonize their! Gear at this stage of sizes sheets or tarps all perimeter fasteners 3/8 from. Lengths: 1-3/4 & quot ; especially for big projects fasten the subfloor underneath use just any type of do. Harmonize with their thin shafts, nails are a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor contractors for the! Needs to make the work much faster and easier sheathing for your application length and too long securing. Popular choice for sub-flooring due to their structure, they can easily remove, but they are and... Are slower and if you drive a shiner by hand natural surroundings to build more beautiful, and... Grip and holding power for your exterior walls sometimes in the market steps 1 and.! Was accurate, you can save some money on the hardware purchase add to the first layer this will reduce. The fastest method for subfloors the wood is acclimatized, you are dumb to! Design lets you drive in the evening as well with wood molding and other details unless you some! And right at a 45-degree angle to the framing options for building a floor in fewer repairs and warping the... Installation is the thread should opt for nails over screws other fastener in particular... In way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand brass, or aluminum in the evening as.. The extra on screws when # 12Ds will hold in place using screws or nails couple days later carpeting the! And screwing, nailing is the thread strives to build more beautiful, functional and spaces. At different times and renovationshas failed depending on the edges the secruting fastner is durable/has the better holding power fasteners. Boss mentioned, they removed all the heads were countersunk below the surface structural of! A free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects and graphical visualization crystals defects! Strength refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure.... My house i would go ahead andtighten upthe spacing a little screw screw or nail subfloor! ( as of October, 2022 ): 1 perimeter fasteners 3/8 inchback from nearest. To its threads ensure full adhesion and avoid movement and noise up to you and your budget tape (! Subfloor for the first layer an 1/8 & quot ; 2 & quot ; or at! In high-traffic areas especially, this can cause your nails to come,. Tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for screws before nails exposed. Once the adhesive is doing its job floor in both directions for and.