No, you generally cannot leave subfloor as floor. Subfloor is meant to be a base layer beneath the final finish (such as carpet or hardwood flooring) to provide a level and stable surface. Installers usually attach subfloor to the joists or other existing structures to provide the support and strength needed for the flooring materials.
Without the subfloor, the flooring material may dent, crack, or otherwise become compromised due to the weight or use. Additionally, subflooring provides some much-needed insulation, as well as moisture and noise insulation to the upper floor, which reduces energy bills and keeps occupants more comfortable.
For these reasons, it is important to install subfloor correctly and leave it in place to provide a stable and reliable foundation for other flooring materials.
Can I just have subfloor?
No, it is not possible to just have a subfloor. A subfloor must be part of a larger floor system that includes a surface-layer (typically, a floor covering like carpet or laminate). This surface-layer is installed on top of the subfloor and provides a finished look, as well as safety and protection.
Without the presence of a surface-layer, a subfloor would be exposed and vulnerable to damage, and it would lack the necessary aesthetics to make it a suitable flooring choice. Additionally, some surface-layers require subflooring to be of a certain thickness in order for them to be properly installed.
Therefore, having just a subfloor would not suffice for most flooring types.
Is subfloor stronger than plywood?
The strength of subfloor and plywood depends on several factors and can vary widely depending on the type, thickness, and construction of each. Generally, subflooring is stronger than plywood, as subflooring is usually made from thicker, denser and more dimensionally stable material than plywood.
Subflooring is designed for resilient floor coverings (carpet, vinyl and laminate) and is thus made to withstand higher levels of stress and force than plywood that is designed for cabinet making, furniture and doors.
Plywood is usually considered a more decorative and less robust material, despite being a type of engineered wood product. Subflooring is typically denser and usually 7/16 of an inch or thicker, while plywood is thinner, usually between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch in thickness.
Subflooring is sometimes made from OSB (oriented strand board) which has a high level of structural strength and is easy to construct on site. It is also more dimensionally stable than plywood which is made with thin layers of wood glued together in alternating directions, making it more prone to weather changes such as swelling and shrinking.
In conclusion, subflooring is usually stronger than plywood, but the strength of both can differ greatly depending on the type, construction, and thickness of the material used.
Should I seal plywood subfloor?
Yes, it is generally recommended to seal plywood subfloor before installation. Sealing the plywood with an appropriate sealer before installation helps protect it from moisture, insect damage, and rot.
It also helps fill in any gaps between the plywood sheets, creating a stronger and more stable base. Properly sealed plywood will last much longer and help ensure a successful installation of your flooring material.
The type of sealer used will depend on the particular project, so make sure to do your research before beginning. Additionally, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
What’s better for subfloor OSB or plywood?
The answer to this question really depends on the job that you are doing. OSB (oriented strand board) is aBoard made up of wood strands (or flakes) that are pressed together and formed into aGeneral board shape.
Plywood is made up of several thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together and then pressed under extreme heat and pressure.
For general subflooring needs, plywood is often viewed as the better option because it is more stable, stronger and less prone to moisture absorption. However, OSB is more cost-effective, so it can be a better option for budget-conscious projects.
If the surface that you are covering is likely to have high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, then plywood might be a better option for its better resistance to water damage.
Additionally, it is important to remember that OSB and plywood are not interchangeable and should not be used for the same purposes. OSB is better suited for load-bearing walls and applications, while plywood is better for subfloors and other non-load bearing applications.
Is plywood flooring durable?
Plywood flooring is generally quite durable and can last for many years when properly installed and maintained. When compared to hardwood flooring, plywood is often more cost-effective and is typically used in areas that don’t require a lot of foot traffic, such as bedrooms and home offices.
Plywood flooring is less susceptible to staining, scratching, and denting than hardwood, making it well-suited for basements and other wet areas. Additionally, plywood flooring adjusts to movement in the foundation or structure of a home, further making it well-suited for basements or high-traffic areas.
It is best to apply a protective finish such as polyurethane to plywood floors to ensure they remain in good condition, as the finish will help to protect them from scratches, make them more water-resistant, and keep them looking good for years to come.
How do you cover a floor with plywood?
Covering a floor with plywood is a relatively straightforward process but there are a few steps to consider first. First, you’ll need to determine the size and number of sheets you’ll need. Measure your floor and use the measurements to figure out how many full sheets and the amount of overlap you’ll need to cover the entire area.
If you are working with an irregularly shaped room, some cutting and trimming will be needed.
Next, make sure the area where you’ll be installing the plywood is dry and clean. Sweep the floor and make any needed repairs before continuing. If you are covering an old subfloor, add a layer of underlayment or an adhesive cement board before you start.
Then, begin by laying two to three glue lines perpendicular to the direction you plan to install the plywood sheets. Use an adhesive specifically recommended for indoor plywood flooring. If you’ll be using screws, you won’t need adhesive.
Once the adhesive/glue has dried, start laying the sheets beginning at one corner of the room and working away from the door. As you lay your plywood, use a jigsaw or circular saw to make any needed cuts.
The seams should be staggered, just like hardwood flooring.
Finally, add transition strips wherever needed. These transition strips will help transition from the new hardwood flooring to adjoining rooms or surfaces. If you are using screws, you may need to countersink the screws and fill any holes with wood filler for a seamless look.
Once all the pieces are in place, you can enjoy your new plywood floor!.
How long can you leave subfloor exposed?
It depends on the type of subflooring that you have installed. If you are installing a floating subfloor like laminate or engineered wood, the exposed subfloor should not be left un-covered for longer than seven days.
In some colder climates, the subfloor should not be exposed for any period of time. If you have installed a cementitious subfloor like a concrete slab, exposed subflooring can last for many years without any damage.
That being said, it is important to note that any exposed concrete subfloor should be sealed with a moisture barrier due to the potential of the concrete absorbing moisture and causing damage. Additionally, if you have tile subflooring, it is important to cover the exposed sections of tile with a protective layer of a liquid-applied membrane to prevent cracking and other damage.
Generally, exposed subflooring should not be left exposed for more than a week in most circumstances.
Can you live with just subfloor?
No, it is not recommended to live on just a subfloor. Subfloor, also known as a structural floor, is the underlying layer that supports the ground floor and provides the foundation for the finished floor.
It is typically made out of particle board, plywood, or more commonly OSB, and provides stability and sound insulation between the living level and the foundation. While this is an important component of a house and can withstand short term use, it is not meant to be a living surface.
Subflooring is not soft or comfortable underfoot and can be difficult to keep clean and free from dust and dirt. Additionally, subflooring is not made to withstand frequent leg and furniture traffic.
Since it is not waterproof, it is also not ideal for storing items or becoming wet from spills or accidents. Therefore, in order to provide comfortable and safe living conditions, it is recommended that other flooring, such as carpet, vinyl, and hardwood, be used on top of the subfloor.
What do you put on top of subfloor?
When it comes to putting something on top of a subfloor, the most common option is to lay down underlayment. Underlayment is a thin layer of cushioning material that is placed between the subfloor and your actual flooring surface.
This material serves two main purposes. First, it provides a softer, more comfortable surface for standing and walking on. This can be important, especially for those with small children or for those who are particularly sensitive to flooring surfaces.
Secondly, underlayment helps to protect the actual floor from any moisture that may be trapped beneath it. This is especially important for wood or laminate flooring, as it can help to prevent the floor from warping due to moisture.
Many underlayment options come with a moisture barrier already attached, but some may require an additional layer. Other options that can be placed on top of a subfloor include cork underlayment, which provides better insulation than regular foam and is also very sound-absorbent, as well as felt tile padding or carpet cushions for added comfort with carpeted flooring.
Is it OK to live on subfloor?
No, it is not OK to live on a subfloor. A subfloor is the structural layer beneath the finished flooring in a home, typically made of a material such as plywood or particleboard. Subfloors are not made to be lived on, as they are not temperature regulated, insulated, or waterproof.
Additionally, they often contain nails, screws, or staples which can be dangerous to walk on. Subfloors are not designed to provide comfort, and living on one can be very uncomfortable. Living on a subfloor can also increase the likelihood of respiratory problems due to the presence of dust, mold, and formaldehyde, which are commonly found on subfloors.
Finally, living on a subfloor is usually not allowed according to building codes, so it is illegal in most areas. For these reasons, it is not OK to live on a subfloor.
How long does a subfloor last?
The lifespan of a subfloor depends on the type of material used and the level of moisture that it is exposed to. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you replace your subfloor every 10 to 20 years, provided that proper maintenance and protection are in place.
Hardwood subfloors can last up to 80 years with proper care and attention, while OSB or particleboard subfloors need to be replaced more frequently; usually within 10 to 20 years. The type of subfloor material is a large factor in its longevity, with OSB and particleboard being more prone to decay and water damage, so it’s important to make sure you are using the best type of material for your needs.
Additionally, it is important to keep subflooring dry and make sure it is properly sealed, as moisture can greatly reduce its lifespan.
Should subfloor be glued down?
Yes, subfloor should be glued down to help achieve a secure, solid and long-lasting flooring installation. Most laminate and engineered wood flooring require that the subfloor be glued down prior to installation.
This helps to ensure a tight bond between the subfloor and the new flooring, preventing any gaps or weak spots from appearing. In addition to helping the new flooring stay evenly in place, the glued-down subfloor also provides necessary soundproofing, water and moisture regulation, and additional strength and stability to the entire flooring system.
Gluing down the subfloor prior to installation will take some additional time and effort, but it’s essential in achieving a quality, lasting installation.
How much does it cost to replace a subfloor?
The cost to replace a subfloor will vary based on the size of the area being replaced, the type of material being used, and the amount of labor required. The expense to remove and dispose of the old subflooring must be taken into account, in addition to the cost of the new subflooring and the labor associated with the installation.
On average, a homeowner can expect to pay approximately $1.90 – $4.20 per square foot for subflooring materials. Labor costs vary depending on the size of the job, but on average you can expect to spend $0.50 – $1.
00 per square foot for labor. In addition to material and labor costs, you may need to factor in additional expenses for things such as sealing and special flooring adhesive.
All in all, it could cost anywhere between $2.40 – $5.20 per square foot to replace a subfloor, depending on the factors listed above. It is best to get in touch with a local contractor for a more accurate cost estimate for your project.
Is plywood safe to walk on?
Yes, walking on plywood is generally safe if the plywood is high quality and the installation was done correctly. However, if the plywood is of low quality or if it was poorly installed, the floor may buckle or break when walked on, increasing the risk of injury.
Additionally, if the plywood is being used as a flooring material, it should be covered with another material that provides traction and protection from splinters. Plywood also does not provide as much sound insulation as other flooring materials, so additional soundproofing may be necessary to reduce noise levels.
Overall, plywood can be a safe option for flooring if it is of sufficiently high quality and is properly installed and covered.
Is it okay to walk on underlay?
No, it is not recommended to walk on underlay. Underlay is primarily used for two reasons: to provide extra cushioning and insulation and also to act as a sound barrier between the subfloor and the flooring material.
Walking on the underlay could compress it, causing it to be less effective and reduce its longevity. It could also cause damage to the underlying subfloor which could cause issues with the floorcovering material.
If walking on the underlay is required, anything that puts a lot of weight on it, such as furniture, should be spread across a large area.