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Mastered in a Minute

How to Install a Subfloor

install subflooring efficiently and accurately.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors
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      Subflooring is a key structural component. This video shows how to install it efficiently and accurately so that you have a flat and squeak-free base for the finish floors to come.

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      1. Greg_H | Aug 20, 2016 08:47pm | #1

        Should also be talking about fall protection while installing subfloor.

      2. Mike_Guertin | Aug 22, 2016 08:21pm | #2

        I've always faced the groove towards the leading edge so that beating sheets together doesn't damage the more vulnerable tongue. In this video the installers faced the tongue forward. Which way do subfloor manufacturers recommend - groove or tongue facing the leading edge?

      3. ABBAUSA | Aug 28, 2016 07:50pm | #3

        Also we normally hand nail the end joints. You get a better feel for correct nailing vs the nail gun.

      4. semar | Sep 05, 2016 02:55pm | #4

        always hit the groove side in order not to damage the vulnerable tongue

      5. semar | Sep 06, 2016 12:33pm | #5

        we never glue the decking. Adhesive works fine if the joist and decking is absolutely dustfree (not likely on a construction site). If dust, sawdust or dirt is between the joist and the decking the adhesive looses most of its strength. Instead we screw the decking - 6" field, 4" oc on edges. In 35 years never had a squeaking floor or a callback

      6. Dunnerthgunner | Jul 13, 2017 01:49am | #6

        I had an issue with bouncing floors and searched forever. I did find this company called structure Lock that uses metal Ijoists.

        Try them out structure lock.com

      7. Kenkeknem | Jul 24, 2017 12:54pm | #7

        There is also another product out from Kenkeknem Smart Build used to control vibration and deflection before you install the sheathing. Works amazingly well. https://youtu.be/7fiL4r-uSrE

      8. Suburbanguy | May 15, 2019 10:00am | #8

        I can appreciate that gluing the subfloor would create a more solid structure, but that subfloor is never going to come up if it ever needs to be removed.--renos, water damage/mold or some other unforeseen reason.--and OSB is notorious for needing replacement after water damage, which is a huge insurance claim category. (Yes, I have pulled up part of a subfloor to provide reinforcement beneath built-in bookcases. Part of the renos before the hardwood floor went down.)

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