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Cutting 4×8 subfloor for transport

firsttimeroller | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 1, 2020 05:37pm

Hey Gang,

After looking into various options, I don’t think we’ll be able to get the 4×8 subfloor sheet (advantech) to the attic without cutting it.  I was thinking cutting it long-ways, into two 2×8 pieces. Is that ok?  We’ll be using subfloor adhesive and screws for the job.

Thanks,

Matt

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Replies

  1. calvin | Apr 01, 2020 07:23pm | #1

    Absolutely fine. You can block between the sheets and be good. Why glue, do you never plan to have to have to get under it easily at some point.

    You call it an attic, will it be used for living space?

    1. User avater
      firsttimeroller | Apr 02, 2020 06:40pm | #5

      Yeah, it's really a 3rd floor, not an attic. So blocking between the sheets because the tongue and groove will not be there where we cut...yeah... wish we could get these things up to the attic in one piece.

  2. andy_engel | Apr 01, 2020 08:15pm | #2

    Should be fine. I've done that with roof sheathing on steep pitches so I could install it from inside.

  3. jlyda | Apr 02, 2020 04:29am | #3

    Do you have a window? When we do attic conversions can usually get plywood through window and boom drywall sheets from supplier to the window as well. We usually have to take the window out and reinstall. It sounds like a pain, but if you are hauling a lot of material it’s a lot easier and quicker to go through the window, if one is there.

    1. User avater
      firsttimeroller | Apr 02, 2020 06:43pm | #6

      Yes, we got all the joists up through the space where I removed a window, using a c clamp. But these are too much for me to pull up by myself, and the best place to get this bigger stuff up is above a small dormer, on the second floor and a porch on the first floor, it's too much for just me and my girlfriend.

    2. User avater
      firsttimeroller | Apr 02, 2020 07:04pm | #8

      Yes. I'm going to try to get a boom for the drywall all in one shot. I've been humping all the wood so far on my car roof.

  4. cussnu2 | Apr 02, 2020 05:32am | #4

    If you can’t get plywood in, how are you going to get drywall in???

    You are going to have one hell of a mess finishing drywall all cut up and cobbled together

    1. User avater
      firsttimeroller | Apr 02, 2020 06:45pm | #7

      I'm hoping to get the drywall delivered with a boom truck. If not...same thing.

  5. User avater
    sawdust_steve | Apr 03, 2020 08:15am | #9

    firsttimeroller: work smart not hard. I did what you are doing for ages telling myself it was just easier to go get supplies in my truck when I needed them etc, but you end up wasting a lot of your time not to mention physical exertion of humping lumber and drywall around.

    Most decent yards will deliver for free and all it takes is planning ahead. Some yards would even have cut the plywood into 2x8 for you saving you even more time.

    Plan ahead. Work smart. Dont waste time running to the yard. Dont spend time and effort lugging materials around.

    1. User avater
      firsttimeroller | Apr 13, 2020 09:34pm | #11

      I appreciate this comment, and with the COVID thing along with this and other comments, I've decided that the delivery is the way to go...and I might avoid having to get a 3rd clutch at some point also.

  6. jlyda | Apr 03, 2020 09:03am | #10

    Can rent a ladder hoist as well and lift to the window. A lot of roofers use them now to haul shingles and plywood up. They work great. Rent fee might be worth the cost. Or might be able to contact a roofer that will let you use theirs for a fee as well.

  7. User avater
    firsttimeroller | Apr 13, 2020 09:42pm | #12

    So, after some trial and error, I ended up using a ladder up to the 2nd floor porch. I put some clamps on each side of the ladder to keep the sheets from sliding off, and we just hoisted the full sheets up then we could get them easily to the 3rd floor. I've attached a pic. Thanks as always to your suggestions. Do you think this will work for the sheetrock--maybe if I put some sheets of plywood between the clamps and the sheetrock so it doesn't get destroyed?

    1. jlyda | Apr 14, 2020 02:07am | #13

      Yes, the only way your drywall won’t get damaged doing it as you are is to make a drywall sandwich with 2 pieces of plywood. That’s going to be a bit heavy and time consuming. Drywall suppliers will boom the sheets right to the entry and stack them inside for you. You don’t have to touch the drywall until install. The big box stores do not offer this service, have to use a dedicated drywall supplier. They often sell drywall cheaper anyways and fee to deliver is worth every penny.

    2. andy_engel | Apr 14, 2020 05:50am | #14

      I'd still have them boom the drywall in.

      1. User avater
        firsttimeroller | May 10, 2025 01:11am | #15

        Hey. Thanks. I ended up taking out a window and they dropped it right into the attic from the back yard. I appreciate the reply...that was like five years ago...lol

        Edit:

        Oh man. I didn't even notice this was Andy when I replied just now. Five years ago, I didn't even know the name Andy Engel. I spent the last year and a half glued to 'Building Stairs'. The stairs--almost finished--are straight out of that book...everything.

        Only a few months ago did I hear the sad news. I was hoping to reach out and show him my progress and thank him for everything. I sort of felt like I knew him after spending so much time trying learn from him through that book.

        I never built anything outside of just framing work and some cabinets before. The idea that this one book--along with time, patience, and a lot of mistakes and fixes--could get a beginner as far as it did says it all.

        So thanks Andy, I wish we could have met.

        1. calvin | May 10, 2025 07:53am | #16

          Andy will be thought about for a long time, by a whole group of different people from around the globe.

          The internet does that.
          Lucky us to have met up in person.

          Edit: were you influenced by MC Escher (sp)?

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