plywood vs OSB for a subfloor?
I already did a search and seemed to find conflicting views, although plywood seems to come out on top in most cases.
Here’s my application.
I’ve got a 24 x 18 room built in 1920 that I am tearing out the floor, subfloor and joists in, hence the new subfloor will not be exposed to the elements at any point. I’m putting in new floor trusses on 24″ centers. Now the decision is what kind of subfloor. In my area I see that OSB is about $5 a sheet cheaper right now vs. same size Sturdi-floor.
If it helps, I’ll be putting down new 3/4″ hardwood flooring over the subfloor. The room will become a kitchen with the trusses engineered to accommodate the weight of appliances, slate counter tops and lot of people when entertaining.
Edited 8/19/2005 12:12 pm ET by pino
Replies
I just did this on two floors 28 x18
3/4 sturdi floor for me
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WWPD
I am sold on Advantech tg ..harder to nail or screw, but really solid under foot.
Being as yer not exposed to weather, tho....I'd consider GP's newest underlayment (ply-tanium)?..
If cost is a factor, the OSB is less I think.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
One THING at a time , Yup.
OSB--either Advantech, or TopNotch. I like TopNotch because there are slots in the tongue to drain water, so the joints don't swell like they do with Advantech. Both are excellent products. CDX is good for walls, ok for roofs, not good enough for floors IMO.
Mike
Many times for jobs I do cost is a factor, so I'm prone to go to with standard OSB. However, whenever I can justify the extra $$'s, Advantech it is.
OK, I just priced out Advantech and its $31/sheet, vs. about $24 for Plytanium Sturdi-floor and $18 for basic T&G OSB. Now I'm not necessarily looking to do this on the cheap, but that's a big premium to pay for Advantech. My understanding is the biggest advantage to Advantech is its ability to repel moisture -yes? If that's the case I can understand the appeal on a new build, but as mine is a renovation and thus unexposed, is the extra worth paying?Is Advantech that much stiffer than standard OSB or Plytanium?I appreciate the professional advice.
I would offer two pieces of advice.
One, if you decide to use a manufactured sheet, don't use "Max-floor". Used it on a 4200 sq ft house I'm building right now, and lumberyard is paying to have my floor sander grind all the seams down before underlayment goes down.(Warrantied against seam swell): stuff blows.
Second, in a room this size, will you really save that much $ going 24" o.c.? Or are there other reasons for this (hvac etc.)? 14 sheets of whatever, you only save $70.00 if it's $5 less a sheet. I've used advantech, and it is a good product imo, but the thing I liked about it was the seams don't swell when wet, which you don't need to worry about , anyway.(and it's heavy as a bastard, and slippery, too)
I'd go 16" oc, w/ 5/8ths fir ply, glued, and ring nailed
My .02
Bing