(on center) joist spacing with single-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation; 24” O.C. 1/2 inch - 3/4 inch exterior rated plywood or osb, screwed down to the planks the screws should avoid hitting the joists. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. Introducing a layer of ply will stop squeaks in your floor if it is done properly (see below). If our floors weren’t so uneven we could have used 3/4″, but the flexibility that a 1/2″ plywood has was perfect to conform to our uneven sub-floor’s contours. I understand that I should install a plywood layer over the original lay in order to enable the planks to be installed lengthwise. Kitchens & Baths – Winter 2020, Issue #295, Podcast 303: Advanced Framing, Wood Floors in a Bathroom, Unsafe Pools, Podcast 301: Stick vs. Post Frame, Upside-Down Clapboards, and Caulking Cedar Shingles, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb, Expert insights on techniques and principles. If there is any deflection in the wood plank subfloor when walked on it would be advisable to add an additional layer of 3/8" or 1/2" thick plywood underlayment glued and screwed down over the plank subfloor to add stability to weak subfloors. Structural floor on top of joists has to be at least 18mm thick overall. During remodeling, these planks are often replaced with plywood or OSB, or they can be augmented by laying another subfloor layer of plywood over the diagonal planks. I'm laying plywood over an old plank floor and have been following your steps above - ensuring each plank is secured to joists, etc. Our Showroom will be available for pre-book meeting only and under COVID-19 restrictions. Below the kitchen is my basement. LEARN MORE. Plywood or OSB subflooring is installed over joists, the horizontal wood members that make up the skeleton of a wood floor frame. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The plywood plank flooring thickness we used is 1/2″ thick. At the angle, the finish flooring rests on the high spots of the subfloor. If the subflooring is in good shape, nail it down without the plywood, assuming the engineered wood is of good quality and 1⁄2-in. Inner plys appear to be poplar with a fair number of voids and overlaps. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." COVID-19 Update | Online and phone orders, samples, as well as, deliveries are operating normally. Add a layer of 1/2-in. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. It is best to use #15 felt paper as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and hardwood if nailing down, or between the subfloors if gluing. Hide screw heads below the surface of your plywood pieces to … OSB provides a reliable, sturdy foundation for squeak-free, straight floor systems—provided a few simple installation best practices are followed. A beautiful floor starts with a stable subfloor. thickness or more. Underlayments can be damaged by plumbing leaks, abuse, excessive wear, and high humidity. Also how far apart should my screws be when installing the plywood. Re: Replacing Diagonal Plank Sub floor for Tile Job Post by badali » Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:53 pm Just following up and the combination of blocking and then cut plywood … Our Showroom will be available for pre-book meeting only and under COVID-19 restrictions. And should we use rosin paper between the plywood and subfloor? Initially it looks pretty good, nice even finish, but one side is definitely better quality wood, one side has lots of wood putty in it. Basically you can install DITRA over. Thank you for the help. Plywood is the best subfloor choice to lay on top of the pine because it nails in securely and creates a flat, even surface for the new floor to adhere to. The first is that the sub floor planks are stable, well fixed and in reasonable condition. Also the surface while looking smooth does have some noticeable sanding undulations that you can feel if you slide your hand over the surface. If it’s on top of another subfloor, remove the tongue-and-groove hardwood to get down to the lowest subfloor level. House was built in 48', i think. Cracking and popping tiles are a sure sign that … I believe he needs to beef up the sub-floor with 1/2" ply screwed/glued down over … It was laid on a diagonal so the 3/4" oak can e laid either direction. I do not know if it was poorly constructed or if this naturally happened over time, but the tongues and grooves of the planks across much of … Things to take into account when laying ply over plank subfloors: Take time to make sure your existing planks are well secured in place. Plywood is usually used as subfloor today. The planks are typically 1x6 and made of pine, fir, or a similar softwood. I am preparing to tile my kitchen floor and have it stripped down to the plank subfloor. COVID-19 Update | Online and phone orders, samples, as well as, deliveries are operating normally. Screwing into the edge gives only passable results but does seem to take biscuits and dowels and glue OK. Leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around walls and joints. Working this way creates what is called a “slip” between the two flooring materials and is recommended. These subfloors must meet structural requirements. Plywood and OSB come in 4 x 8-foot sheets that are typically 3/4 inch thick. you must lay the new boards perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the old ones. Right now, I have 3/4 TG hardwood, which is not in the best shape, over a 2.5" wide x 3/4" inch think plank subfloor, which runs perpendicular to the joists (2x10, 16 oc). The planks run diagonal to the floor joists. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Hi – Using Ply wood have various reason including - Leveling, create better surface, Hight issues etc. I am replacing the wood floors in my 1920 home. There are several types of plywood that are well-suited for subfloors. As any regular reader of this blog will know, if you’re laying a new wood floor over an old plank sub floor, there are several things you need to take into consideration. The floor joists are 2x9, 16" on center. If the current subfloor has tongue-and-groove hardwood planks, check to see if it is attached directly to the joists or if it’s on top of another subfloor. A subfloor is a wooden, structural substrate to which durable finished flooring is attached. 11 Wood-Flooring Problems and Their Solutions – For flawless wood floors, avoid these installation and finishing mistakes. joist spacing with double-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation thinset applied with 1/4 inch x 1/4 inch trowel applied on top of the plywood/osb - M.K. Featuring: Opening Up a Family Kitchen; 1970s Revamp; Condo Kitchen Reimagined; One Bad Kitchen, Three Good Designs; and much more. BUT again, this tutorial is just for wood subfloors. If you need to choose a sheet like OSB, PLY or other than Ply normally consider better as it more stable. I'm tiling a kitchen floor for my dad. Repairing a damaged subfloor is serious business, but it doesn't have to be scary. Typical underlayment materials in an old house include plywood, cement board, particleboard, or hardboard. If the board subfloor is in poor condition, use plywood as a clean, flat surface to glue down 1⁄2-in.-thick engineered flooring. Your help is greatly appreciated. screws every 6 in. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Iron-on edge veneer went on fairly well, but care must be taken when trimming and sanding the edging not to sand through the face veneer. Again, you can find an article debating the pros and cons of each method here. Once your ply is neatly in place, you’ll have a great surface on which to install your new floor. The subfloor is in good condition, but we are thinking of putting plywood over it before installing the flooring. Get an overview of the process of creating a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes from experienced mason Mike Mehaffey. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. group 1 dense softwood such as Douglas fir or larch. Save Time With a Prefinished Wood Floor – Factory-finished products mean less work on site, but they demand a more careful installation. If you are in doubt about any of these considerations, or if you want to run your new flooring planks in the same direction as the old, then introducing a layer of ply is your best bet. I guess 18mm will be even better… in any case please also ask your fitter on site to check quality of joists and decide accordingly. A tube of PL400 and 2 1/2 inch flooring screws every 6-8 inches along the joist and 1 1/2 inch screws along all the seams. If at all possible, aim to sand your existing planks if they are showing significant signs of old glue or materials that need to be removed. The inner plys are pretty sloppy and they depend on sanding to get it even enough for the final veneer which is whisper thin and very easy to chip an edge off if handled carelessly. Many homes have that 3/4" oak flooring laid directly to the joists with OUT a diagonal subfloor. In any case if you have not done it before it might be sensible to call for a professional and ask him/her advise. Hi, Our Blog’s post is generic and you will have to consider your own conditions and subfloor and “judge it” accordingly. Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. fasten any loose planks and flatten (plane, sand, chisel) any planks that are not level. Place your plywood pieces so their joints don’t go directly over the joints of your wood subfloor. Step 3: Secure your plywood pieces in place using 1-inch decking screws. I think an added benefit to the 1/2″ plywood is that the spaces in between the planks doesn’t hold dirt as easily. Here are nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1. Thanks for the comment. Things to take into account when laying ply over plank subfloors: Take time to make sure your existing planks are well secured in place. When it comes to laying your new boards over the old, there will be no scope for negotiation when it comes to direction ie. Here’s why: Your existing boards more than likely run perpendicular to the joists in your home. These underlayments are used on top of the sheathing to create a firm, even base for sheet vinyl, linoleum, and other surface materials. plywood to establish a flat surface and separate the two hardwood surfaces to avoid the expansion and contraction differences between the two hardwoods. The home was built in the 1960s and the subfloor consists of 3/4" thick tongue and groove planks running diagonal to the joists. 11 Wood-Flooring Problems and Their Solutions, Install Wood Flooring Series: Laying Out Flooring. Cracked and popping tiles could be a material issue. I'm aware that concrete backer board shouldn't be applied to plank subfloor, and that I need to lay down a plywood underlayment first. Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. I had to make up a few quick cabinet boxes for a storage area and decided to use some 3/4" prefinished Chinese plywood to try out. When it comes to installing new wood flooring, the success of your project will depend to a large extent on the preparation. Technical and Installation. Should I use 1/2" or 5/8" plywood as a subfloor over my car plank. Flooring 101 Home HARDWOOD COLLECTION Tips F101 FAQs - Hardwood Install Over Plank Subfloor. Kitchen is mostly gutted, floor is down to the 1x6 diagonal subfloor. Since then, planks have been almost entirely replaced by plywood and other sheet subflooring. The house is 45 years old. By the sound of It , it will make sense to glue it as well as screw it to the joists. We will be installing engineered wood flooring over an old tongue-and-groove plank subfloor. If you follow these general guidelines, you shouldn’t go wrong when installing your new wood flooring, but if you’d like specific help for your project, simply get in touch. If it is attached to the joists, you can use the 1 ⁄ 4 -in. Repair any broken planks. Two of the most important things to bear in mind, whichever method you use are: to acclimatise your new flooring well and secondly to allow for expansion and contraction of your new flooring by leaving an expansion gap of 10-15mm around your whole room. Install Wood Flooring Series: Laying Out Flooring – Making all calculations, adjustments, and layout marks before you lay the first board will get you professional results on your next flooring project. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. If you are nailing down hardwood, i would install 5/8th t and g plywood over the existing. That will give you a solid subfloor that won't squeak. by 51⁄2-in. If it is attached to the joists, you can use the 1⁄4-in. Re: Installing tile over diagonal solid subfloor Even if the 1x10 is a true 1" I don't believe it will be sufficient. DITRA can be installed over these wood subfloor systems: 16” or 19.2” O.C. If you don’t respect this thickness of ply, then you’re highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring. Check for squeaks and flatness, and install plywood if needed. On all our jobs where we use Durock for floor tile we install 1-1/8" Advantech with joists 16" OC. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. Check the current subfloor for flatness, protruding fasteners, and squeaks, and reattach any loose boards. Start your subscription today and save up to 52%. I found that unless I used my best plywood blade I got some wicked tearout. Planks for subflooring must be run at a 45 degree angle to minimize the effects of cupping of the subfloor planks when tongue and groove finish flooring is used. Different plywoods use various materials and methods of manufacture, depending on the application for which they're intended. Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. BC plywood over the old subfloor, using construction adhesive and driving 1-1/4-in. If the current subfloor has tongue-and-groove hardwood planks, check to see if it is attached directly to the joists or if it’s on top of another subfloor. Should You Lay Plywood Over Plank Sub Floor? The sheets are installed over the joists with construction adhesive and screws or nails. By working this way, there will be no need to introduce any form of liner between the old planks and the ply. Rudy Kelosky, owner of Wood Floor Designs, Inc., responds:Depending on the condition of the subfloor, you may not need the plywood at all. Thanks for posting this great information! Preparation takes into account making the right decisions when ordering your wood flooring, but also means making sure your sub floor is well prepared for receiving your new floor. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. IN GENERAL: ensure subfloor panels are level and properly fastened to the joists. The method of installation you choose will depend on a whole host of factors but will be one of these:  glue down, nail or staple down or floating. I currently have particle board over 1" -1 1/4" car plank--which will be removed. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. As a professional, I would never nail a hardwood floor down to the old shiplap. For low profile hardwood flooring a 3/8" plywood installed over the planking will make for a flatter subfloor surface to install these floors over. The floor joists run lengthwise to the room, and we want to install a floating laminate floor. As for the rosin paper, it may help with squeaks between the subfloors, but you are better off addressing the root cause, which is proper installation of subfloor and hardwood. Doing this will also allow you to run your new wood flooring in any direction desired. If you’ve got a plank sub floor and are looking to install a new wooden floor, then you’re highly to be debating the pros and cons of laying your new floor directly on the old plank sub floor, or introducing a layer of ply. MON-FRI 08:00-18:30 / SAT 10:00-16:30 / SUN 11:00-16:00 / BANK HOLIDAYS 10:00-15:30. There are many types, sizes and configurations of plywood. When you fix the ply to the old floor, you should avoid fixing it to the joists. The existing planks that make up your floor have strength that runs in one direction only, and it is now recognised that ideally, subfloors should have strength that runs in both directions. All the specifics for DITRA installation are in the handbook or on Schluter’s site. Solid-board subflooring should be 3⁄4-in. plywood; existing vinyl floors; structural plank subfloors; concrete; and heated floors. The plywood adds stiffness and stability to the floor. Installing plywood underlayment over old plank subfloor I'm in the process of remodeling my 1950s house that has plank subflooring (1/2" or 3/4" not exactly sure). Thanks, Jim. Like all wooden flooring products, it’s a good idea to acclimatise your plywood before laying it. Unless you want to run your new planks perpendicular to the original boards, you have no option but to introduce a layer of ply. Is 1⁄4-in.-thick plywood okay, or do we need something thicker? Unfortunately, we cannot help on this one. I have a second story floor that was carpet over plywood subfloor. Can Armstrong floors be installed directly over strip wood, board or plank-type subflooring? Thanks for the info. The planks are 7" wide and 3/4" thick, tongue and groove with 1/4" gaps. In older homes, it was not uncommon for the subfloor to consist of simple 1 x 6, 1 x 8, or 1 x 10 planks nailed diagonally across the joists. How Many Different Trim Nailers Do I Really Need? They were commonly nailed to wood joists with standard box nails, which tend to loosen over … Follow the manufacturer installation recommendations, and inspect the subfloor and fix the squeaks before installing the flooring. With the plywood in place, install the backer board as you normally would. plywood to establish a flat surface and separate the two hardwood surfaces to avoid the expansion and contraction differences between the two hardwoods. Hi Jim, since you are going to use laminate which is I assume 7mm & Up- you should use minimum ply of 12mm. Improper spacing. Hi - This is work differently from on various site and Ply. Lastly, are dichromate (yellow zinc-ish) screws appropriate for this application? Throughout the living room + bedrooms there are various types of other flooring that I plan on ripping out down to the plank subfloor … :\: most all 1x6 subfloors are not like a plywood subfloor but have been the substantial proper base … At Wood and Beyond, we have a great team, all of whom are passionate about wood flooring and we’ll happily share our years of experience with you if you’d like us to. Understanding the Upgrades: Enhanced Plywood and Subfloor Products. Working with full sheets of ply will make your job easier and will improve the end result. What would be the minimum thickness of plywood that I should use, and as I understand it, I should not screw the new floor to the floor joists (?).