Common subfloors and the best one for you
If you are getting started with a new flooring project, selecting the right subfloor is crucial to the success of the installation. The subfloor acts as the foundational layer beneath your finished flooring, providing necessary support and ensuring the sanity of the entire flooring system. Installing hardwood, laminate, or tile, no difference, you still need to have a good knowledge about the different types of subfloors and their thicknesses. This the is key to achieving a successful installation. We show common types of subfloors, their characteristics, and the considerations for each to help you choose the best subfloor for your flooring.
What is a Subfloor?
The subfloor is the layer that lies between the floor joists and the finished flooring. It creates a stable foundation and supports the flooring material above. Its role is to provide structural integrity, support, and insulation for the finished floor.
Types of Subfloors
Plywood is a popular and cost-effective sub floor material. It consists of multiple layers of wood veneers glued together, with grains running in alternating directions to enhance its stability. Plywood is known for its durability and resistance to warping, swelling, and shrinking. It is versatile and can be used under many types of flooring. For solid hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate flooring, a minimum thickness of 3/4 inch plywood is recommended. This thickness provides a sturdy base that can support the nails or glue used to secure the flooring materials. Additionally, plywood can be used for various installation methods, including nailing, stapling, or gluing.
When installing plywood as a subfloor, it is important to ensure that it is properly installed with all joints glued and screwed or nailed into place. This helps prevent warping or separation due to temperature changes or moisture levels.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is made by layering wood strands in a crossing pattern and then gluing and pressing them together. It has a smooth surface, unlike plywood, which may have minor bumps. OSB offers excellent strength and moisture resistance and is often used in residential construction. OSB can support both hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. For hardwood floors, installation can be done by nailing, stapling, or gluing. LVP floors can be floated directly on top of OSB subfloors.
When installing floors over OSB, consider the thickness of the flooring. For solid bamboo floors, place them directly on a corresponding 3/4-inch thick OSB subfloor. For thinner flooring materials, adding an additional 3/8 to 1/2 inch plywood underlayment on top of OSB can provide extra stability.
Particle Board, also known as chipboard, is made from compressed wood chips and resin. It is more common in older homes and is an economical choice for subflooring. However, it is less durable than plywood or OSB and can be prone to warping and cracking over time. Particle board is best suited for use in dry, low-humidity areas and under flooring types like carpet and laminate. Solid hardwood is not recommended for particle board due to its inability to hold nails and staples well. If using engineered hardwood, check the product specifications to ensure that a floating installation is approved.
Consider adding a layer of plywood on top of a particle board subfloor to strengthen the foundation. This can expand your flooring options without having to replace the particle board entirely.
Concrete is a highly durable and moisture-resistant subfloor material. It provides a solid and stable surface ideal for ground-level and below-grade installations such as basements. Concrete slabs are typically 4-6 inches thick and have a high strength rating. Concrete subfloors are suitable for various flooring types, including ceramic tiles, vinyl, and stone. Both hardwood and LVP floors can be installed on concrete if the concrete is properly sealed and moisture levels are measured and accounted for. A moisture barrier should always be used when installing flooring over concrete, especially in moisture-prone areas like basements.
Ensure the concrete slab is level and dry before installation. A 6-mil plastic sheeting moisture barrier should be laid on top of the concrete to prevent moisture from affecting the finished flooring.
Subfloor Thickness for Different Flooring Types
When it comes to hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate flooring, a minimum subfloor thickness of 3/4 inch is essential. This thickness ensures a stable base. This should support the installation methods used for these materials, such as nailing, stapling, or gluing.
A more substantial subfloor thickness of at least 1-1/4 inches is necessary for tile installations. This usually incorporates an underlayment of cement board combined with plywood or OSB. While the cement board gives a firm, moisture-resistant surface perfect for tile adhesive, the plywood or OSB provides structural stability.
For carpet installations, a subfloor thickness ranging from 5/8 inch to 3/4 inch is sufficient. This thickness is to make sure the carpet feels firm underfoot and provide a smooth surface for carpet padding and installation.
Vinyl flooring can be installed over a thinner subfloor, generally a minimum of 1/2 inch. The subfloor must be smooth and level to prevent imperfections from showing through the vinyl.
Why Pay attention? Consequences of Using the Wrong Subfloor
Using the wrong subfloor thicknesses or materials might cause a number of problems. An excessively thin subfloor can weaken the structure and cause unevenness. The finished floor may creak, squeak, or crack as a result of inadequate thickness. Noise transmission may increase with thinner subfloors because they do not offer enough sound insulation.
If the layer is too thin, it could not be able to keep out moisture, which could cause warping, wood floor cupping or the growth of mold. Certain types of flooring may become uneven or unstable due to improper subfloor thickness, and thinner subfloors may wear out more quickly and need to be replaced or repaired sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
An effective flooring installation depends on choosing the correct subfloor and figuring out the optimal thickness. Through comprehension of the attributes and appropriateness of several subfloor materials, including plywood, OSB, particle board, and concrete, you may guarantee a sturdy and long-lasting base for your final flooring. Effective subfloor construction and maintenance will result in a durable, visually beautiful floor that improves your room’s usability and comfort.
Do not hesitate to contact our professional team if you have questions about your flooring project or if you need expert help on selecting the best subfloor. With the correct knowledge and assistance, you may get the greatest results and take pleasure in a stunning, long-lasting floor for many years.
What kind of subfloor is most common?
plywood. The most preferred subfloor material is plywood, which is chosen for its strength, longevity, and simplicity of installation.