I will be laying down a subfloor next weekend and need some advice. This is going down in an existing 18′ x 24″ room addition built in the 1920s, over new 2×4 plated wood trusses, 24″ OC.
I’ve torn out the old 2x8s that spanned 18′, built out the rim that sits atop the old CMU foundation wall flush with the inside of those walls, and have hung the trusses with face nailed hangers. That built-out rim gives me plenty of bearing surface to attach the subfloor at the perimeter and is flush at the top with the plated truss.
Now its time to glue and screw the 3/4 plywood.
I know that the room is not square and that the foundation wall bows out about 3/4″ at the center on one side. Given that I’m working in a closed box, what’s the best method for attacking the subfloor?
BTW, I’m just an HO and have put down subfloor once, on a friends addition. That seemed a breeze but was a new build.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Replies
if one side is straight(er) .. start there.
if it's all screwed ... divide it out and start in the middle ... shooting for full(er) sheets on the edges.
then ... lay all the straight/full sheets U can ...
hopefully have less to trim.
if the only problem is a 3/4 bow ... who cares?
drywall is 1/2" thick ... pretty sure U won't fall into that 1/4" cavity that's left exposed.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Thanks Jeff.I've another dumb question - is there any benefit to using 7/8" subloor instead of 3/4"? I've only one entry to this room from the rest of the house and it's one step up, so I can easily compensate for the 1/8" increase.
in short ... yes.
but .. what's the finish floor.
for tile I'd go 7/8th minimum ... and prefer 3/4 plus 1/2 ... all ply.
then the backerboard or ditra.
for nailed hardwood ... 3/4 "should" be fine.
for carpet ... again ... 3/4 should be OK ... but I'd probably be inclined to go with the 7/8th 'cause I'm prone to overkill.
overkill makes for nice solid stuff.
your own house?
I'd just upgrade to the 7/8th.
can't hurt ... might help.
pretty much same labor.
glue and screw.
OK ... for sub I'd glue heavy and gun nail tight.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Finished floor will be solid hardwood. I'm the king of overkill, figuring that will cover my mistakes, so 7/8s it'll be.Thanks again.
overglue the sub to the joists ...
use tons.
don't be shy.
will greatly reduce squeaks.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa