The existing floor in my cabin/house is 2×6 T&G decking, which serves as both subfloor and finished floor, on “joists” of 6x beams on 4′ centers. The floor area is about 800 SF. I want to put down a finish floor of stip oak or maple on this decking, but I think there is too much flex between joists. The flexing isn’t severe, but it’s noticeable if you’re looking for it.
Would a layer of, say, 3/8″ ply or OSB make a more stable base for the hardwood, or would it likely change the flexing much at all? I’m sure that solving this problem by supporting the floor from below with additional joists would be a better approach, but about half the crawl space is real crawl space–about 40″.
Since the decking runs perpendicular to the beams, I would want to install the hardwood perpendicular to the decking, even though it would be parallel with the beams. Are there any serious flaws in this arrangement?
Replies
I don't think 3/8 ply would do much of anything. With 4' O.C. supports, I'm not even sure 3/4 ply would make it really stiff. But I wouldn't go any less than that.
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