I am currently doing a remodel and the customer asked for a hardwood floor where carpet once was laid. I checked the deck and it is a 1/2″ subfloor with a 1/4″ luan ply overlaid. The joists are 2X12, 16″ o.c….is this satisfactory? Or should I tear it up and shoot down 3/4″?
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hmmmm. I would think it would be ok. Are you using solid 3/4" wood or engineered? staple down or nailed. To be safe, nail into joists. Other than that, i think it would be fine
Which way will the wood run? If perpendicular to the joists, you might be ok. It would be better to pull both layers of ply and put down one layer of 3/4".
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
never realized how common 1/2" subfloor is or was.
seems like I have read quite a few posts regarding its use lately.
Is this a regional thing or specific to a certain age of home?
3/4" seems to be the norm around here. Anyone care to educate me?
3/4" is general minimum here (Philadelphia). Most archys spec two layers of 5/8" for less flex over 16" OC framing.
Seeking perfection in an imperfect world is a fool's errand. Making something look perfect is a whole 'nother story . . . .
Most archys spec two layers of 5/8"...
Serious?!
Wow....I thought the 1" T&G I insisted on was overkill!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
philarenewal:
"3/4" is general minimum here (Philadelphia). Most archys spec two layers of 5/8" for less flex over 16" OC framing."
Hello sir,
May I ask a quick question? If the archy has spec'd two layers of 5/8", do you install
on layer as subfloor and one as underlayment. Or, do you install them both as
subfloor. If so, do you glue and screw the two separate sheets together, in addition
to gluing and screwing to the floor joists?
Or, do you offer an alternative (i.e. just use one sheet of 1" ply)?
Thanks for help.
- T -
P.S. I live in Delaware County. Are you in the general area? Its nice to talk to a neighbor.
>>"If the archy has spec'd two layers of 5/8", do you install on layer as subfloor and one as underlayment. Or, do you install them both as subfloor. If so, do you glue and screw the two separate sheets together, in addition to gluing and screwing to the floor joists? Or, do you offer an alternative (i.e. just use one sheet of 1" ply)?"
Both layers are installed as subfloor (first layer glued and nailed to joists, second layer glued and nailed at joists -- we don't use screws and they're not required -- maybe I'm taking a chance with squeaks but never had a problem, knock wood ;-)). Not sure what you mean by installing it as underlay -- you mean like nailed off all over the place?)
I don't know why they spec it that way (rather than a single sheet of 7/8" for example, which you think would do the job) but I do know that getting the 5/8" sheets up a three or four story building (it's a city -- most of what's built now is three story with roof deck) is much better for my back than a bunch of 7/8" sheets.
I'm in Philadelphia County -- not far from Del. Co.
Best regards.
Seeking perfection in an imperfect world is a fool's errand. Making something look perfect is a whole 'nother story . . . .
When I framed in the late 70's we put down 5 ply 1/2 inch. Common for them to go over with 1/2 inch part. bd. underlayment. Not much hardwood finish and almost no ceramic. Carpet and vinyl was king.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Calvin is correct. The house was built in the early 70's and 1/2" 5 ply was used with PB underlayment thru most of the house. The luan was laid because of the vinyl in the kitchen. The wood floors are requested in the dining area/kitchen. I will nail perpendicular to the joists, my problem is the floor squeaks now. I believe nothing is between the subfloor and the luan overlay, fortunately I have access to the underside so I can put something between the joists to solve that, maybe. Thanks for the input...
Squeeks? I would either rip up and screw down new 3/4" or screw down another layer of 3/8" if you don't mind the extra height
Ernie, you'll likely be fine. What I typically do is leave it to the HO to decide. I give them prices for doing it both ways, but limit the warranty without the new subflooring.
New 3/4" plywood is a better job....but flooring over the existing will work.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements