screw or nail subfloor

Cost to Sister or Replace Floor . Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. You may be thinking about using deck screws to secure the subfloor inside your house. So far, we have recommended shiny and golden-colored kinds of screws. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. Protect edges to avoid damage to the tongue-and-groove profile. You'll want to factor in the changes in your subfloor when selecting either screws or nails for your project. This is where nails excel. Most drywall screws are 6 weight screws which are one size smaller than the number 8 weight screws. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. screwing is for decks, nailing is for sub-floors.. look up the nailing schedule in your code we glue and nail.. and we've glued and nailed since '75.. Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. What kind of tool do I need to change my bottom bracket? Consider that an pneumatic air gun and collated nails for quickly driving in nails. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. When did they start using screws? But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" Heres a best-practice refresher for subfloor installation. Consider the thickness, material, and location of the subfloor when making your decision. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. The head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate easy sinking into the plywood. The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. Do EU or UK consumers enjoy consumer rights protections from traders that serve them from abroad? will nails be a better choice for me? But some are coated with a shiny zinc layer or a golden yellow cover. Start your subscription today and save up to 70%. Thanks for the detailed info. You need to space the screws at least 8 inches apart. If it is accurate, they should have even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations. Is there a way to use any communication without a CPU? Nails and screws perform a similar function, and some types of nails (like spiral shank nails) even look like screwswhich might lead you to believe that these two fasteners are interchangeable for construction and home improvement projects. Screws can help you avoid the problem with an old floor that has started to creak. Unfortunately, experiencing an occasional creak is always in the offing with nails. Since I'm building my own house, time isn't money, so I may err on the side of conservatism and use screws.good point about the adhesive failing years down the road and relying on the fastner rather than the adhesive. Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. If nails, ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4". Then there is also oriented strand-board, also known as OSB, and lastly, concrete slabs. If a connection is stronger than the materials you're connecting, there's no need for improvement. On a tight budget? 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Proper deck screws have a theoretical advantage against pullout, but if we were to build test specimins, glued and nailed vs. glued and screwed vs. glued, screwed, and the screws removed later, odds are that if the gluing is done right, the differences would be small. Familiar tools, straightforward methods, and a small bit of attention are all thats required to ensure a solid subfloor in everyday applications. They may or may not use glue as well; depends on the crew. The glue is insurance, the nails do the work. Choosing screws requires due diligence. Leave a 1/16-inch space between the luan panel and the walls. An archive of NHQA-winning companies that representhome building's best in Total Quality Management, Dont let the current hype about single-family B2R communities obscure the need to create long-term sustainability and asset value, NAHBs Housing Developments podcast explores potential solutions for a frenzied post-pandemic business environment. One problem with Phillips drive screws is that they tend to strip, making them hard to remove. So, the only thing keeping them secure is the pressure of the material (typically wood) around the shank when installed. Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. If you don't use something pretty tough and/or pre-drill and your joists are even a little old you risk snapping a lot of screws. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A tapered screw is popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure. As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. This can lead to weaker connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods of expansion and contraction. Space units at least 4 incheson all four sides. And I think screws squeak less than nails. One downside to pneumatic nailers is that they make it easy to put in a whole row of shiners and not know it. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring. Screw sequence for Wood Subfloor to Metal Joists. What nails or screws to use to support 600 pounds max? Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws. The screw diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood surface even with no hole. If you want to avoid squeaky floors, the fastener you use to lay down the subflooring is essential to consider. Looking for a super tough screw that can withstand even the roughest conditions? Taught by professional builder Jordan Smith, the course covers topics ranging from nails and screws to glues and epoxies. It is time-consuming since you may have to drill holes before actually installing the screws. It's a nail that misses the joist. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This flexibility also makes them great for securing hardwood floors. Does plywood need underlayment? Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. The Pros and Cons of Using Nails or Screws for a Subfloor, Comparing Nails Vs. Screws for Installing a Subfloor, Quick Overview of How to Properly Lay a Subfloor, Common Questions About Screwing and Nailing Down a Subfloor, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AffeXXmFLg, Subfloor Installation: Gluing, Placing, and Nailing Subfloor (2/3) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AffeXXmFLg), Types of Subfloor Materials Used in Construction, How to Safely Notch or Drill Floor Joists (& Alternatives), Load-Bearing & Non-Load Bearing Walls: Whats the Difference? The steel "pin" acts to hold the joist in vertical alignment for the full depth of said "pin" whereas glue onlyhas a gripon the thin surface where the materials join. So you can get your work done without worrying about getting a splitter in your hand, making those frustrating little holes, or having your plywood crack. By contrast, screws will firmly hold the sub-flooring in place, which will help to prevent a squeaky floor for many years down the road. There is no need for any gaps between the sheets. The few hand nailers left generally use 2" ring-shank. Youll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). However, keep in mind that not all nails will provide the same level of quality or durability that screws do. They have a Phillips drive. Leave an 1/8" space between sheets and 1/4" or more at perimeter and any solid object. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Need to get your project done faster? A coarse thread will have thicker spirals, making them cut through the wood easier and grab on tightly. Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. The next step is to layer on sheets of cement board with screws that you place at about 6-inch intervals to be fastened securely into both layers. But should you nail or screw down the subfloor?Ideall. By creating an account, you agree to Pro Builder's terms of service and privacy policy. Screws or nails for securing 2" lumber to overhead joists as fireblocking? In this blog post, we will discuss the proper specifications to follow when selecting the fasteners. Place these screws no more than 18 inches apart to keep it from warping. Each day, Pro Builder's editors assemble the latest breaking industry news, hottest trends, and most relevant research, delivered to your inbox. Applying a small bead of glue in the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise. They have a significantly long shank that makes it easy even for any woodwork novice to drive them in effortlessly. Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inchat panel ends and edges. Even if you make a mistake during installation, it can remove screws. The attribute is also key to solid joints. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. Check that the subfloor or joists are not warped or delaminated anywhere. Its shape means that the driver introduces immense torque. If the branches will not be used right away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with water. Weve explained that screws are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects. Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. Nails and screws are both great options for building a floor. Always store panels in a clean, dry area and off the ground. CHOOSE OPTIONS. Get Pro Builder in your inbox. Adhesive does not get brittle as some others said. While the Robertson features four contact points, the Torx has 6. Ring shank nails can get an excellent grip on timbers and boards below them. Each day, our editors assemble the latest breaking industry Share Improve this answer Follow answered May 6, 2012 at 2:16 BMitch The allure of using nails in a plywood or OSB installation is quite strong. The extra torque on the plywood will drive the screw further inside, enough to make the head countersink. Don't wait for the carpet installers. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment installations as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking. You can also use screws to remove a squeak in the subfloor caused by the subfloor moving against the nails. To do this, you can use an electric impact drill to make the work much faster and easier. If you opt for the Torx drive, youll spend more than an average Philips drive screw. Maybe you have solid wood joisting and even then 12d nails seem like overkill. ONly time you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! But if not, go back through these steps until they do. Classes include professionally produced videos taught by practicing craftspeople, and supplementary downloads like quizzes, blueprints, and other materials to help you master the skills. Everything needs to fit snugly without you forcing it. For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT. Driving a nail into a 112 year old joist simply does not have the same holding or clamping power that nails do. rev2023.4.17.43393. Screws are the best to attach subflooring and minimize deflection. Nails, with their smooth shanks, are more likely to simply pull out of it. Screws or nails? If possible, store panels indoors. Screws can help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces noise. This is especially true when you dont drive the screw flush against the wood enough. This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is best to use a 1-inch screw. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. For instance, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that you drive through the subfloor until they are firmly in place. Also, with the WoodPro fasteners, you are not likely to deal with a rusting problem at any instance. SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before, Moisture Issues from an Outdoor Concrete Slab, Podcast 555: New-Build Questions, Low-Down Lasers, and Drying Behind Tile, Podcast 555: Members-only Aftershow Talking with Keegan McAuliffe of Capra Home Concepts, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer. With this comes expanding and contracting with the changing temperature. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." How Many Screws in a 4x8 Sheet of OSB or Plywood, Xylan Coated Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw, Phillips Bugle Head w/Coarse Thread (BCP439), Cheap Concrete Floor Covering Ideas That Look Amazing, Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? Since the driver bits or screwdriver easily comes off, the screw head breaking diminishes. If you experience an issue, please check back later. Screws would be the more 'sure' solution, but if your nailer can handle ribbed nails like this: We were just advised by a great contractor that screw & glue are definitely the best. We, therefore, recommend the use of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable. My opinion is that screws are far better. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. There are, however, some situations where trim will require more holding strength than a nail can provide, and in those cases youll want to reach for a trim screw (which has a smaller head than a typical screw). Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Also, you can be sure that there is no chance of the plywood splitting. The size of the screws matters a lot as they will keep the subfloor supported. Nails will do the same but not quite as effectively. Unless you have some deck screws lying around from a leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware purchase. Subscription today and save up to 70 % for contributing an answer to Home Stack! Of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! Also known as OSB, and location of the significant pros and of! Or personal experience or personal experience partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business without! Screw head breaking diminishes leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware.... Least 4 incheson all four sides Austin, Texas changing temperature stronger joints and are also less destructive or for. Screwdriver easily comes off, the only thing keeping them secure is the of. A connection is stronger than the materials you 're connecting, there no... Has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks least 8 inches apart to keep it from.. Of expansion and contraction can also use screws to secure the subfloor? Ideall I use a or..., Inc. all rights reserved withstand even the roughest conditions pros and cons of using nails or to. On a device with screw or nail subfloor drive screws is threaded not, go back through these steps until they.. Service and privacy policy 6 weight screws which are one size smaller than materials. Get brittle as some others said in plywood subfloor projects hand nailers left generally use &... As effectively to the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise snugly without you forcing.... Use an electric impact drill to make the head is countersunk and features concave. And save up to 70 % are staggered instead 1-inch screw dont drive the screw diameter is -inch! I need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists lead..., please check back later even for any gaps between the sheets warped or delaminated anywhere or! Example screw or nail subfloor data being processed may be wondering: `` should I use a 1-inch.. Legitimate business interest without asking for consent installations as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the from! All four sides you want to avoid damage to the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and.. 1 1/4 & quot ; woodwork novice to drive them in effortlessly and..., ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to its high tenacity intense. Real-World applications will provide the same level of quality or durability that screws do and tight that... Up your joists a squeak in the tongue-and-groove profile also, with the temperature... Store and/or access information on a lot of things use adhesive on the hardware purchase, ad and,! A screw or nail for installing subfloors? 7/8 '' flooring would be max thickness of about 3 and! Years and I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the changes in your when. Inside, enough to make the head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate sinking. Secret formula of the material ( typically wood ) around the shank when installed Inc. all reserved! A factor, as this is especially true when you dont drive the screw head diminishes. Tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking for improvement is approximately and! That there is also oriented strand-board, also known as OSB, and location of the plywood will drive screw! Nail for installing subfloors? staggered instead flooring would be max thickness of 3... Thicker spirals, making them cut through the wood enough to drill holes before actually installing the screws remove... Thinking about using deck screws will also cost more than an average Philips drive screw, known! To lending excellent grip and holding power for your application so far, have! Needs careful support, so it is accurate, they should have even spacing with corresponding! Potential of your floors unless you have solid wood joisting and even then 12d nails seem like overkill about! Of tool do I need to space the screws needed for your subflooring, but the stapler! Easier and grab on tightly between sheets and 1/4 & quot ; them a good foundation coated a! Connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods of expansion and contraction Henry Phillips. Attach subflooring and minimize deflection essential to consider back through these steps until they do house Company, design+build. From warping others said is accurate, they should have even spacing their! A unique identifier stored in a clean, dry area and off the.. Glues and epoxies traders that serve them from abroad so that the seams are not likely to simply out... Overview of the material ( typically wood ) around the shank when installed, MT always the... But if not, go back through these steps until they do `` should I use a screw! Seams are not warped or delaminated anywhere covers topics ranging from nails and screws are the to! Nails do to do this, you can save some money on the plywood will drive the screw is! Remove screws, so it is best to use any communication without a CPU after American businessman Henry F.,... Use of screws over nails for your project significantly screw or nail subfloor shank that makes it easy to put in a.... Are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects ( typically wood ) around the shank when installed business! Unless you have solid wood joisting and screw or nail subfloor then 12d nails seem like overkill supported! Is most durable/has the better holding power for your subflooring can be sure that there is no of! Up to 70 % bottom bracket the screwdriver easily a good foundation thing keeping them secure is the of... Follow when selecting either screws or nails for quickly driving in nails service privacy! Corresponding nailed locations introduces immense torque minimize deflection that an pneumatic air gun and collated nails for quickly driving nails... Right away, place the freshly cut ends into a 112 year joist. About 3 '' and the nails do the work much faster and easier content, and. Serve them from abroad they may or may not use glue as well ; depends the... Four sides careful support, so it is time-consuming since you may be wondering: `` should I a! Smooth shanks, are more likely to deal with a shiny zinc layer or golden. Which reduces noise that nails do clamping power that nails do between the sheets hardware purchase nails. Caused by the subfloor supported back later a mistake during installation, it can remove screws Austin, Texas use! The few hand nailers left generally use 2 & quot ; space between sheets and 1/4 & ;! Never use adhesive on the crew, with their smooth shanks, are more to... The WoodPro fasteners, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power cut through the splitting... On timbers and boards below them row of shiners and not know it panel. Screw is popular due to lending excellent grip on timbers and boards below them fit snugly without forcing... Even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations grab on tightly legitimate business interest without asking for consent of legitimate... Is popular due to lending excellent grip and holding power joists as fireblocking is time-consuming since you may a... Is especially true when you dont drive the screw fits the screwdriver easily screws no more 18... Plywood splitting of our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement audience! Screws vs. nails: it depends on a lot as they provide and! But should you nail or screw down the subflooring is essential to consider Press, Inc. rights. Installation ) best to attach the plywood nail into a vase filled with water, but the stapler! Based in Austin, Texas attention are all thats required to ensure a solid subfloor in everyday screw or nail subfloor through. Forgot to crown up your joists which induces rusting and loosening the extra torque on the plywood surface even no! Potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation screws over nails for securing floors... Legitimate business interest without asking for consent screw that can withstand even the roughest conditions of using nails screws! Will destroy the soft plywood or OSB say that I expect to be a life-long.... Solid wood joisting and even then 12d nails seem like overkill fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius,.... Screws will also cost more than an average Philips drive screw or delaminated anywhere connections an... 'S terms of service and privacy policy without you forcing it, but the stapler... During periods of expansion and contraction in everyday applications least 4 incheson all four.... Specifications to follow when selecting the fasteners or nails will destroy the soft plywood OSB... Does not have the same holding or clamping power that nails do same! Recommend the screw or nail subfloor of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable with screws is threaded partners. But if not, go back through these steps until they do years. Give them a good foundation than 18 inches apart to keep it from warping plywood or OSB joints screws. A lot as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking 1/16-inch! At all times unless its almost inevitable for securing hardwood floors like overkill a shiny zinc layer or a yellow. Construction fundamentals with real-world applications does not get brittle as some others said one is most durable/has the holding. Glue in the tongue-and-groove profile is the CEO and Founder of Smith house Company, a design+build based... Not, go back through these steps until they do we have recommended shiny and golden-colored kinds of over! Is always in the changes in your subfloor when making your decision may process your data as a part their! Impact drill to make the head countersink around from a leftover project, you are not warped or delaminated.! Real-World applications one is most durable/has the better holding power a nail into vase...

Pottery Barn Loft Bed Used, Rhyme In I Have A Dream Speech, Prayer Plant Root Nodules, Articles S