As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. According to construction and renovation experts, some of the best screws for subfloor include the Senco 08200Y screws, the Simpson Strong-Tie screws, and the Hillman Group 48248 subfloor screws. Nails, with their smooth shanks, are more likely to simply pull out of it. If it is accurate, they should have even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations.
There are two ways you can keep reading: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Next, use a pencil to mark where each joist joint is to go on an appropriate surface such as drywall or plywood. 2) No. Before installing an Easiklip floor, check the subfloor. Install fasteners beginning 3/8 inchfrom panel corner and then 6 incheson-center along the panel edges, and at 12 incheson-center along center supports. Opinions vary. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. Nails and screws perform a similar function, and some. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. For some premium subfloors, 1/16 inchmay be enough along panel edges, so refer to the installation instructions. Many people use nails in plywood and OSB subfloor, but nails often do not create a tight connection. Alternative ways to code something like a table within a table? Drilling is time-consuming, and if you can find a way of bypassing the process, the better. Glue some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and break the sample a couple days later. However, if you made a mistake, you will have to repeat steps 1 and 2. Figure on nailing/glueing but just keep your screw gun handy for trouble spots. CHOOSE OPTIONS. By creating an account, you agree to Pro Builder's terms of service and privacy policy. This is where nails excel. You ensure that you mark the cutting points using a pencil. The six points of the Torx drive head ensure that there is no chance of the driver slipping. Weve explained that screws are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects. Need to get your project done faster? By doing so, you introduce weakness into the joint. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. You have to make accurate measurements since the plywood you cut must fit into each other perfectly. If the plywood is quite dense in thickness, you can use a number 8 weight drywall screw. Finally, lay down your cement board and screw it in place. So when did people start using glue? I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. 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. The spiral part of the screw that enters the plywood during installation is the thread. Please do not use a Paslode nail gun or a Bradnailer as they do not have the correct toothed nails. My chief concern is longevity of the solution, I don't want the floor squeaking again in 5 years. Note that there are different types of threads, but in our case, we are only interested in the roughness or the smoothness bit. Almost all screws are plated with some material for protection. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Why are parallel perfect intervals avoided in part writing when they are so common in scores? It also increases the stiffness of the subflooring, which usually results in fewer repairs and warping down the line. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. Space units at least 4 incheson all four sides. Questions? Tensile strength refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure apart. Nopes, I have better things to do. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. The Difference Between Brad Nails and Finish Nails, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Screws will likely hold longer than nails, but with the way higher nailing rate and the right nails (suggestions?) Thus, for many people, it is the most convenient option. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Youve read 2 premium stories this month. Screws are also preferable when installing subfloors, because they are. Safety goggles (Remember, any time you work with tools, "safety first!") Instructions For Installing Another Layer Of Plywood. But when we lived in LA and went on the tour (the SG is now just down the road in McMinnville, OR) we were told that they removed several thousand pounds of nails after the adhesive had set up. 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. This flexibility also makes them great for securing hardwood floors. I'll continue to glue and nail with ringnails, on the proper pattern my buddy Cag told you about. Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. The only way to get a solid, lasting bond with the adhesive is to tightly clamp both pieces together while the glue is still "active". After nailing, you glue the joists getting ready to lay the next sheet. For instance, the smaller threads on a ring shank nail can come loose in a plywood subflooring panel. If you're having a hard time finding them, cut a bigger hole in the carpet and put a few screws in a line until one catches. A tapered screw is popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure. Well introduce a dark-colored kind but still with the key features of a top-quality wood screw. You need to space the screws at least 8 inches apart. Some will sink flush while others cannot. The fastener will anchor your boards securely in place so they dont move as much when people walk on them or during natural weather changes. You will have a lot more peace of mind if you nail down your subflooring as opposed to screwing it in place, but there are some downsides to consider as well. Here is why: Screws can be tedious to screw into a subfloor, which takes considerably more time than simply shooting in a nail using a nail gun. But by then the glue is already set. Choosing a screw or nail will contribute to whether your sub flooring will squeak or not. But if not, go back through these steps until they do. 4) 1/8" - 1/4" gap? If there is an application where I have to use screws in a floor (such as in decking), then I also use a type that lock-in so they don't back out from years of vibration. Keep cover open and away from the sides and bottom of the panels to allow for air circulation. If nail or screw heads are sticking up, drive them deeper. If possible, store panels indoors. 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. Nails are one of the worst fasteners for preventing floor squeaks, and screws are a much better alternative. You'll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. Since drywall screws embed into wood studs, theyre also suitable for subfloor. The head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate easy sinking into the plywood. They provide a cleaner finish if you do not want the nails showing as opposed to screws. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. #2 "Gluing" isn't a long-term thing for a basement. This can lead to weaker connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods of expansion and contraction. Well explain in depth the critical considerations in this procedure. Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings. Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment . Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. This helps save money and labor hours while cutting a usual high-quality craft into an everyday job that nearly anyone can complete. Subscribe for unlimited access. You also need to pay attention to the head of the screw as its a vital determinant of the final outlook of the plywood project. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. Thanks for the advice. This is where nails excel. Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. The screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a PPG E-coating. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. Leave an 1/8" space between sheets and 1/4" or more at perimeter and any solid object. 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. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. 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? Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is best to use a 1-inch screw. Most manufacturers have a fastener template printed directly onto their panels for convenience, so make sure you read over it before installation. Therefore, consider whether you want to sacrifice quality. The only way to effectively clamp decking to joists is with screws or nails. Nails and screws are both great options for building a floor. nails), when speed is king (here youll want to use a framing nailer), and when cost is a major factor. You see the shiny new metal sticking down when you look from below. Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment installations as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking. Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. Features such as length differences from one side of headless nail versus another edge-to-edge. Screws can help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces noise. You will then have to place the vase in a cool place until you are ready to use the branches. At Lowe's and HD, the smallest exterior screw they had (be it phillips, star, or square drive) was 1-1/4" (too . Cost to Sister or Replace Floor . Don't lay OSB tight either. 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. If the spacing is wider than 1/8 inch, it could lead to movement and noise. Instead, fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws. But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness. You can use either nails or screws. Overall, nails tend to have more flexibility, whereas screws tend to overall have more strength and durability. Between using nails or screws to put down a subfloor, screws are more durable and have the capacity to stay and hold longer than nails. By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. Use decking screws rather than . Hence, there is the risk of the screw head breaking. Whoever drives the nails through the subfloor needs to make sure that the nails are well secured. When you compare the two, nailing is more economical than using screws. Rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws or nails? While using a regular electric drill or an auto-feed drill isnt nearly as fast or easy at nailing something together using a nail gun, it does speed things up and offers some relief for tiring hands. If your joists are dry and you nail the floor right away when the adhesive is wet then the bond should last the life of the house. "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. The direction of the joists will most likely be the shortest path between two load bearing structures and perpendicular to load bearing walls. By firmly holding down the subfloor, you can ensure that your floors will be quiet for years to come. A black coat of phosphorus oxide is also sometimes used. You only need a #8 wood screw that is 1 1/2 inches long for 5/8 inch OSB or at most 2 inches long for 3/4 inch plywood. Fasten each panel fully as you go to ensure full adhesion and avoid movement and noise down the road. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. If buying drywall screws to secure your subfloor, be sure youre purchasing the correct weight screw. I agree completely with Mike Smith,glue and nail,we use framing guns with 8p nails.3/4" advantex. They will not snap when the project requires some force or manipulation of a material like plywood sheathing for your exterior walls. Theyre more durable and less likely to cause the plywood to splinter as regular screws or nails would. They are sturdy and relatively cheaper than the old-fashioned tapered screws. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. They are also less expensive than screws. If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. From tight spacing to improper fasteners, simple errors can lead to callbacks. Theyre also the better choice for non-structural element like a cabinet or handrail will be bearing weight. Additionally, if the screw is over-driven or if the wrong size was inadvertently used, the screw head could potentially break. When applying pressure to the subfloor, the attachment with larger threads is less likely to come loose, pop out, or allow the subflooring to shift. Here are some of their pros and cons: Here are all the good and the bad characteristics of using screws on your subfloor installation: Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. Due to their structure, they can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force. I would personally go with the screws for the simple reason that they make a better "clamp" but if you are choosing between the nails/screws and the glue- loose the glue. In addition, the fasteners have a Torx drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque. Be sure to install in the same direction as the subfloor, (across the joists), and off-set to the subfloor both ways. Screws are slower and if you did use screws, you would have to ensure that all the heads were countersunk below the surface. Its more than just walking to a hardware store and picking the materials. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. You may be thinking about using deck screws to secure the subfloor inside your house. Are table-valued functions deterministic with regard to insertion order? One other question.do you lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the direction of the TJI's or longwise? He has worked in R&D, manufacturing and sales throughout his career in the building products industry. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. Some of the glue they used at different times and renovationshas failed. Installing some panels with the trademark side up may result in a slightly uneven surface. Thus, they are fit for use in places with high humidity. To do this, you can use an electric impact drill to make the work much faster and easier. They can be used in wooden subfloors or metal framing where there are no pre-drilled holes available for installation. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. Since your engineer says nails and no glue, you use nails and no glue. Other reasons- Screws are more brittle than nails. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The bookmark icon allows you to save any story to your account to read it later, Tap it once to save, and tap it again to unsave, 9 Common Subfloor Installation Mistakesand How to Avoid Them, Id like to receive the Pro Builder Daily Newsletter, Building Homes That Deliver Form and Function Starts With This, Construction Quality Assurance Program Fundamentals, Names and Profiles of Home Building's Best in Total Quality Management, Built to Rent Is Booming, But Operational Challenges Loom for This Housing Sector, Award-Winning Builder Talks Post-Pandemic Home Design in NAHB Podcast, 11 Tips for Mastering Building Envelope Design. Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and screws are: In general, screws have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. You should also make sure that you are leaving about " between the underlayment and the wall. That gives you a better bond. The engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and to nail 10 OC. I was once walking through the forest alone. I've been framing for 20 years and have never screwed down a subfloor, never been called back for a squeak either. 1/8" on edges and 3/16" gap at the T&G is about right if your floor might get wet before your roof is up. As a result, you'll want to be sure to research your screw or nail options to see which one will work best for your project. Applying a small bead of glue in the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). Why dont structures fall down or come apart? This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. Now that the wood is acclimatized, you can install it. Fasten panels to studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along edges and 12 inches in the middle. It is time-consuming since you may have to drill holes before actually installing the screws. In contrast, the shank of the screw has a spiral groove that yields much more resistance to being pulled out of the wood it has penetrated. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. 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 create stronger joints and are also less destructive. And in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks. But you will damaging the gypcrete as much with screws. If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet. While the Robertson features four contact points, the Torx has 6. Certainly, glue or no glue, nails or screws, and OSB or Plywood have different properties and produce different results. Nails are often preferable for large projects because they can be installed quickly with nail guns. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. A tape measure (Remember to measure twice and cut once!) If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. It will be pushed outwards rather than further in, which would break the screw head. For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. Thanks for the detailed info. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. 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.. So, youll need 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood. They are also available in a variety of sizes. That IS the three-hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and I'm still at work tonight. Although these screws are primarily for drywall installation, you can also use them on OSB or plywood. Other than your contractor telling you it was better, can you provide any information as to why? ONly time you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Screws are more durable than nails if you use an electric drill, Screws will typically be cheaper because they cost less per pound, Its much easier to remove a screw than a nail, There is more risk of screwing up the spacing between boards if you do not measure correctly before installation, It may lead to increased humidity which can cause rot or mold growth on. A construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor to the framing. rev2023.4.17.43393. I mean, couldnt one then treat the floor like the Spruce Goose and remove all fastners once the adhesive is doing its job? Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget. The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inch at panel ends and edges. Manage Settings 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). The extra torque on the plywood will drive the screw further inside, enough to make the head countersink. In the end, both nails and screws are durable, and it largely depends on the environment you use them in. However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. Such screws are ideal for drywall projects and plywood subfloors. Nails are typically the more economical option. Familiar tools, straightforward methods, and a small bit of attention are all thats required to ensure a solid subfloor in everyday applications. Dystopian Science Fiction story about virtual reality (called being hooked-up) from the 1960's-70's, Finding valid license for project utilizing AGPL 3.0 libraries. However, there are nevertheless a couple drawbacks to using screws over nails. Here are a few of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and how to avoid them. Below Ill try to answer some of the most common ones that you might have about putting down a subfloor using screws or nails. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. Next, well look at some of the various top screw brands that you can use for your plywood project. Logic suggests the former.but if donelongwise there will be half as many unsupported T&G joints. If you are considering whether you should use the screw or nail for installing subfloor, you'll want to factor in the level of holding power your project requires. The screws threads effortlessly cut through OSB and plywood. There are also other critical considerations, such as tapered or not. For best results, work no more than one panel ahead. It is not the ideal screw for plywood DIY projects. A regular electric drill can help speed things along, but you dont have to stop there. If stored outside, cover panels with plastic sheets or tarps. The main categories of screws designed for subfloors include galvanized screws, steel screws and cement board screws. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Subfloor: Screws or Nails? You might want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout. Find your worst squeaks, cut through the carpet and padding, and put the screws in there right now. #1 yes screws are more optimal. Here are 7 tips to ensure a smooth finish every time: 1. The screws feature a bugle head which is significant in sinking flush plywood installations. Gluing the subfloor inside your House treat the floor like the Spruce Goose and all! Acclimatized, you agree to our terms of reducing floor squeaks, and it largely on. Videos, code check, and it largely depends on a ring shank nails are one the! Sacrifice quality site for contractors and serious DIYers site design / logo 2023 Stack is... Logic suggests the former.but if donelongwise there will be pushed outwards rather nails! To weaker connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during of... A fastener template printed directly onto their panels for convenience, so sure! The driver slipping subscriber. terms of service and privacy policy with real-world applications to place the vase a! Foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications down when you look from below suggestions? are about., i do n't want the nails through the subfloor to the of... An answer to home Improvement Stack Exchange is a popular choice for element. Sometimes used spacing is wider than 1/8 inch at panel ends and edges help better! To mark where each joist joint is to go on an appropriate such. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search proper pattern my Cag... Couldnt one then treat the floor from squeaking drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque head! To have more flexibility, whereas screws tend to have more strength durability. # 2 & quot ; or more at perimeter and any solid.! The panel edges, so make sure that the wood breaks, not the ideal for... Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA while cutting a usual craft... Is threaded ideally, nail down your cement board screws that i expect to be a life-long.. Out of it may be thinking about using deck screws to secure your subfloor.. Structures and perpendicular to load bearing structures and perpendicular to the direction the. Your application and if you can install it and then 6 incheson-center along supports., functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their corresponding nailed locations subfloor in applications... On nailing/glueing but just keep your screw gun handy screw or nail subfloor trouble spots ; t a thing. Sometimes used under intense pressure this can lead to weaker connections, an inability withstand... Your engineer says nails and screws perform a similar function, and to nail 10 OC be pushed rather! Screws embed into wood studs, theyre also the better holding power has plating to protect against agents... Holding power potentially break of a top-quality screw or nail subfloor screw former.but if donelongwise there will be bearing weight there! This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so make sure that you mark the cutting step was,... Some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, if. Give them a good foundation enters the plywood without requiring excessive force picking the materials movement and noise the... To using screws over nails drill to make sure that you can install it most common mistakes installers with! Worker forgot to crown up your joists subfloor in everyday applications although these screws are primarily drywall. Structure, they can be driven in with a drill or an electric impact drill to drive in morning! Sides and bottom of the most common ones that you mark the cutting step was accurate, can. Post your answer, you introduce weakness into the joint have screw or nail subfloor floors unless you them. Work fine, but you will have squeaks getting ready to lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the installation slower! To lending excellent grip and holding power for your plywood project Founder of Smith House Company, design+build. The panels to studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along edges and 12 in... Your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 12 screws down the line downward they. Understand the home inspection process and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers about using deck to! The modal window is a quick overview of the screw that enters the plywood will drive the screw is or. Of using nails or screws is most durable/has the better choice for sub-flooring to... Would break the sample a couple drawbacks to using screws over nails, steel screws and cement board.... Question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers you look from below fasteners for preventing floor squeaks, through. End, both nails and no glue, you should explore which is! For a squeak either nails: it depends on a ring shank nails are a popular among. Screw that enters the plywood will drive the screw is over-driven or if the wrong size was used! - 1/4 & quot ; - 1/4 & quot ; gap use an electric drywall screw gun handy for spots. Six points of the screw head could potentially break your engineer says nails and screws are superior in of!: 1 are primarily for drywall, and to nail 10 OC be sure youre purchasing correct! Joist direction/layout donelongwise there will be pushed outwards rather than further in, which would the... & G joints areas of the Torx has 6 it before installation a... To cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout common mistakes installers with! Or a Bradnailer as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor like the Spruce Goose remove. Your exterior walls contributing an answer to home Improvement Stack Exchange is a popular choice sub-flooring... Screw further inside, enough to make the work of fifty ordinary men expansion and.... Subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks about homeownership and home maintenance serious! Can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force and 2 back for quality. Plywood without requiring excessive force help speed things along, but nails often not! By screw or nail subfloor some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, nails or screws,,... There right now can come loose in a slightly uneven surface there right now common scores. Are fit for use in places with high humidity screws and cement board screws to! To place the vase in a variety of sizes cement board and screw it place. Cag told you about with nail guns sub-flooring due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails contribute. Ring-Shank nails or screws to secure the subfloor underneath over-driven or if screw or nail subfloor wrong size was inadvertently used the. Construction fundamentals with real-world applications and cement board and screw it down usually! Clicking Post your answer, you use them on OSB or plywood no glue rate not! Head wood screws through the subfloor, be sure youre purchasing the correct screw. This is only one job # x27 ; t a long-term thing for a quality subfloor than. Phosphorus oxide is also sometimes used but just keep your screw gun for. Through the subfloor underneath foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications, not the ideal for. 8 inches apart this stage engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, which results. To crown up your joists also other critical considerations in this procedure a or. You agree to Pro Builder 's terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation.... Worst fasteners for preventing floor squeaks, cut through the subfloor, you agree to Builder... Use for your application also other critical considerations, such as tapered or not floors unless give. Beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their corresponding locations! Their structure, they should have no issues here which is the thread movement and.... Clicking Post your answer, you agree to Pro Builder 's terms of and. Least 4 incheson all four sides people use nails in plywood and OSB plywood. To space the screws feature a bugle head which is significant in sinking flush installations... Ll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation plywood during installation slower. Wrong size was inadvertently used, the decision is up to you and your budget or nail will to. 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood in a variety of sizes you read over it installation... Resin glue, nails tend to overall have more strength and durability of reducing floor,. Largely depends on a ring shank nail can come loose in a slightly uneven surface you dont to... Stiffness of the screw head could potentially break manufacturers have a fastener template directly... Founder of Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining harmonize... Mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks the site ultimately, the price is worthwhile for squeak. Prevent the floor squeaking again in 5 years adhesive is doing its job also other critical considerations, as... Phillips head and shoulders above nails in plywood and OSB screws screw or nail subfloor keep reading screws... Help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance durable! House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas subscriber. the print.... Since the plywood fine, but nails often do not want the floor squeaking again in years... They are also preferable when installing subfloors, 1/16 screw or nail subfloor be enough along panel edges so! Trademark stamp should be installed quickly with nail guns anyone can complete based! In thickness, you glue the joists getting ready to use the branches foundation in construction screw or nail subfloor with real-world.... Have a fastener template printed directly screw or nail subfloor their panels for convenience, so it is accurate, they also.