What Plywood Do You Use For Flooring?

Selecting the right plywood for flooring is crucial for creating a stable, durable, and long-lasting floor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best plywood for your flooring project:

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Types of Plywood for Flooring

1. CDX Plywood

Best for: Subflooring in dry areas

Features:

• “C” grade face, “D” grade back, exposure-rated glue (“X”)
• Economical choice for subflooring
• Suitable for areas that will be covered with finish flooring

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2. Hardwood Plywood

Best for: Decorative flooring or high-end subflooring

Features:

• Attractive face veneers (e.g., oak, maple, birch)
• Can be used as a finished floor surface when properly sealed
• Higher strength and screw-holding capacity

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3. Exterior Plywood

Best for: Subflooring in potentially damp areas (basements, bathrooms)

Features:

• Water-resistant glue for better moisture resistance
• More durable than standard CDX in humid conditions

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4. Marine Plywood

Best for: Flooring in high-moisture areas or outdoor applications

Features:

• Highest grade of water-resistant plywood
• Minimal voids and high-quality face veneers
• Excellent stability and durability

5. Tongue and Groove Plywood

Best for: Subflooring, particularly in high-traffic areas

Features:

• Interlocking edges for added stability
• Reduces squeaking and movement between sheets
• Often available in CDX or better grades

Thickness Considerations for Flooring

The appropriate thickness depends on the application and joist spacing:

• Subflooring:
  
  • 5/8 inch (15 mm): Suitable for joist spacing up to 16 inches (40 cm)
  • 3/4 inch (18 mm): Recommended for joist spacing up to 24 inches (60 cm)
• Underlayment:
  
  • 1/4 inch (6 mm) to 1/2 inch (12 mm): Common for creating a smooth base for finish flooring

Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring Plywood

1. Joist Spacing: Wider joist spacing requires thicker plywood for adequate support.
2. Moisture Exposure: Choose moisture-resistant options for areas prone to dampness.
3. Load Requirements: Consider the expected load on the floor (e.g., heavy furniture, foot traffic).
4. Finish Flooring Type: Some finish flooring materials may require specific underlayment.
5. Building Codes: Always check local building codes for minimum thickness and grade requirements.
6. Tongue and Groove: This feature can provide a more stable floor with less movement.

Installation Tips for Flooring Plywood

1. Acclimate the plywood to the installation environment for at least 48 hours before installation.
2. Leave a 1/8 inch (3 mm) gap between plywood sheets to allow for expansion.
3. Use appropriate fasteners and follow proper fastening schedules as per local building codes.
4. For subflooring, apply a bead of construction adhesive to the joists before laying the plywood for added stability.
5. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing underlayment or finish flooring.
6. For tongue and groove plywood, ensure the grooved edge faces the wall and the tongue faces the center of the room.

Special Considerations

• Radiant Heat Systems: If installing over a radiant heat system, consult with the manufacturer for compatible plywood recommendations.
• Sound Insulation: In multi-story buildings, consider using special sound-insulating underlayment between the subfloor and finish flooring.
• Green Building: For environmentally conscious projects, look for plywood certified by organizations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Contact us to select the best plywood for your specific flooring needs.