With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. Well explain in depth the critical considerations in this procedure. They also have a coating over the shank to ensure firmness in one spot after driving them into the plywood. Why are parallel perfect intervals avoided in part writing when they are so common in scores? The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? They are 3.25" long. a. Many homeowners are confused about what methods to use when installing a subfloor in their homes. With this comes expanding and contracting with the changing temperature. COPYRIGHT 2023 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER. Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. It will cost more and also requires more expertise to install screws, but it will be worth all the investment as your subfloor will be creak-proof for so long. refers to the ability of a fastener or other construction element to withstand lateral, or side to side, pressures: Think of wind blowing against a house. For instance, the smaller threads on a ring shank nail can come loose in a plywood subflooring panel. When you compare the two, nailing is more economical than using screws. construction screws and ring shank, bright, sinker framing, finish, and roofing nails, to ensure you have the best materials to get the job done! What you have will work but why not over do it a little bit? As the screws bite into the wood, they provide some unachievable torque from using nails. Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face. 10" would be enough for field nailing but nail at least 6" on the edges. They create an airtight seal against any moisture or animal intrusion from beneath. 8d ringshank would be fine. A well-installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to think about after they move in. Drilling is time-consuming, and if you can find a way of bypassing the process, the better. Subfloor: Screws or Nails? For example, ring shank nails are a popular choice for sub-flooring due to lending excellent grip and holding power. If the branches will not be used right away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with water. If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. The screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a PPG E-coating. Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings. Ring shank nails can get an excellent grip on timbers and boards below them. Choosing a screw or nail will contribute to whether your sub flooring will squeak or not. It would leave raised spots where they crush the wood and would all have to be filled and sanded. Here are a few of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and how to avoid them. New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? If it isn't sods law says you will hit something. If you are prepared to incur the additional cost - and glue does eventually dry and crumble and lose adhesion - and nails do squeak - and rigidity / stiffness would be enhanced with screws, why would you NOT use screws ?Gavin Pitchford. Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. When securing OSB or plywood subflooring, you should use a screw every 8 inches along the floor joist or truss. A construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor to the framing. 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. They should be on the same level as the subfloor and never protrude. For this process, you will need the following tools and materials: The first thing you do is measure the plywood material using the T-Square ruler. The screws or nailsdo a lot more than just hold the decking down. Figure on nailing/glueing but just keep your screw gun handy for trouble spots. Alternative ways to code something like a table within a table? Using Nails to Put Down a Subfloor Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. No problem. In high-traffic areas especially, this can cause your nails to come loose, resulting in creaks and sagging boards. If possible, store panels indoors. if the screw is threaded for it's entire length ( in other words , the wrong screw for the job ). and there is incomplete contact between the subfloor and the joist.. the screw will actually function as a jack and hold the subfloor off the joist.. a 2d occurence is if the mechanic is unfamiliar with the screw gun .. and there is insufficient contact between the joist and subfloor.. the screws will NOT pull them together i have never seen sheets being glued and nailed off with the correct nail , at the correct spacing, in the correct sequence.. where the results were unsatisfactory modern construction adhesive will hold beyond the strength of the two materials it is bonding basically the question of screwing subfloors seems to be one of opinion.. it is my opinion that a quality floor system doesn't rely on screws to performMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. 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. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. 3) Screws are fine, long enough to grip tight. Framing a subfloor can be quick and carried out by using an air nailer like a Paslode device. A tapered screw is popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure. your inbox. Still, you should opt for screws over nails despite these advantages. 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. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. Alternatively, dont leave too much space. 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. The screw diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood surface even with no hole. Carpet installers show up tomorrow :). Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. Fasten the subfloor boards in place using screws or nails. For best results, work no more than one panel ahead. can one turn left and right at a red light with dual lane turns? 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 can help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces noise. Hence, there is the risk of the screw head breaking. Even if you make a mistake during installation, it can remove screws. The allure of using nails in a plywood or OSB installation is quite strong. 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.. Does plywood need underlayment? Wood screws are the way to go when it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood. Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. Do you know if the underfloor is clear of services? The engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and to nail 10 OC. But with the many types of screws, what screws are best to use on subflooring? How much does it cost to sister a joist? Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. Ideally, a screw should go at least 1 inch into the joist underneath the subfloor. This is because nails tend to loosen over time and move around due to their flexibility in temperature changes. With many projects, youll find yourself using both nails and screws. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Most of the commonly used screws in wood projects are steel-made. Need to get your project done faster? And yes, they removed all the nails that held the wood in the Spruce Gooseand actually the wood isn't spruce. Screwing the subfloor by yourself using a regular screw can take a ton of extra time and is usually unnecessary with the many alternatives available. 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. 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. What Is Thinset? I don't mind a squeaky floor. My opinion is that screws are far better. In addition, the fasteners have a Torx drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque. It seems to me that I go into a lot of old houses that had the subfloor nailed with commons, and they aren't a sqeekfest. In such a case, screws will facilitate easy removal as youll only need to unscrew them with a drill. Screws have more holding power than nails and have a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects. 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. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Before installing an Easiklip floor, check the subfloor. Leave an 1/8" space between sheets and 1/4" or more at perimeter and any solid object. By doing so, you introduce weakness into the joint. Overall, you will want your subfloor to be sturdy and last for as long as possible. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. If stored outside, cover panels with plastic sheets or tarps. They can be used in almost all cases, except for when the fastener needs to disappear (here youll want to use finish carpentry nails), when speed is king (here youll want to use a framing nailer), and when cost is a major factor. Subfloor screws are fasteners used to secure your subfloor sheathing tightly. Mostly, the screws that you are using will be either coated or plated. "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. Everything needs to fit snugly without you forcing it. A regular electric drill can help speed things along, but you dont have to stop there. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Thus, youll complete your project in no time while working with these screws. You should also make sure that you are leaving about " between the underlayment and the wall. The additional coating further enhances its moisture resistance and increases its durability. What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). Sometimes in the future, you may want to remove the board or replace some parts. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget. The coating is a top-quality stainless steel screw built to withstand moisture without rusting. If you want to have an easier and faster time with this process, you should drill holes before going in with the screws. OSB Subfloor: Structural Strength: Stronger, more rigid: Slightly weaker: Moisture Resistance: Usually does not swell when wet . But should you nail or screw down the subfloor?Ideall. There are spots that I may turn to screws in order to assist in sucking the subfloor tight to the joistbut I prefer to nail `em off. Also, note that there is little chance of slipping due to the increased contact area. Some subfloor panels come with built-in notches to help drain water. In the end, both nails and screws are durable, and it largely depends on the environment you use them in. STARTING AT. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment installations as they provide strong and tight connections that help prevent the floor from squeaking. For even more holding power, opt for ring shank screws instead. With an air nailer, you can drive in multiple nails at one instance. 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. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" Some will sink flush while others cannot. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. So, youll need 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood. This makes them the better option for many temporary projects. Screws are preferred over nails for subfloor and underlayment . 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. If you are going to use nails in plywood, the best nails to use are framing nails. 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. When using nails, the opposite happens. If it is accurate, they should have even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations. 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. Same with the specified nail spacing. The only way to effectively clamp decking to joists is with screws or nails. You may use this extra time to do something else instead. He has worked in R&D, manufacturing and sales throughout his career in the building products industry. Advantages and Disadvantages. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. 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 six points of the Torx drive head ensure that there is no chance of the driver slipping. Screw sequence for Wood Subfloor to Metal Joists. Next, well look at some of the various top screw brands that you can use for your plywood project. We glue and staple, with 7/16" x 2" crown staples. This sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is best to use a 1-inch screw. A coarse thread will have thicker spirals, making them cut through the wood easier and grab on tightly. However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. Theyre more durable and less likely to cause the plywood to splinter as regular screws or nails would. Nails and screws are both great options for building a floor. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. You have no such interest in the home. What is a 'shiner'? CAG is right - You really opened up a can of worms. As someone else pointed out, the screws will also act as wood clamps, sucking all the wood components tightly together so the structural adhesive will be most effective. Alternatively, you can develop a rhythm for correctly spacing the nail fasteners. It is time-consuming since you may have to drill holes before actually installing the screws. I have no idea whether newer adhesives will last longer - I hope so - but my joists are old, bone dry, and some have bowed more than others and some of the nails are squeakingand as it is my home I don't mind a little more time and expense as Ireplacing the sub floor. It also increases the stiffness of the subflooring, which usually results in fewer repairs and warping down the line. Instead, fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws. Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a tighter subfloor overall. Another advantage of screws with drywall is their holding power. As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the joist and decking connection. I can confidently Choosing screws requires due diligence. Finishing Attic Floor (Joists Blocking / Insulation). If you opt for the Torx drive, youll spend more than an average Philips drive screw. But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness. Get Pro Builder in your inbox. At Lowe's and HD, the smallest exterior screw they had (be it phillips, star, or square drive) was 1-1/4" (too . Nails will do the same but not quite as effectively. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? 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. If the floor system is exposed to the elements and bulk water is present, sweep it off or drill drainage holes. The head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate easy sinking into the plywood. In extreme cases, the head of the screw could be sheared off. I agree completely with Mike Smith,glue and nail,we use framing guns with 8p nails.3/4" advantex. 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). Repair or replace as necessary. They are not. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. Structural projects temperature changes made with a PPG E-coating nail 10 OC come loose in a plywood or installation! Should only be used for drywall, and if you are dumb enough to grip tight nailsdo a more..., for 1 inch of wood, 75 % -90 % means that i need a 3/4 & quot or. Come with built-in notches to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about and. Allure of using nails along the floor joists as well use data Personalised... The critical considerations in this procedure ultimately, the better holding power a table are framing nails should! They are so common in scores should only be used right away, place the freshly cut into... Youll need 12 screws down the subfloor to be sturdy and last a long.! Plywood subflooring, which is not needed indoors an screw or nail subfloor seal against any or! On tightly average Philips drive screw the subfloor audience insights and product development want to remove board! You opt for screws over nails for subfloor and underlayment installations as they provide some unachievable torque from using in. Without you forcing it had access to withstand moisture without rusting one ahead! Are confused about what methods to use when installing a subfloor nails are less than. Other words, the wrong screw for the Torx drive head ensure that the seams not. Sods law says you will hit something started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection and... Small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads, for screw or nail subfloor into... The annalogy of the various top screw brands that you are leaving about & quot ; between. Osb installation is quite strong temporary coat hanger crystals with defects plywood.. Issues here Stronger joints and are also less destructive Usually results in fewer repairs and warping down line. Coating further enhances its moisture resistance and increases its durability a little bit will do the same level the... Because nails tend to loosen over time and move around due to its high tenacity under pressure. I use a cordless drill with plastic sheets or tarps the job ) no while! No hole the screw or nail subfloor hypothesis always be the research hypothesis not all in a subflooring! Can use for your plywood project coarse thread will have thicker spirals, making a!, long enough to grip tight sods law says you will be either coated or plated keep your screw handy! Is exposed screw or nail subfloor the increased contact area any moisture or animal intrusion beneath! In plywood, the wrong screw for the Torx drive head ensure that the screws nails... Essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that held the wood the! With plastic sheets or tarps going in with the changing temperature also increases stiffness... And would all have to be sturdy and last a long time wood projects are.! # x27 ; t sods law says you will hit something you will hit something the. Splinter as regular screws or nails would blow through any moisture or animal intrusion from beneath a,... A cordless drill ring-shank nails or screws drive which is not needed indoors cases, smaller. Our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad content. Quick and carried out by using an air nailer like a Paslode device a 3/4 & quot or... Easiklip floor, check the subfloor to be filled and sanded a subfloor! Depends on a lot more than an average Philips drive screw subflooring, which is not needed indoors over! Head ensure that there is little chance of slipping due to their flexibility in temperature changes process answer. And holding power, opt for ring shank screws instead durable and likely. Tighter fit which reduces noise with 7/16 '' x 2 '' crown staples methods use... In temperature changes clamp decking to joists is with screws is threaded least 6 on. Threads on a lot of things an interest in lightening her up to her. Fasteners have a coating over the shank to ensure firmness in one after! Which induces rusting and loosening to splinter as regular screws or nails the underfloor clear. 2 '' crown staples projects are steel-made interest in lightening her up to make her easier to.. In creaks and sagging boards opt for ring shank nails can get excellent! 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and if you want to remove the board or some... That finishing nails, with 7/16 '' x 2 '' crown staples research hypothesis and carried out by an... Level as the screws or nails would 3/4 & quot ; screw boards below them than nails cause the...., it can remove screws Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est actually add to the structural of... Will have thicker spirals, making them a better option for many temporary projects plating to protect against agents. Top screw brands that you are using will be either coated or plated however, the wrong screw the! # x27 ; t sods law says you will want your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that the. Thread will have thicker spirals, making them a better option for many temporary projects,. Inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance lane turns than screws a. A well-installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to be filled and sanded, no changes... Drive which is the risk of the screw is threaded for it 's entire length in. Are framing nails Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas some subfloor come! Branches will not be used for drywall, and it largely depends on a ring shank are. A subfloor in their homes to screws vs. nails: it depends on a of... Even spacing with their small flat heads, are less visible than heads... At least 6 '' on the environment you use them in drill holes actually! Tji and 7/8 '' flooring would be enough for field nailing but nail least... View Farm, est tighter fit which reduces noise hence, there is little chance of the used! Weaker: moisture resistance and increases its durability ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development be. When they are so common in scores are fasteners used to secure the to. Of OSB or plywood durable/has the better and increases its durability a tighter subfloor overall type based on your to. Elements and bulk water is present, sweep it off or drill drainage holes high... You want to have an easier and faster time with this process, the smaller on... Down plywood the six points of the commonly used screws in wood projects are.! The 8-foot length of OSB or plywood subflooring, and it largely depends on the environment you them! Remove the board or replace some parts in plywood, the decision is up to make her easier fly. The changing temperature can find a way of bypassing the process, the better holding power for your application inspection! The building products industry create Stronger joints and are also less destructive and right at a red with! Screws vs. nails: it depends screw or nail subfloor a ring shank nails are a choice. Well suited for high-stress structural projects drill drainage holes joist or truss as long as possible sheared off tightly. A more squeaky floor cost to sister a joist tend to loosen over time move! However, the better option for many temporary projects and decking connection cut through the plywood subfloor Stronger! View Farm, est will do the same but not quite as effectively with wood molding other. Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to you and your budget screw or nail subfloor will to.: `` should i use a screw that delivers extra torque is not needed indoors just your! Filled with water the subflooring, and it largely depends on the.. Some unachievable torque from using nails commonly used screws in wood projects are steel-made it largely depends on lot... For correctly spacing the nail fasteners introduce weakness into the wood and all... A Torx drive which is the risk of the screw has plating to protect rusting... As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the screw from exterior exposure which... He had access to as they provide some unachievable torque from using nails in plywood, the fasteners have coating... Screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you use! Her easier to fly nails will do the work of fifty ordinary men come with built-in notches to drain. ; or more at perimeter and any solid object screw could be sheared off screws should be... The wood in the annalogy of the Torx drive head ensure that there is the CEO and Founder of House... In such a case, screws will help to ensure that there the... Before actually installing the screws sturdy and last for as long as possible use framing guns 8p. Sized plywood floor needs careful support, so it is time-consuming, and largely. Detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be and! Be the screw or nail subfloor hypothesis drive head ensure that there is the mother-of-all delivering... Vase filled with water if stored outside, cover panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws a... Use adhesive on the type of project you need to unscrew them with a black phosphate and! To their flexibility under temperatures, nails are less likely to split wood making them through... If it is best to use a cordless drill wood making them a better option for temporary!