AC Plywood for Subfloor

What type of plywood is best for subfloor?

Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but a better material is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring. The tongue-and-groove edges interlock to resist movement along the panel edges and create an overall stiffer floor.

What size plywood is best for subfloor?

The spacing of the joists governs the recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor. Some experts suggest that 15/32-inch plywood should be standard if the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart or less, but you should use slightly thicker 3/4-inch plywood for joists spaced further apart.

Can you use regular plywood for subfloor?

Plywood. Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

What is AC plywood?

AC plywood is made from thin sheets of wood pressed tightly together to create a durable and strong piece of plywood. One side of it is sanded and finished which makes it graded “A”. The other side of the board is not sanded or finished, so it is graded “C”.

Can I use 7/16 for subfloor?

Glue is sprayed between each layer and the sheet is hot pressed. CDX plywood should be a minimum of 7/16 inch thick. The thicknesses are as follows: 7/16-, 15/32- and 1/2-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 16 inches on center; 19/32- and 5/8-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 20 inches on center.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it’s a superior material for use on the subfloor.

What is better AC or BC plywood?

Plywood graded B-C is more affordable than A-C or A-B. The B side becomes the prominent face, with a few visible defects and color variations or streaks. The C side or back has obvious defects that can be placed inside or on the backs of doors.

Is AC plywood structural?

Structural plywood is usually a lower grade of plywood — “CD.” The veneer grading is the same as with “AC,” where “D” permits knots up to 2-1/2 inches wide, and splits and repairs are noticeable throughout the plywood surface.

What’s the difference between CDX and AC plywood?

As such, a sheet of A-C plywood will be very well finished on the face with a relatively unfinished back. Conversely, construction-grade plywood would be C-D (commonly referred to as CDX plywood), which is great for structural use but not suited to be finish material.

Is it better to screw or nail subfloor?

Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower.

Why is 7/16 OSB so expensive?

Increasing OSB prices are due to demand over supply, increasing construction starts, and several natural disasters. As contractors, architects, and building owners struggle to offset the high OSB prices, an excellent alternative sheathing product to consider is Barricade Thermo-Brace.

Is OSB OK for subfloor?

Around the 1990s, OSB began to make in-roads into the plywood market for subflooring. Most local codes allow OSB to be used for subflooring. It’s always best to check with your local permitting office before using OSB for your subfloor. One advantage that OSB has over plywood is its larger formatting.

Which is stronger plywood or OSB?

Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications.

What does CDX plywood stand for?

CDX signifies class C to D exposed plywood. Manufactures make any type of plywood from several plies pressed firmly together to create a larger and stronger piece of plywood. Plywood usually is available in plies of three, five, seven, and nine, with the most reduced numbers denotes the highest class plywood.

How much does a 4×8 sheet of 3/4 plywood cost?

3/4 x 4 x 8 Plywood Sheathing at Menards