Can you lay new subfloor over old subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don’t respect this thickness of ply, then you’re highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

How do you add a second layer to a subfloor?





Second Layer Installation



First layer must be dry prior to laying the second layer. Place a layer of 15-lb felt on top of the subflooring prior to installing second layer. Adhesives should not be used to fasten the two layers together. Install second layer on top of the first layer inside of the wall studs.

Do I need 2 layers of subfloor?

That’s the usual approach. Almost no one puts down double-thick subfloor in residential applications (for cost and handling reasons), and both layers need to be fastened to joists. Only thin underlayment can be fastened just to the subfloor.

How do you level a floor before subfloor?

Pour the liquid-like floor leveler onto the subfloor and smooth it out with a trowel. Gravity will help it settle into the low areas. Remove any excess floor leveler and feather it around the edges so it blends with the rest of the floor. Let the floor leveler dry overnight or as indicated by the manufacturer.

Can I put plywood on top of subfloor?

Plywood is a great underlayment to install over a subfloor. It is strong and durable and often very smooth without a lot of imperfections or knots. In this article, we have laid out the steps to installing plywood over a subfloor. By following these steps, you can get your flooring ready for its final form.

How do you level a wood plank subfloor?





wood plank subfloor repair and leveling

  1. replace some of the pieces.
  2. add a layer of structural plywood (1/2″ or 5/8″) on top.
  3. use cement patch compound to level it.
  4. add finish plywood.


How do you fix uneven plywood subfloor?

What can I do with an uneven subfloor?

  1. Wood underfloors will most likely have to be ripped up and a new one installed to ensure consistency.
  2. You can also use a flooring underlayment which can smoothen up any remaining peaks and valleys in the subfloor.

How do you install a subfloor on top of a subfloor?


Quote from Youtube video: But that's the first layer on top of the joists. So you have the joist. You have the subfloor.

Does subfloor need to be staggered?



Staggering a Subfloor



Stability is more important than aesthetics when laying a subfloor, so it isn’t important to make the pattern random. When laying the plywood, install a full sheet along one edge of the floor, then start the next row with a half sheet and use a full sheet for the third row.

Can you use self leveling compound on wood subfloor?

If you’ve got a plywood subfloor, like many buildings do, you can leave it in place and apply self-leveling concrete directly on top of it. Once the plywood subfloor is covered, just apply the finish you want to achieve the desired look.

How do you join two floors at different levels?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So what you do with this case is you use a piece like this which is called a transition piece so you can see how it's shaped like this.

How do you level a sagging floor in an old house?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So we decided to use shims which would be a lot lighter once we've got all these shims down uh we're going to install three quarter inch osb or uh sub flooring.

What do you put on top of subfloor?

Underlayment: Some types of flooring can be installed directly on top of the subfloor, such as vinyl flooring. Other types need a middle layer, called underlayment, such as laminate,carpet and tile.

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.

Should you nail or screw down 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.

How far apart should nails be on subfloor?



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.

What size screws should I use for subfloor?

Most construction experts use 3-inch steel screws for plywood subfloors. To find out which length of screw you’ll need, you first have to know how thick the flooring is. You’ll want the screw to go about an inch past the plywood into the joist or underlying layer beneath it.

Does plywood need an expansion gap?

Unlike laminate floors which float over an existing floor and have expansion gaps, plywood is usually screwed or nailed into position and expansion gaps are not necessary. You should fit the plywood sheets tight together , but always leave a 10mm expansion gap at the perimeter.

Do you need to fill gaps in subfloor?

Fill Plywood Subfloor Gaps



You don’t have any control over a subfloor that you just uncovered by removing carpeting or some other flooring, however, and it’s important to fill existing gaps to guarantee thermal and moisture isolation and protect your new flooring.

Does OSB sheathing have to have 1/8-inch gap?



The APS recommends keeping a 1/8″ gap between OSB or plywood sheets when used on roofs, floors, or walls. That makes a lot of sense since both types of sheathing absolutely will expand and contract. But I don’t get how that works out of a span.