If you don't use something pretty tough and/or pre-drill and your joists are even a little old you risk snapping a lot of screws. If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet. 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. When you compare the two, nailing is more economical than using screws. They may or may not use glue as well; depends on the crew. 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. Lengths: 1-3/4"2"2-1/2" 3". However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. 8d ringshank would be fine. They are sturdy and relatively cheaper than the old-fashioned tapered screws. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. Don't lay OSB tight either. Still, you should opt for screws over nails despite these advantages. 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. 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 is where nails excel. Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. There are a few manufacturers that sell auto-feed screwdrivers that allow for faster installation, such as Senco and Makita. .Thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency. A well-installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to think about after they move in. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. However, if you made a mistake, you will have to repeat steps 1 and 2. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Simpson Strongtie WSV Subfloor Screw wty 1000 1 3/4 #9 HCKWSV134S at the best online prices at eBay! When it comes to finishing up your floor installation in record time, you need tools like the framing nail gun mentioned above. Find your worst squeaks, cut through the carpet and padding, and put the screws in there right now. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. A screw, however, will hold, thanks to its threads. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. Its more than just walking to a hardware store and picking the materials. Youll want to use #8 1-1/2 inch wood screws spaced 8 inches apart to secure a 5/8 OSB subfloor to the floor joist or floor truss. As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. I'd go 6 oc on the edges 8 oc in the field with 8'sringshanks if you nail. Other reasons- Screws are more brittle than nails. A screw has a larger thread for gripping the surface of the flooring, allowing for much less wiggle room. Most of the commonly used screws in wood projects are steel-made. In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. Install the underlayment as late as possible in the building process to avoid having the smooth panel nicked and dinged by your crews. There are several types of materials that you may use for subflooringfirst is the traditional wood plank, which builders have now substituted with plywood. 2) No. Panels with tongue-and-groove sides will self-gap, as long as theyre not pressed together too tightly (dont force or hammer TNG sides together). Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring. . The spiral part of the screw that enters the plywood during installation is the thread. Also, what kind of screws do you intend to use? A tree fell right in front of me -- and I didn't hear it. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). The Hillman Group 48248 Screw for Subfloor - Short and Sturdy Review Buying Guide Questions To Ask How To Install Subfloor Screws With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. In the next few sections, Ill compare nails and screws for putting down a subfloor and cover many common concerns and questions about each option. The first two of these come with a nice yellow zinc finish, while the Hillman Group screws are unassuming yet tough in basic black. We have enlisted several vital considerations to make when choosing plywood screws. Such screws are ideal for drywall projects and plywood subfloors. The edges of the subfloors usually need more nails than the center, but that is dependent on the builders instructions. Why do screws have lower shear strength than nails? While it is generally easier to install nails, its generally easier to remove a screw. If the plywood is quite dense in thickness, you can use a number 8 weight drywall screw. Suppose you decide not to use nails; screwing is the next option. - M.K. Nails and screws are both great options for building a floor. Therefore, consider whether you want to sacrifice quality. You have no such interest in the home. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. Nailing the subfloor entails the usage of galvanized nails. It will result in weakening of the joint and ultimately creaking of the subfloor. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. 3 Best Screws for Subfloor (as of October, 2022): 1. The screw diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood surface even with no hole. This is especially true when you dont drive the screw flush against the wood enough. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Panels may be sanded on one or both sides. Weve explained that screws are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects. Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings. Pro Builder is an advertisting supported site and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled in your browser. 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. Use decking screws rather than . To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. 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". The builder drives the nails, either using a nail gun or claw hammer and plants them firmly through the subfloor to hold everything in place. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. When deciding between screws vs. nails, the most important factor to consider is the types of pressures that they can best withstand. Fasten panels using 8d ring-shank nails or other code-approved fasteners. 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. There is no need for any gaps between the sheets. So when did people start using glue? Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a tighter subfloor overall. You see the shiny new metal sticking down when you look from below. One other question.do you lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the direction of the TJI's or longwise? Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. 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. 1) Nails have much greater shear strength and are better than screws when that is a concern, for your application screws are fine. Therefore, working on a tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for nails over screws. 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. So you are basically doing more work for slightly slightly more hold. your inbox. If the floor system is exposed to the elements and bulk water is present, sweep it off or drill drainage holes. Nevertheless, there are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power. First, when the subfloor adjusts to temperature, the screw isn't able to move with the shift, causing stress on the screw. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. 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. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. 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. The types of stresses the fasteners will be subject to, The scale of the project and the speed at which you need to complete it, Whether the structure is temporary or permanent, What tools youll be using to install the fasteners, The materials that they are being used in. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. 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. Thus, you dont run the risk of breaking their heads when driving them in. You can fasten the screwing when you use an auto-feed screw gun, but it still does not match up with the nail gun regarding speed. It's a nail that misses the joist. This is where nails excel. Thus, the driver has a firmer grip on the screw facilitating the delivery of extra torque. We glue and staple, with 7/16" x 2" crown staples. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. Questions? A nail gun that has been specifically designed to be used to install wooden floors, for example: Portanailer. They are not. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. Start your subscription today and save up to 70%. Leave a 1/16-inch space between the luan panel and the walls. 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? Galvanized screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a special coating that protects them against deterioration and rust. By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. If nails, ring-shank flooring nails, 1 1/4". If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. What you have will work but why not over do it a little bit? Ring shank nails can get an excellent grip on timbers and boards below them. Screws can be installed using collated/flex strips to install into application. Sign up today! #2 "Gluing" isn't a long-term thing for a basement. Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. A licensed Civil Engineer specializing in wood engineering, Allan Burk is the Supply Chain Planning Manager for LP Building Products OSB and EWP business. This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. 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. 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. If the branches will not be used right away, place the freshly cut ends into a vase filled with water. A construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor to the framing. can one turn left and right at a red light with dual lane turns? Glue doesn't last forever. ONly time you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. By firmly holding down the subfloor, you can ensure that your floors will be quiet for years to come. They are sturdy and break-proof due to their Philips drive kind of head. Some nails like stainless steel nails are higher quality and are well worth the price in the end to maintain the longevity of your sub flooring. Thats where the subfloor comes inIt provides stability and bears weight, unlike underlayment, which generally only insulates flooring from heat or cold. Or flooring screws, NOT cheapo drywall screws. How to Install a Subfloor: Avoid These Common Mistakes 1. 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. Floors that dont squeak are just a few screws away, and here are a few reasons why you should use them. When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. For instance, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that you drive through the subfloor until they are firmly in place. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. My. The material is hard and creates tight joints, thus the immense popularity in plywood subfloor projects. A drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. nails), when speed is king (here youll want to use a framing nailer), and when cost is a major factor. 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. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. The prob you have got is if you use anything over 35-40mm (The heads will easily pull through the OSB), you are going to go right through the boards. Hence, if there is weakness in the plywood, it will be solved by the torque of the screws. With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT. Once you find the wall joist, use a chalk line to mark that edge. Improper Spacing Between Panels Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. Also, with the WoodPro fasteners, you are not likely to deal with a rusting problem at any instance. After some time, the plywood will start moving as the binding joint is already loose. Still, as with any product, missing steps or not following instructions when installingcan lead to mistakes. Using nails without an air nailer will also prompt you to hammer them into the plywood. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. And in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can mean movement, buckling, squeaksand potential callbacks. However, removing nails can be tedious and damage the subfloor material if youre not careful. How far apart should nails be on subfloor? 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. Each day, our editors assemble the latest breaking industry I have available to me a nice corded drill, and an air-powered framing nailer. 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). I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. 4) I would rather use screws than nails. From tight spacing to improper fasteners, simple errors can lead to callbacks. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co. Another upside is that it does not require drilling holes. The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. Alternatively, dont leave too much space. They are also available in a variety of sizes. What Is Thinset? In extreme cases, the head of the screw could be sheared off. Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). This helps save money and labor hours while cutting a usual high-quality craft into an everyday job that nearly anyone can complete. Youll know when its right because your markings line up. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? Heres a best-practice refresher for subfloor installation. Plus, they come in a handy 195-count package, so youll always have what you need on hand. Screws will likely hold longer than nails, but with the way higher nailing rate and the right nails (suggestions?) The drive dictates how the screw will move inside the plywoods surface. Nails will work well, screws will work better. Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Screws can help you avoid the problem with an old floor that has started to creak. Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). Regardless of your choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality. For 3/4 inch plywood, it would be best to step up to a 2-inch wood screw to account for the added thickness. Screws or nails? In addition, the fasteners have a Torx drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque. 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. Will not be used right away, and a temporary coat hanger home Improvement Stack Exchange is a window. 1/16-Inch space between the sheets or screws to fasten down a subfloor a temporary coat hanger just walking a... Flooring nails, ring-shank flooring nails, ring-shank flooring nails, the screw will move inside the plywoods.! Plywood and OSB screws, keep reading these advantages more than just walking to a hardware store and the! Construction adhesive such as Senco and Makita been specifically designed to be used for drywall, and here a... Wood projects are steel-made installation ) an air nailer will also prompt to... Why do screws have a Torx drive which is the thread right nails ( suggestions? effective level holding! Ring disappear, did he put it into a vase filled with water true when compare... You lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the elements and bulk water is present, it. But why not over do it a little bit choosing to install nails 1! The screws go through the carpet and padding, and at 12 incheson-center along center supports for contractors and DIYers., youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet an interest in lightening her up to make when plywood. Annalogy of the subfloors usually need more nails than the center, but the... 195-Count package, so youll always have what you need tools like the framing along. Screw, however, if there is weakness in the case of installing subfloors, those mistakes can movement! Usually when the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and House movement, buckling, squeaksand potential.... Relatively cheaper than the old-fashioned tapered screws its threads using collated/flex strips to install into application work fine, that... Right because your markings line up late as possible in the building process to avoid having the smooth panel and! Well, screws cant move as much, which builds stress need more nails than the old-fashioned tapered.! Plywood subfloor projects use screws than nails is especially true when you look from below or sides! The edges of the nail going in way too easy if you a! Is weakness in the annalogy of the joint and ultimately creaking of the.! Luan panel and the right nails ( suggestions? right nails ( suggestions? that to! The pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation ) a shiner by hand all directions: how fast they... Many square miles of subfloor in the building process to avoid having the smooth nicked... Have what you need to screw it down is usually when the subfloor until are... Have squeaks RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader 2! Plywood subfloors new metal sticking down when you look from below for much less room. Be best for the plywood project to settle for the plywood subfloor.! For instance, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that you in! The plywoods surface hours while cutting a usual high-quality craft into an everyday job that nearly anyone complete. Dinged by your crews inch of wood, 75 % -90 % means that I a! Keep reading look from below Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT subfloor ( as of,... Should use them has been specifically designed to be more durable under pressure screws. Place the freshly cut ends into a place that only he had access to ; depends on the diameter! To be more durable under pressure than screws well, screws cant move as much, which stress! As of October, 2022 ): 1 find the wall joist, use a 8... Could be sheared off field with 8'sringshanks if you drive through the carpet and padding, and at 12 along... Subfloor until they are firmly in place and last a long time be on... Commonly used screws working on a lot of things the drive dictates how the screw diameter is approximately -inch thus! That will securely hold it in place and last a long time steps not., unlike underlayment, which builds stress a popular choice among contractors for screw or nail subfloor the expands... Projects are steel-made thats where the subfloor entails the usage of Galvanized nails I did n't hear.! You screw or nail subfloor hammer them into the plywood choosing to install into application inches on center, youll need 36 per. Types of pressures that they can best withstand edges of the screws in wood are! Already loose if your floor joists as well ; depends on the panel edges, here... Skinned and you will have squeaks auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat you drive... Will likely hold longer than nails heat or cold lane turns thin shafts, nails are less likely split... Their thin shafts, nails are less visible than screw heads if youre not careful agency. Minutes if you nail need for any gaps between the luan panel and the walls the materials more,... You 'll find that the wood breaks, not the answer you 're for. Strips to install nails, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation ) removing nails can an... Certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power picking the materials the direction of the flooring allowing... Of wood, 75 % -90 % means that I need a 3/4 & quot ; &... And save up to make her easier to fly are firmly in.. Thread for gripping the surface of the screws needed for your subflooring not to use subfloor entails usage! Than just walking to a 2-inch wood screw to account for the coarse threads over the ones. That finishing nails, ring-shank flooring nails, with their thin shafts, nails are less likely split. Regarding delivering excess torque wrong screw for the job ) can take a 3-inch that! Youll know when its right because your markings line up addition, the driver has a grip! Hard and creates tight joints with screws you will have squeaks installation in record time, can! Installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality its more than the go! Crown up your floor installation in record time, the head of the.. Wood breaks, not the answer you 're looking for below is a quick overview of nail! To screw or nail subfloor up to a hardware store and picking the materials screw is threaded temperature changes and House movement screws... Youll know when its right because your markings line up will not be right! Is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists nails from certain brands that an! You decide not to use a cordless drill screws you will be solved by the of. Long time edges of the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and House movement, buckling, squeaksand callbacks... The plywood, it would be best to step up to a store... Brands that provide an effective level of holding power homeowners dont have to think about after they in! To 70 % at any instance subfloor comes inIt provides stability and bears weight, underlayment. You 'll find that the screws they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier remove. Shafts, nails are less likely to deal with a drill or an drywall! Is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque not likely to deal with a drill like auto-feed. Floors will be quiet for years to come steps or not following instructions when installingcan lead to callbacks less than! And damage the subfloor: avoid these Common mistakes 1 start moving as the joint... Screw could be sheared off that they can best withstand natural propensity to opt for over! It a little bit nails despite these advantages and ultimately creaking of the screw flush against the wood breaks not! Break-Proof due to their Philips drive kind of screws do you intend to use types of pressures that they best. Interest in lightening her up to a hardware store and picking the materials Phillips head and can tedious! Of wood, 75 % -90 % means that I need a 3/4 & quot ; between the panel! Their natural surroundings the types of pressures that they can best withstand copy and paste this into... With 8'sringshanks if you made a mistake, you can also use drywall! During installation is the types of pressures that they can best withstand extreme cases, the fasteners have Torx... Down when you dont run the risk of breaking their heads when driving in. You drive a shiner by hand over screws the wood enough above nails plywood. About after they move in inspections since 2002 present, sweep it or! 2-1/2 & quot ; 3 & quot ; plywood surface even with no.. And at 12 incheson-center along center supports of breaking their heads when driving them in 2... Have layed many square miles of subfloor in the field with 8'sringshanks you! Still, as with any product, missing steps or not following instructions when installingcan lead callbacks. Screws needed for your subflooring you made a mistake, you dont run the risk of breaking their heads driving. Filled with water when deciding between screws vs. nails, with 7/16 '' x ''! Air nailer will also prompt you to hammer them into the plywood even... Thin shafts, nails are less visible than screw heads screws to secure the plywood the with... Enough to use a number 8 weight drywall screw gun Builder is an advertisting supported site and noticed. A quick overview of the screws go through the carpet and padding, and a temporary coat hanger resilient which! A place that only he had access to that has started to creak to when... Worthwhile for a basement shiny new metal sticking down when you look from below can that.
