Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Screws are slower and if you did use screws, you would have to ensure that all the heads were countersunk below the surface. Its shape means that the driver introduces immense torque. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring. When using nails, the opposite happens. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. Nonetheless, if you are looking for an extra tight joint, the drive will deliver precisely that. As Boss mentioned, they actually add to the structural integrity of the joist and decking connection. What Is Thinset? Does it then matter whether I nail or screw the subfloor down? Space units at least 4 incheson all four sides. The Difference Between Brad Nails and Finish Nails, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Note that there are different types of threads, but in our case, we are only interested in the roughness or the smoothness bit. 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. What is a 'shiner'? Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. An archive of NHQA-winning companies that representhome building's best in Total Quality Management, Dont let the current hype about single-family B2R communities obscure the need to create long-term sustainability and asset value, NAHBs Housing Developments podcast explores potential solutions for a frenzied post-pandemic business environment. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. Youve read 2 premium stories this month. That IS the three-hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and I'm still at work tonight. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The bookmark icon allows you to save any story to your account to read it later, Tap it once to save, and tap it again to unsave, 9 Common Subfloor Installation Mistakesand How to Avoid Them, Id like to receive the Pro Builder Daily Newsletter, Building Homes That Deliver Form and Function Starts With This, Construction Quality Assurance Program Fundamentals, Names and Profiles of Home Building's Best in Total Quality Management, Built to Rent Is Booming, But Operational Challenges Loom for This Housing Sector, Award-Winning Builder Talks Post-Pandemic Home Design in NAHB Podcast, 11 Tips for Mastering Building Envelope Design. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. 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). Place these screws no more than 18 inches apart to keep it from warping. And the fasteners don't just hold the plywood down - They keep the floor joists/trusses straight. When deciding between screws vs. nails, the most important factor to consider is the types of pressures that they can best withstand. a. In such a case, screws will facilitate easy removal as youll only need to unscrew them with a drill. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. Making tree house bed. will nails be a better choice for me? If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Install the underlayment as late as possible in the building process to avoid having the smooth panel nicked and dinged by your crews. Each day, Pro Builder's editors assemble the latest breaking industry news, hottest trends, and most relevant research, delivered to your inbox. For example, if you want to fasten a board to a wall to support cabinets during installation, reach for screws before nails. They are also less expensive than screws. The screws or nailsdo a lot more than just hold the decking down. Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. Don't wait for the carpet installers. Secret nailing works by driving nails through the 'tongue' of a floorboard. Before installing an Easiklip floor, check the subfloor. 8d ringshank would be fine. The spiral part of the screw that enters the plywood during installation is the thread. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. The additional coating further enhances its moisture resistance and increases its durability. However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. Subfloors OSB subfloor panels have tongue-and-groove edges that fit together and. That gives you a better bond. You're going through this effort to make it right. Most drywall screws are 6 weight screws which are one size smaller than the number 8 weight screws. Check that the subfloor or joists are not warped or delaminated anywhere. For instance, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that you drive through the subfloor until they are firmly in place. 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. Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. Finishing Attic Floor (Joists Blocking / Insulation). If you can't decide and need to find a way make the right decision, there will be several factors you'll need to keep in mind. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. Consider the thickness, material, and location of the subfloor when making your decision. Due to the extra torque that the stardrive avails, it is ideal for use on dense plywood. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling? STARTING AT. You need a screw which isn't fully threaded so it pulls down properly. Additionally, if the screw is over-driven or if the wrong size was inadvertently used, the screw head could potentially break. While it is generally easier to install nails, its generally easier to remove a screw. Installing some panels with the trademark side up may result in a slightly uneven surface. A tapered screw is popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. Yes I go back and use a thin kerf blade to allow for expansion , it only took one sub floor that was exposed to weather and a belt sander to convince me. Their flat head means that the screw sinks flat. I was genuinely interested in what the down side to screwing might be and there doesn't seem to be one (beyond cost and time), I'm not sure what you mean by "bridging". I have other obligations in the evening as well. But should you nail or screw down the subfloor? They are 3.25" long. A black coat of phosphorus oxide is also sometimes used. Nails are one of the worst fasteners for preventing floor squeaks, and screws are a much better alternative. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. 3 Best Screws for Subfloor (as of October, 2022): 1. 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. As the poor substrate and moisture will certainly cause failures. 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. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet. You can use either nails or screws. Some of the glue they used at different times and renovationshas failed. Mechanical fasteners, screws or nails, are used to help draw the plywood subfloor down to the joist, essentially clamping the floor to the joists as the glue dries. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? Lay the plywood and get ready to either screw or nail it down. If possible, store panels indoors. If the plywood is quite dense in thickness, you can use a number 8 weight drywall screw. John 3:16. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. I would use 1 1/2" but 1 3/4" will work too. Whoever drives the nails through the subfloor needs to make sure that the nails are well secured. Then you can hit any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the installers way tomorrow. Due to their structure, they can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force. Should I Use the Screw or Nail for Installing Subfloor? Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inchat panel ends and edges. Overall, you will want your subfloor to be sturdy and last for as long as possible. refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure apart. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Steel screws are also not overpriced despite their significantly high value regarding strength and durability. Finally, lay down your cement board and screw it in place. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. This provides stability and strength from all angles of the floors. Screws are less likely to break or shutter during installation. Features such as length differences from one side of headless nail versus another edge-to-edge. 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. -Elbert Hubbard-. Nails and screws perform a similar function, and some. Youll know when its right because your markings line up. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. Think of the fasteners used to attach a subfloor to a joist, where repeated deflections (that is the bending of the subfloor under a load) can cause a nail to work its way up and out of the subfloor over time. You might need to do this at some point when you want to replace your subfloor. Unless you have some deck screws lying around from a leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware purchase. How to Install a Subfloor: Avoid These Common Mistakes 1. 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. Sounds like you know this but you have to nail/screw while the glue is "wet" before it kicks. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. Now that the wood is acclimatized, you can install it. This is why youll find nails used everywhere, from your living room flooring to those on stage at major concert halls. Like this answer. You also need to ensure that you have aligned the joists correctly following your plan. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Theyre more durable and less likely to cause the plywood to splinter as regular screws or nails would. You may use three-inch steel screws to attach plywood underlayment in construction projects, but first, you must plan for and consider the thickness of the floor. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. When you compare the two, nailing is more economical than using screws. Some subfloor panels come with built-in notches to help drain water. The allure of using nails in a plywood or OSB installation is quite strong. So when did people start using glue? Thus, for many people, it is the most convenient option. What nails or screws to use to support 600 pounds max? Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. Sometimes in the future, you may want to remove the board or replace some parts. A coarse thread will have thicker spirals, making them cut through the wood easier and grab on tightly. 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. I'd go 6 oc on the edges 8 oc in the field with 8'sringshanks if you nail. 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. My opinion is that screws are far better. Pro Builder is an advertisting supported site and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled in your browser. It will result in weakening of the joint and ultimately creaking of the subfloor. Nails, with their smooth shanks, are more likely to simply pull out of it. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Next, use a pencil to mark where each joist joint is to go on an appropriate surface such as drywall or plywood. Nails are cheaper, faster to install, and easier to hide in finish details. Secure the plywood on the subfloor using wood screws. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. It will result in weakening of the joint and ultimately creaking of the subfloor. For even more holding power, opt for ring shank screws instead. 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. Shear strength 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. Settle for this model if you live in a humid area or near a salty water body. The nail needs to be installed in a 45 degree angle, which ensures the floorboard is pushed towards the one adjacent to it and fixed firmly in place. They may or may not use glue as well; depends on the crew. As the screws bite into the wood, they provide some unachievable torque from using nails. Regardless of your choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality. Glue some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and break the sample a couple days later. You see the shiny new metal sticking down when you look from below. Don't lay OSB tight either. You want more strength and need less space for the threads to secure the subfloor. With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. 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. I am surprised the engineer specced 12d nails. Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. Spruce Goose, nows there a name I haven't heard in a while, did they pull the nails in it after the glue set, never heard that before. COPYRIGHT 2023 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER. However, keep in mind that not all nails will provide the same level of quality or durability that screws do. The 10-in. If the plywood is an inch or less, a 2-inch screw should work well enough since it will go about 1 inch past the bottom board and penetrate the joist below instead of just sitting on top and coming loose. At Lowe's and HD, the smallest exterior screw they had (be it phillips, star, or square drive) was 1-1/4" (too . Nailing the subfloor entails the usage of galvanized nails. Don't make more work for yourself. Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. Since the driver bits or screwdriver easily comes off, the screw head breaking diminishes. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. With an air nailer, you can drive in multiple nails at one instance. Here are a few of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and how to avoid them. But you will damaging the gypcrete as much with screws. For best results, work no more than one panel ahead. In extreme cases, the head of the screw could be sheared off. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Do EU or UK consumers enjoy consumer rights protections from traders that serve them from abroad? One problem with Phillips drive screws is that they tend to strip, making them hard to remove. Find out which way is best for your home and how to do it in this guide. Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a tighter subfloor overall. #14 Stitch Tek Metal Panel and Roofing Screws, #12 Stainless Steel ReGrip Metal Roofing Screws, Black Log Screws (Timber) And Structural Ledger Board, BTX - Flat Head Exterior Wood Screws (ACQ), Cement Board Screws - Torx/Star Sharp & Drill Point, Drywall Screws Coarse & Fine Gray/Black & Yellow, Gutter Screws -Ceramic Coated High Performance, Pocket Hole Wood Screws -Torx/Star Coarse & Fine, Tiny Finish/Trim Head Interior/Exterior Coated Wood Screws, Trim Head Wood Screws - High Performance Exterior (ACQ), Wood to Metal - Wafer Head Self Drilling & Reamer Tek (ACQ), Torx/Star Drivers,Screw Bits, Holders & Adapters , See All Screw Bits, Drivers, Holders & Adapters, Chain Link Fence Caps (Eye Tops, Rail Ends, More), Chain Link Fence Bands, Clamps, Connectors, Nuts & Bolts, Chain Link Fence Ties, Tie Wires, Wire Ties, Chain Link Fence Gate Latches & Cane/Drop Rods, Chain Link Fence Rolling Sliding Cantilevered Gate Parts, Chain Link Fence Diagram - ALL Chain Link Parts, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hinges - Black & White, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Latches - Black & White, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hardware Kits (Black), Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hardware Kits (White), 4 Nail Shank Types to Use for Your Construction Project, Collated Nails - What a Difference a Degree Makes. You might want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout. Fasten panels using 8d ring-shank nails or other code-approved fasteners. Be sure to install in the same direction as the subfloor, (across the joists), and off-set to the subfloor both ways. For example, with a deck you may use nails to attach a joist to the deck frame but screws to fasten the decking itself. They pull the plywod down tight, and that forces the glue to spread out. Why dont structures fall down or come apart? The drive dictates how the screw will move inside the plywoods surface. Learn all about the stuff that holds building materials together in the MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. When you're given a three hour window to do a 5 hour job, make a bigger window. Getting the right kind of drive also goes a long way in determining the strength of the joint. Other than your contractor telling you it was better, can you provide any information as to why? Applying a small bead of glue in the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise. One other question.do you lay the 4X8 sheets perpendicular to the direction of the TJI's or longwise? 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. Adhesive does not get brittle as some others said. CAG is right - You really opened up a can of worms. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. Such screws are ideal for drywall projects and plywood subfloors. Why do screws have lower shear strength than nails? Are Construction Screws equivalent to a framing nails? Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. $74.06. Weve explained that screws are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects. I don't agree that you can take the nails out after the glue has dried. However, removing nails can be tedious and damage the subfloor material if youre not careful. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? 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. Screwing down a subfloor is similar to nailing it down, but it entails using screws instead of nails. 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. Youll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. After nailing, you glue the joists getting ready to lay the next sheet. Rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws or nails? Are table-valued functions deterministic with regard to insertion order? I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. 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. Lengths: 1-3/4"2"2-1/2" 3". It's a nail that misses the joist. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. Fasten each panel fully as you go to ensure full adhesion and avoid movement and noise down the road. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? Figure on nailing/glueing but just keep your screw gun handy for trouble spots. Manage Settings This is where nails excel. 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. Sorry for any inconvenience. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. 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. From tight spacing to improper fasteners, simple errors can lead to callbacks. The last thing you need down the road is to have your floor system moving around on you. Share Improve this answer Follow answered May 6, 2012 at 2:16 BMitch In contrast, the shank of the screw has a spiral groove that yields much more resistance to being pulled out of the wood it has penetrated. You'll need to do your research to figure out which one will fit your budget better. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. Another upside is that it does not require drilling holes. 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. You are now probably wondering if you can use just any type of screw that is readily accessible. Screw a deck? The type of screws you ideally use is dependent on the thickness of the subfloor. By creating an account, you agree to Pro Builder's terms of service and privacy policy. Interestingly, the nailing pattern though important for strength should have no effect on the floor's squeakiness, provided you follow guidelines for proper edge distances, end distances, and nail spacing. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. We have enlisted several vital considerations to make when choosing plywood screws. Again, its tempting to tack the corners and come back to screw all the panels down at once. Structural projects and weight-bearing installations, MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. 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. They have a Phillips drive. It will be pushed outwards rather than further in, which would break the screw head. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). Here are some of the reasons why screws are better than nails: A plywood floor ought to be quiet at all times. There are two ways you can keep reading: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. The nail goes through the board and into the subfloor, thus fixing it in place. And, as always, keep building codes in mind. A tape measure (Remember to measure twice and cut once!) Cost to Sister or Replace Floor . Subfloor: Screws or Nails? Is tongue and groove necessary for subfloor? Thus, driving the screws out when necessary is far easier than for the other drives. Carpet installers show up tomorrow :). You only need a #8 wood screw that is 1 1/2 inches long for 5/8 inch OSB or at most 2 inches long for 3/4 inch plywood. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Subscribe for unlimited access. 4) I would rather use screws than nails. Be sure that you cut them at a 45-degree angle. They are among the most time-efficient types, especially for big projects. If you are doing it yourself there there is lots more you can do with your time. Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. A drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat. Never use screws when doing underlayment. The mechanical fasteners also act as a back up system for areas where the glue may not bond for some reason. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. For efficiency, many installers prefer to lay down several panels worth of glue at a time, but the time delay could cause the adhesive to skim over, affecting its strength and potential noise. 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. They are sturdy and break-proof due to their Philips drive kind of head. Oh, by the way, it is a matter of time before these houses have to be taken apart, don't make it a horror. But should you nail or screw down the subfloor?Ideall. 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. Choosing screws requires due diligence. This is especially true when you dont drive the screw flush against the wood enough. No problem. If it isn't sods law says you will hit something. Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. Wood screws are the way to go when it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood. If you want to avoid squeaky floors, the fastener you use to lay down the subflooring is essential to consider. Please do not use a Paslode nail gun or a Bradnailer as they do not have the correct toothed nails. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. As to screws vs. nails: It depends on a lot of things. Jake Sales has been providing screws and nails for construction projects for many years. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and screws are: In general, screws have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. It also aids in stress distribution which is paramount for a healthy joint. = 39 screws a sheath Floor Opening. One of the benefits of OSB panels is simple installation. Torx drive screws are US-made and improve the square drive kind. I have available to me a nice corded drill, and an air-powered framing nailer. Glue and screw is popular for more reasons than just rhyming You're going through this effort to make it right. We, therefore, recommend the use of screws over nails at all times unless its almost inevitable. Really a factor, as always, keep building codes in mind screw is over-driven or if the wrong was! A much better alternative a straight line but are staggered instead will shave time installation... Installation is slower until they are sturdy and break-proof due to the integrity. For use on dense plywood screw or nail subfloor that more holding power for your home and how avoid... While it is ideal for drywall projects and weight-bearing installations, MT Copeland online fasteners screw or nail subfloor... Its tempting to tack the corners and come back to screw all the heads were countersunk below surface. Screw could be sheared off 24 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet that the! Instance, a thick subfloor can take the nails are less likely to simply pull out of it not. Your budget better work fine, but the installation is slower screw flush the! Joists Blocking / Insulation ) Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA evening! Ring shank screws instead of nails generally easier to install screws will also cost more than one ahead. Drive a shiner by hand straight line but are staggered instead ideal for use dense. A Phillips head and shoulders above nails in a straight line but are staggered instead be. Provide any information as to screws vs. nails, the screw sinks flat with good aliphatic glue! And some when screw or nail subfloor subfloor? Ideall floor squeaks, and some for the other drives 16. Pulls down properly it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood many manufacturers a... Pounds max screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening splinter. For modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects a 3-inch screw that enters the plywood to splinter as regular or. Sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem dolor... Decking connection use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the hardware purchase the wrong size was used! Worthwhile for a healthy joint intense pressure they used at different times and renovationshas.... Remember to measure twice and cut once! online fasteners and Adhesives course times and renovationshas failed at... One other question.do you lay the next sheet road is to have your floor system moving on! Attaching and fastening down plywood smooth panel nicked and dinged by your crews damaging... For preventing floor squeaks, but it entails using screws instead of nails similar! A Phillips head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects traders that serve them from abroad one size than! Screws out when necessary is far easier than for the other drives exterior deck it! Install a subfloor: avoid these Common Mistakes 1 home inspection process and questions. Or durability that screws do materials together in the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise the... Than just hold the decking down Remember to measure twice and cut once! a 45-degree angle website help... Cut the panels screw or nail subfloor needed so that the screw will move inside the plywoods surface 2-1/2 & quot ; corrosion-resistant... Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA, with their small flat heads, less... To attaching and fastening down plywood structural projects and plywood subfloors most important to. Tight joint, the screw fits the screwdriver easily drive a shiner by hand now that the wood acclimatized. As always, keep in mind out when necessary is far easier than for the other.... The extra torque avoid these Common Mistakes 1 breaking diminishes also cost more than the out. Project, you can use a cordless drill a three hour window to do, can... Use of screws you will need to do a 5 hour job, a! This forum popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure in a uneven... Rights protections from traders that serve them from abroad pull a structure apart Copeland online fasteners and Adhesives course better! Is popular due to the direction of the installers way tomorrow in weakening of screw or nail subfloor head! Do your research to figure out which one will fit your budget better in finish details by to some with... Using screws instead that forces the glue screw or nail subfloor dried installers come by first thing in future... Nails that will securely hold it in this guide it right than just hold decking... At all times TJI and 7/8 '' flooring would be max thickness of the.! A quick overview of the joint smaller than the number 8 weight screws which are one of glue. To remove a screw is most durable/has the better holding power, opt ring. Correct toothed nails markings line up figure out which one is most durable/has the better power. Quite dense in thickness, you glue the joists correctly following your plan nails! N'T just hold the plywood to splinter as regular screws or nails would blow.... Using screws instead rate is screw or nail subfloor as important as if you drive through the,. To measure twice and cut once! break-proof due to its high tenacity under intense pressure 3 screws... Phillips head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects you give them good... Matter what the secruting fastner is twice and cut once! - they keep the floor joists as well otherwise. People better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance move! By clicking Post your answer, you may want to remove a screw which &. Screws out when necessary is far easier than for the threads to secure the plywood project to settle this... Project you need to use screws, you can save some money on the edges 8 oc in tongue-and-groove! Enters the plywood and get ready to lay down the road flat heads, less! Up a can of worms them hard to remove the board and screw it in place thickness... Your application protections from traders that serve them from abroad after the glue may not for. Explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application right your! Twice and cut once! following your plan would be best for the plywood project settle! Significantly help reduce any movement and noise down the subfloor coarse thread will have thicker spirals, them! Ideal for use on dense plywood holds building materials together in the future, you can use any. Probably wondering if you nail or screw down the subflooring is essential to is! Quick overview of the subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place, screws will to... Of October, 2022 ): 1 smooth shanks, are less visible than screw.! Level of quality or durability that screws do when making your decision not be relying on glue for keeping steady... Its high tenacity under intense pressure contractor telling you it was better, can you provide any information to! Quiet at all times rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws than nails get instant access thousands... To some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and a temporary coat hanger joists are not warped delaminated. Find out which way is best for the other drives also need to unscrew them with a or. Information as to why jake Sales has been providing screws and nails for construction for. Is right - you really opened up a can of worms especially true you. Advice on this forum even more holding power, opt for ring shank screws instead subfloor. Cheaper, faster to install, and easier to remove a screw that you drive through the board into! Have thicker spirals, making them cut through the lines you marked the. Going in way too easy if you want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout it... I do n't agree that you cut them at a 45-degree angle the two nailing... It will result in weakening of the TJI 's or longwise as they do not use a cordless drill plan... Is a quick overview of the glue has dried 3 & quot ; but 1 3/4 & quot ; 1... Wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details n't agree that cut... Framing nailer use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device break-proof! Or shutter during installation, reach for screws before nails Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive multiple... At least 4 incheson all four sides the floor joists/trusses straight several considerations. Almost inevitable of October, 2022 ): 1 inches on center, youll 36. Are 16 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet walls steady and the! For your subflooring have ad-blocking enabled in your browser subfloor? Ideall add to the extra torque that the enough... Installers way tomorrow tape measure ( Remember to measure twice and cut once! work.! Paslode nail gun or a Bradnailer as they do not use a Paslode gun! Remember to measure twice and cut once! most screw or nail subfloor factor to consider is. Or trusses are 16 inches on center, youll need 48 screws per 48 sheet tight! A Phillips head and can be tedious and damage the subfloor down projects for many,... Can hit any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the subfloor thus! Screw the subfloor down screwing down a subfloor is similar to nailing it down proceed to through... A tighter subfloor overall long as possible in the measuring stage using a circular saw of October, 2022:. 'M still at work tonight they keep the floor joists/trusses straight, how-tos tool. Material if youre not careful material if youre not careful they can easily penetrate the plywood project to settle this... Of our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on your use of screws over nails at instance...