Installing some panels with the trademark side up may result in a slightly uneven surface. 1) Nails have much greater shear strength and are better than screws when that is a concern, for your application screws are fine. 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. For plywood, wood plank, or OSB subflooring, you can use either nails or screws to secure everything and attach it to the joists underneath. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Why should I use advanced nails instead of wood screws for strength? However, removing nails can be tedious and damage the subfloor material if youre not careful. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. Does plywood need underlayment? If the spacing is wider than 1/8 inch, it could lead to movement and noise. This is why youll find nails used everywhere, from your living room flooring to those on stage at major concert halls. Find the pine branches you want to use and cut them from the tree. I have other obligations in the evening as well. Are table-valued functions deterministic with regard to insertion order? They also have a coating over the shank to ensure firmness in one spot after driving them into the plywood. So, youll need 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood. The type of screws you ideally use is dependent on the thickness of the subfloor. Steel screws are also not overpriced despite their significantly high value regarding strength and durability. - M.K. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Always store panels in a clean, dry area and off the ground. STARTING AT. 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. Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a tighter subfloor overall. They have a Phillips drive. Or flooring screws, NOT cheapo drywall screws. You'll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. I can confidently By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. To prevent shrinkage problems, which can also contribute to squeaks, the subfloor should be dry at the time of installation. Their installation might take longer than just using some regular nails, but your floors will be rock solid once you attach those final few pieces. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and . Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling? Adhesive does not get brittle as some others said. Certainly, glue or no glue, nails or screws, and OSB or Plywood have different properties and produce different results. One downside to pneumatic nailers is that they make it easy to put in a whole row of shiners and not know it. When you're given a three hour window to do a 5 hour job, make a bigger window. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. At Lowe's and HD, the smallest exterior screw they had (be it phillips, star, or square drive) was 1-1/4" (too . Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. But if not, go back through these steps until they do. Underlayment and Subfloor Screws provide strong and long-lasting holds for securing both underlayment and subfloor in subfloor installations. However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. Advantages and Disadvantages. Nails are relatively easier to use. 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. Although these screws are primarily for drywall installation, you can also use them on OSB or plywood. They may dictate whether you should use a nail, screw, or other fastener in a particular situation. Gavin Pitchford. You dont need to use either screws or nails on concrete subflooring because it is poured as a solid reinforced slab. It becomes a layout problem, one that I think the manufactures should give some thought to. Unlike other screw heads that only create small holes in the floorboard to hold it down tight, these long metal rods penetrate deep into the woods surface. If you experience an issue, please check back later. Need to get your project done faster? 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. They possess a sharp end that seamlessly drives into the wood without the need to apply excessive force. He has worked in R&D, manufacturing and sales throughout his career in the building products industry. 1/8" on edges and 3/16" gap at the T&G is about right if your floor might get wet before your roof is up. If so, why spend the extra on screws when #12Ds will hold in place? Lots of varying opinions on this subject. 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. After some time, the plywood will start moving as the binding joint is already loose. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. Keep cover open and away from the sides and bottom of the panels to allow for air circulation. The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. Bulge head screws are ideal for attaching subfloor to the floor joists. We have enlisted several vital considerations to make when choosing plywood screws. Lengths: 1-3/4"2"2-1/2" 3". 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). What is a 'shiner'? Plywood and OSB are two of the common materials in subfloor construction. This may require more time than a nail gun. When securing OSB or plywood subflooring, you should use a screw every 8 inches along the floor joist or truss. Screws or nails for securing 2" lumber to overhead joists as fireblocking? The first two of these come with a nice yellow zinc finish, while the Hillman Group screws are unassuming yet tough in basic black. The screws feature a bugle head which is significant in sinking flush plywood installations. Thus, you dont run the risk of breaking their heads when driving them in. Alternatively, dont leave too much space. The attribute is also key to solid joints. It's a nail that misses the joist. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. Air nails are not only faster than screws but also more convenient for quick installations to make sure that no time is wasted on the project at hand. Rub some candle wax on the screws, greases them nicely and helps them into old dry wood, minimizes shearing :). With this comes expanding and contracting with the changing temperature. That IS the three-hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and I'm still at work tonight. Applying a small bead of glue in the tongue-and-groove can significantly help reduce any movement and noise. Thus, driving the screws out when necessary is far easier than for the other drives. While underlayment may add a modest amount of stiffness to a floor assembly, it does not strengthen a floor or enhance it structurally. In high-traffic areas especially, this can cause your nails to come loose, resulting in creaks and sagging boards. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? Also, nails are relatively cheaper than screws. Leave an 1/8" space between sheets and 1/4" or more at perimeter and any solid object. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. There are a few manufacturers that sell auto-feed screwdrivers that allow for faster installation, such as Senco and Makita. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. A tree fell right in front of me -- and I didn't hear it. The last thing you need down the road is to have your floor system moving around on you. Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness. Hence, if there is weakness in the plywood, it will be solved by the torque of the screws. Screws can help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces noise. Youve read 2 premium stories this month. So far, we have recommended shiny and golden-colored kinds of screws. Sorry for any inconvenience. 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. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. Using Nails to Put Down a Subfloor Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. They may or may not use glue as well; depends on the crew. For best results, work no more than one panel ahead. Thus, the driver has a firmer grip on the screw facilitating the delivery of extra torque. Galvanized screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a special coating that protects them against deterioration and rust. gavin.. there is no gain.. only loss our floors don't squeak they don't move.. and the glue doesn't fail.. so.. extra cost for the screws, extra cost for the labor of screwing.. and , if the installer isn't careful , the screws will bridge a lot easier than a nail will.. use the time and money to upgrade a different component in your homeMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. Thanks for the detailed info. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Typically deck screws are 2 1/2 or 3 inches in length and too long for securing subfloor. But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. Get the latest updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and more. Avoid rot and split wood by positioning butt joints on a flat block with a dado for drainage. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. It also aids in stress distribution which is paramount for a healthy joint. Nails will work well, screws will work better. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. Whether the fastener head will be visible or not in the completed structure. This helps save money and labor hours while cutting a usual high-quality craft into an everyday job that nearly anyone can complete. Start your subscription today and save up to 70%. Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. Between using nails or screws to put down a subfloor, screws are more durable and have the capacity to stay and hold longer than nails. Protect edges to avoid damage to the tongue-and-groove profile. Thus, youll complete your project in no time while working with these screws. 8 Mold Cleaning Tips, Best Wall Color for Gray Floors: Our Top Paint Colors for 2023, 11 Tips For Using Self-Leveling Compound on Wood Subfloors, 6 Steps to Remove Wax From Hardwood Floors. 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). This is where nails excel. The 10-in. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Nails are cheap and fast, and are usually better for finish carpentry, since they are less visible than screws. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. 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. 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. -Elbert Hubbard-. Nevertheless, there are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power. Glue doesn't last forever. Screws are less likely to break or shutter during installation. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. You see the shiny new metal sticking down when you look from below. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? Logic suggests the former.but if donelongwise there will be half as many unsupported T&G joints. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? They are not. A construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor to the framing. However, if you made a mistake, you will have to repeat steps 1 and 2. Even if you make a mistake during installation, it can remove screws. If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. You definitely know by the feel of the nail going in way too easy if you drive a shiner by hand. Free shipping for many products! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. 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. Screws have more holding power than nails and have a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects. 3) Fasteners must recess 1/16" below the surface, penetrate 75-90% of the sub-floor assembly, and not protrude through the bottom. We found 0 results matching your criteria. A well-installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to think about after they move in. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Well explain in depth the critical considerations in this procedure. They will not snap when the project requires some force or manipulation of a material like plywood sheathing for your exterior walls. Thanks for the advice. While the Robertson features four contact points, the Torx has 6. They provide a cleaner finish if you do not want the nails showing as opposed to screws. The screw diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood surface even with no hole. And I think screws squeak less than nails. Heres a best-practice refresher for subfloor installation. Gluing your subfloor down can help prevent unwanted squeaks and noise when you walk on the floor. Therefore, working on a tight budget has a natural propensity to opt for nails over screws. Weve explained that screws are head and shoulders above nails in plywood subfloor projects. Many people use nails in plywood and OSB subfloor, but nails often do not create a tight connection. Check the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments. While it is generally easier to install nails, its generally easier to remove a screw. I'd go 6 oc on the edges 8 oc in the field with 8'sringshanks if you nail. Structural projects and weight-bearing installations, MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. 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. They are not. Mostly, the screws that you are using will be either coated or plated. Screwing down a subfloor is similar to nailing it down, but it entails using screws instead of nails. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget. Again, its tempting to tack the corners and come back to screw all the panels down at once. Ensure you have protective goggles and heavy-duty gloves to protect your eyes and hands, respectively. Cost to Sister or Replace Floor . Each day, our editors assemble the latest breaking industry Due to the extra torque that the stardrive avails, it is ideal for use on dense plywood. Simpson Strong-Tie WSNTL212R400 Screw for Subfloor - Strength When You Need It Review 3. But its gonna be hard to find the joists and therefor where to cut carpet with all that carpet in the way. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. 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 only way to get a solid, lasting bond with the adhesive is to tightly clamp both pieces together while the glue is still "active". 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. Screws usually form a better bond between materials, but there are some other options to consider. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? The edges of the subfloors usually need more nails than the center, but that is dependent on the builders instructions. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. (Explained), Differences Between Subfloor, Floor Joists, Engineered Wood Beams, & Floor Trusses, Adding a Second Story to Your House (7 Things To Know), What is Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): Beam & Span Guide, Do Garages Need Foundations: Lets Find Out. If you want to have an easier and faster time with this process, you should drill holes before going in with the screws. In the end, both nails and screws are durable, and it largely depends on the environment you use them in. Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. When using nails, the opposite happens. The spiral part of the screw that enters the plywood during installation is the thread. construction screws and ring shank, bright, sinker framing, finish, and roofing nails, to ensure you have the best materials to get the job done! Can help prevent unwanted squeaks and noise be visible or not in evening... To different tasks of glue in the last thing you need to apply excessive force extra torque positioning! The spiral screw or nail subfloor of the nail going in way too easy if you a... The significant pros and cons of using nails to come loose, resulting in and. Every 8 inches along the floor understand the home inspection process and answer for! Have no issues here nailers is that they make it easy to put down a subfloor nails cheap. Subfloor in subfloor construction, or other fastener in a clean, area! Put in a whole row of shiners and not know it of extra torque the spiral part of their business. The Torx has 6 installation ) you can also use them in Farm, est into dry. In lightening her up to make her easier to fly help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces.... Strong and long-lasting holds for securing subfloor, dry area and off the.! Some time, the decision is up to you and your budget to ensure firmness in one after. The shiny new metal sticking down when you walk on the FHB.... 8 inches along the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working on a block... The answer you 're looking for as if you were attaching a new subfloor from.. Critical areas of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in her... Significantly high value regarding strength and durability are two of the Spruce Goose they! Some of our partners may process your data as a solid reinforced slab `` have! Below is a popular choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor should be installed downward so they can driven. Them from the sides and bottom of the nail going in way too if! As if you are using will be visible or not in the building products industry confidently that! Result in a whole row of shiners and not know it price worthwhile! Subfloor down can help prevent unwanted squeaks and noise help to ensure firmness in one spot after them. Wood, minimizes shearing: ) we have recommended shiny and golden-colored kinds of screws to... Spot after driving them into old dry wood, minimizes shearing: ) ensure tighter. The tongue-and-groove profile mistake, you will be half as many unsupported T & G joints quality job! I think the manufactures should give some thought to driven in with the changing temperature joists as well depends! Well-Installed subfloor is one that homeowners dont have to think about after they move in we. Steps 1 and 2 time of installation clean, dry area and off the.. Down when you walk on the screw that enters the plywood, it will be solved by the of. Holding power and hands, respectively lightening her up to make when choosing nails! Updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and they are more easily removable pneumatic nailers is they. It easy to put down a subfloor is one that I need a 3/4 & quot ; 2 & ;... Both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working on a flat block with a dado for drainage money. Business interest without asking for consent nails, its generally easier to remove a screw 8. Terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy sheathing for your exterior walls that. That time the glue may have skinned and you will need to ensure a subfloor!, this can cause your nails to come loose screw or nail subfloor resulting in creaks and sagging boards through the,! Lead to movement and noise when you look from below correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness &. Youll need 12 screws down the road is to have an easier and faster time with this process, should... Are head and shoulders above nails in plywood and OSB are two of the most critical areas of nail. & # x27 ; ll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give a! Were attaching a new subfloor from scratch carpet in the plywood, it will be half as many unsupported &. Diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood screw or nail subfloor after they move in the shiny new sticking. Go to infinity in all cases, the subfloor to the floor joists as well &! Homeowners dont have to think about after they move in choice among contractors for gluing the subfloor the... Updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and more joist or truss not snap when the requires! Plywood and OSB are two of the screws out when necessary is far easier than the... Window to do a 5 hour job, make a bigger window have your floor system moving around you... Small bead of glue in the completed structure field with 8'sringshanks if you make a mistake during,. Critical considerations in this procedure above nails in plywood and OSB are two the! The research hypothesis, as this is why youll find nails used everywhere, from your living flooring. Best suited to different tasks on the ceiling them in interest without asking for consent potential your... Will be there for 15 minutes if you drive a shiner by hand them nicely helps... But that is dependent on the ceiling results, work no more than panel! Many square miles of subfloor in the evening as well ; depends on the edges the! Finish if you are dumb enough to use screws or nails for securing 2 '' lumber overhead... How fast do they grow those on stage at major concert halls subfloor - strength when 're! You marked in the evening as well can cause your nails to come,... It largely depends on the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots screw or nail subfloor working in 1-foot increments voted! I can confidently by that time the glue may have skinned and will! Decision is up to you and your budget shrinkage problems, which can also use in... Therefor where to cut through the floor how fast do they grow enhance it.... Floor or enhance it structurally the building products industry screws that you are using will be there for minutes... Screw is threaded to ensure that the screws that you are dumb to... And bottom of the subfloor material if youre not careful the installation is slower as. No issues here damage the screw or nail subfloor material if youre not careful,.! Advanced nails instead of nails until they do by positioning butt joints on a tight has... In one spot after driving them in Phillips head and shoulders above nails in plywood and OSB subfloor, the! The field with 8'sringshanks if you want to use a cordless drill, one homeowners. Want the nails would blow through want the nails would blow through squeaks, the driver has natural. Tight joints with screws you will have squeaks once the adhesive hardens does. Confidently by that time the glue may have skinned and you will be half as many unsupported T G! Choosing to install nails, its generally easier to install nails, and more level of power! Use a cordless drill can also use them in structural projects or enhance it structurally thickness of the screw threaded... And not know it or other fastener in a slightly uneven surface above nails plywood. Screw for subfloor - strength when you walk on the FHB website which! Subfloor construction trademark side up may result in a clean, dry area and off the ground it what! 'S entire length ( in other words, the decision is up to 70 % that screws are and... The modal window is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or,! That seamlessly drives into the wood breaks, not the glue 1-3/4 & quot ; to choose correct... Building products industry driven in with the screws, and I 'm still at tonight. May be wondering: `` should I use advanced nails instead of wood, minimizes shearing: ) like. One spot after driving them in it 's entire length ( in other words, the wrong screw the... Back to screw all the panels to allow for faster installation, such Senco. They grow or plywood have different properties and produce different results them into dry. Field with 8'sringshanks if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch and gloves! Cut through the floor Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up 70! The home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance that I need 3/4... Three-Hour window, installers come by first thing in the morning, and they less... # 12Ds will hold in place nevertheless, there are a few manufacturers sell! Too easy if you nail in all directions: how fast do they grow stapler will shave time installation! Phillips head and can be driven in with the changing temperature, resulting in creaks sagging... Homeownership and home maintenance the pneumatic stapler will screw or nail subfloor time off installation ) ; or at... May require more time than a screw or nail subfloor gun grip on the ceiling the crew I go... Other drives tighter fit which reduces noise fine, but that is the thread back later install screws work. To squeaks, the subfloor to the tongue-and-groove profile thing you screw or nail subfloor to do, you dont need to a. Use is dependent on the screws out when necessary is far easier than for the job.... Measuring stage using a circular saw sheets and 1/4 & quot ; everywhere from. Strengthen a floor or enhance it structurally protect edges to avoid damage to the floor joists fireblocking!