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. I have available to me a nice corded drill, and an air-powered framing nailer. The allure of using nails in a plywood or OSB installation is quite strong. This is where nails excel. A licensed Civil Engineer specializing in wood engineering, Allan Burk is the Supply Chain Planning Manager for LP Building Products OSB and EWP business. #2 "Gluing" isn't a long-term thing for a basement. 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. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. Hence, there is the risk of the screw head breaking. 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? I don't agree that you can take the nails out after the glue has dried. Also, they feature a sharp end which makes them ideal for self-drilling. Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). The engineer called out 7/8 OSB for subflooring, and to nail 10 OC. 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. Screws have a tighter grip than nails, but they are also more likely to break. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. But should you nail or screw down the subfloor?Ideall. This may require more time than a nail gun. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. screwing is for decks, nailing is for sub-floors.. look up the nailing schedule in your code we glue and nail.. and we've glued and nailed since '75.. Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. 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. Nevertheless, there are some nails from certain brands that provide an effective level of holding power. If you opt for the Torx drive, youll spend more than an average Philips drive screw. Self-drilling screws These screws have a design feature that allows them to drill into the subfloor without having pre-drilled holes like most other screws do. This makes them the better option for many temporary projects. Advantages and Disadvantages. If there is an application where I have to use screws in a floor (such as in decking), then I also use a type that lock-in so they don't back out from years of vibration. #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. What nails or screws to use to support 600 pounds max? We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. For example, if you want to fasten a board to a wall to support cabinets during installation, reach for screws before nails. Screws can help you achieve a tighter fit which reduces noise. A drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat. Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling? This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. Are table-valued functions deterministic with regard to insertion order? In addition to plating, they can also be coated with an extra layer of zinc for added protection from moisture. will nails be a better choice for me? If you want to have an easier and faster time with this process, you should drill holes before going in with the screws. Ships today when you order in the next 8 hours 35 minutes. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). As the poor substrate and moisture will certainly cause failures. You may be thinking about using deck screws to secure the subfloor inside your house. Most of the commonly used screws in wood projects are steel-made. 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. A tape measure (Remember to measure twice and cut once!) Rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws or nails? But you will damaging the gypcrete as much with screws. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." Underlayment and Subfloor Screws provide strong and long-lasting holds for securing both underlayment and subfloor in subfloor installations. Underlayment and Subfloor Screws provide strong and long-lasting holds for securing both underlayment and subfloor in subfloor installations. A black coat of phosphorus oxide is also sometimes used. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring. If the plywood is an inch thick or more, youll want to go with at least a 3-inch screw. 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. Their flat head means that the screw sinks flat. But by then the glue is already set. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. Thanks for the detailed info. Nails are relatively easier to use. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 8d ringshank would be fine. 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. Why should I use advanced nails instead of wood screws for strength? However, keep in mind that not all nails will provide the same level of quality or durability that screws do. These screws are popular in woodwork projects primarily due to their reliability, durability, and ease of use. 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. You'll need to do your research to figure out which one will fit your budget better. When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. This can lead to weaker connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods of expansion and contraction. #1 yes screws are more optimal. Screws have more holding power than nails and have a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects. Named after American businessman Henry F. Phillips, the screw fits the screwdriver easily. Panels may be sanded on one or both sides. It would leave raised spots where they crush the wood and would all have to be filled and sanded. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Well introduce a dark-colored kind but still with the key features of a top-quality wood screw. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. Due to the extra torque that the stardrive avails, it is ideal for use on dense plywood. Youll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. A screw, however, will hold, thanks to its threads. Next, well look at some of the various top screw brands that you can use for your plywood project. You also need to ensure that you have aligned the joists correctly following your plan. Everything needs to fit snugly without you forcing it. Does plywood need underlayment? Fasten panels using 8d ring-shank nails or other code-approved fasteners. Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. 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. It is not the ideal screw for plywood DIY projects. Do you know if the underfloor is clear of services? For plywood, wood plank, or OSB subflooring, you can use either nails or screws to secure everything and attach it to the joists underneath. 3) Fasteners must recess 1/16" below the surface, penetrate 75-90% of the sub-floor assembly, and not protrude through the bottom. In this article, we'll go over all the important factors to consider when choosing screws or nails for subfloor installation. Adhesive does not get brittle as some others said. Regardless of your choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality. Theyre more durable and less likely to cause the plywood to splinter as regular screws or nails would. Repair or replace as necessary. Most drywall screws are 6 weight screws which are one size smaller than the number 8 weight screws. When deciding between screws vs. nails, the most important factor to consider is the types of pressures that they can best withstand. Check the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. If it were my house I would go ahead andtighten upthe spacing a little. Please do not use a Paslode nail gun or a Bradnailer as they do not have the correct toothed nails. Thus, youll complete your project in no time while working with these screws. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. The lack of corrosion protection makes metal wear out faster. They are also available in a variety of sizes. Typically deck screws are 2 1/2 or 3 inches in length and too long for securing subfloor. 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 learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. The six points of the Torx drive head ensure that there is no chance of the driver slipping. The size of the screws matters a lot as they will keep the subfloor supported. 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. I don't mind a squeaky floor. What you have will work but why not over do it a little bit? 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. Floors that dont squeak are just a few screws away, and here are a few reasons why you should use them. Such screws are ideal for drywall projects and plywood subfloors. Drywall or gypsum board will often crumble when a nail is hammered into them. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. .Thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency. It 'should' last the life of the house. You'll want to factor in the changes in your subfloor when selecting either screws or nails for your project. 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. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." But if not, go back through these steps until they do. It only takes a minute to sign up. Screws will likely hold longer than nails, but with the way higher nailing rate and the right nails (suggestions?) In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. Drilling is time-consuming, and if you can find a way of bypassing the process, the better. 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