What size plywood do you use for flooring in bathroom?
Plywood that is five-eighth inch thick also available for flooring, but using it restricts joist spacing and the types of finished flooring. Click to see full answer. Considering this, what plywood should I use for bathroom floor? Traditionally, exterior grade plywood has been the subfloor material of choice for many bathroom flooring projects.
What is the minimum thickness of plywood for flooring?
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends a minimum plywood thickness of 7/8 inch for joist spans of 19.2 to 24 inches and a minimum plywood thickness of 5/8 inch for joist spans of 16 inches or less. Finish flooring material is another important thing to consider.
Is 12mm thick enough for a bathroom floor?
I used 12mm for my bathroom and it seems fine. I wouldn't go any thinner though. Try and use as large sheets as possible and screw it down to the floor boards very well so there is no movement.
What grade of plywood is used for wet floors?
The plywood must be exterior grade for all wet areas and it has to be installed in such a way that the joints between each layer do not line up, using what is known as a stagger pattern to keep the pieces from ever lining up. This removes flexibility in the floor and helps reduce deflection.

What plywood should I use for bathroom floor?
CDX plywoodPlywood as a Subfloor Material Traditionally, exterior grade plywood has been the subfloor material of choice for many bathroom flooring projects. Plywood is made by gluing alternating layers of wood veneer. CDX plywood (¾”) in particular is used often because it has a high level of resistance to moisture and humidity.
What thickness of plywood do I need for flooring?
The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch.
Is plywood good for bathrooms?
Plywood is suitable for both bathrooms and kitchens – if you use the correct plywood product, that is. Plywood with birch cores are the only suitable options and we at Maxiply highly recommend pre-finishing and an additional coat of UV oil.
What kind of plywood do you use under tile?
Exterior grade or plywood should be used for the substrate. Under no conditions should you use veneer-bond plywood. Veneer plywood is interior-grade plywood that has a top and bottom layer of very thin hardwood bonded to it.
Is half inch plywood good for floor?
The recommended thickness of the plywood subfloor is governed by the spacing of the joists. Some experts suggest that 15/32-inch plywood should be standard if the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart or less, but slightly thicker 3/4-inch plywood should be used for joists spaced further apart.
Is 12mm plywood OK for flooring?
The cross-graining technique used in our 12mm ply improves strength, stability and prevents warping, making it excellent for bath panelling, wall lining floors and roofs.
How do you waterproof plywood in a bathroom?
To waterproof the plywood yourself, first repair it if needed and then sand it down and clean it off. Use a waterproof sealant, stain or paint and apply two to three layers. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before painting the next one.
How do you ply a bathroom floor?
0:418:42How to Plywood a Floor for Tiling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEspecially when you're tiling onto a timber floor what we've done is we've obviously stripped allMoreEspecially when you're tiling onto a timber floor what we've done is we've obviously stripped all the old boards out all the existing joists we checked them all over to make sure they're.
Do you need marine ply in bathroom?
The excellent moisture-resistant properties of marine plywood will also only be utilised to full effect in a marine setting, such as on a dock or boat. While taking a bath or shower is likely to disperse a small amount of water around the room, it is never to the extent which merits the use of marine plywood.
How thick should floor be under tile?
1 1/8″ thickThe subfloor under the tile should be at least 1 1/8″ thick, with a minimum of 5/8″ thick exterior grade plywood topped by 1/2″ cement backer board.
Can you tile straight on to plywood?
Under British Standards BS 5385 Part 1, plywood is not a suitable substrate for the direct fixing of wall tiles, therefore when tiling onto walls, a tile backer board is required.
Can you use 1/4 cement board on floors?
1/4" USG Durock® cement board is an ideal substrate for floor and countertop ceramic tile installations. The 1/4" thickness helps eliminate transition trim when abutting carpet or wood flooring and minimize level variations with other finish materials.
What is subfloor in a bathroom?
Throughout the house, the subfloor is usually a single layer of plywood; however, in bathrooms, the subfloor often consists of a plywood layer and an underlayment of concrete backer board. Floors in bathrooms regularly see a lot of moisture and must withstand ...
Why do you need concrete backer board?
This is why the concrete backer board is necessary to further protect the plywood from water damage and prevent warping that could damage a tile floor.
What is plywood subfloor?
The subfloor creates a flat, solid surface on which the finished flooring rests.
What is plywood used for?
Plywood is used in building a house. Plywood is the most common material used for subflooring in bathrooms. A versatile, man-made material, plywood is used in floors, walls and furniture. When embarking on bathroom renovations, the material chosen for the subflooring is critical.
What to consider when choosing a subfloor for a bathroom?
Choosing the Right Plywood. When considering a material for subflooring in bathrooms, you not only want to consider the moisture levels but also the weight the floors will have to withstand. Water-filled bathtubs and heavy tile floors can add up, putting a great deal of strain on the subfloor. Advertisement.
How to choose the right plywood?
When choosing the right plywood, consider the grade. When buying plywood, look for a flat sheet with no warping and even core layers. The edges should also be mostly clean. Avoid sheets with a lot of knots or voids.
Is tongue and groove plywood good for subflooring?
Specifically for subflooring, tongue-and-groove plywood is strong and will reduce squeaks. The same applies if working with laminate. However, laminate isn't as forgiving, and any grooves, dents or ridges in the subfloor will be visible.
How much plywood should I use for floating hardwood floors?
Regardless if you are working with a floating hardwood floor or one that is nailed down and glued to the subfloor, the joists need to be covered with at least one sheet of 3/4-inch material. You can double up if you want extra support, but the minimum allowance is for 3/4-inch plywood installed on top of joists that are no farther apart than 16 inches on center.
What is the best material for subflooring?
When it comes to subfloors that go down on top of the floor joists between the joists and the finish material, plywood is the preferred choice. It is an ideal building material for subfloors. Depending on if what the floor finish will be -- tile, hardwood or carpet -- there are different recommendations for the actual thickness ...
How thick is a natural stone floor?
Two sheets of 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood is the minimum accepted thickness for natural stone installations, and if the stone is particularly heavy, you may need to use floor joists that are 12 inches on center rather than the traditional 16. Advertisement.
What is stagger pattern?
The plywood must be exterior grade for all wet areas and it has to be installed in such a way that the joints between each layer do not line up, using what is known as a stagger pattern to keep the pieces from ever lining up. This removes flexibility in the floor and helps reduce deflection.
Can carpet be deflected?
Carpet isn't affected by deflection, which is one of the main issues with ceramic tile and natural stone installations. As such, a single sheet of 3/4-inch material is all that is required for carpet installations as long as the joists are the same distance apart as for hardwood floors.
Stivino
I'm in the process of renovating my bathroom. I'll be putting Grant Westfield Twin Floor click on the floor which, is an ordinary wooden floorboard type.
rodney1989016
I would go with 8mm realy. You wont to screw it down one screw ever 6/8 incs leaving a 10mm gap around the eadges for it to exspand. I dont think it would matter which you do 1st
lymmranger
I'm in the process of renovating my bathroom. I'll be putting Grant Westfield Twin Floor click on the floor which, is an ordinary wooden floorboard type.
lymmranger
I would go with 8mm realy. You wont to screw it down one screw ever 6/8 incs leaving a 10mm gap around the eadges for it to exspand. I dont think it would matter which you do 1st
Stivino
I don't think it's like laminate flooring, it's more like vinyl, I think.
lymmranger
I don't think it's like laminate flooring, it's more like vinyl, I think.
DIYnot Local
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Bob Alger
I am about to tile my bathroom floor with 40x40cm ceramic tiles and would appreciate advice on the thickness of plywood I need to put down as a base. I have seen 18mm quoted on this and other websites and straight on the boards with the right fixitive on others so I am confused!!
Mudster
12mm WBP will be fine, but fit the tray before you tile and then tile around it.
sanjayp
I used 12mm for my bathroom and it seems fine. I wouldn't go any thinner though. Try and use as large sheets as possible and screw it down to the floor boards very well so there is no movement.
ro63rto
I used 12mm too. Important to screw down every six inches and try to drive some through to joists below, making sure you don't hit any pipes. By securing it to the floorboards AND the joists you minimise the movement as much as possible. You will still need to use a suitable tile adhesive and flexible grout.
JohnD
Are we talking about the same thing? If you're laying a new floor, straight onto the joists, 18mm is normal. If you're putting a ply sheet onto an existing boarded floor, to level it and give you a nice surface, 12mm is plenty.
Bylough
Just to complicate the issue- have you thought of warming these beasties from underneef- or are you using a mat and exiting the barf at breakneck speed?
DIYnot Local
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
What does the letter A mean in plywood?
The letters A, B, C, D and X are all grades of plywood that signify it’s quality. A being the highest quality. However these letter grades don’t represent structural properties. They’re all about cosmetics. Higher grade plywood is made of better looking wood that’s sanded and sometimes stain grade. Premium grade plywood is most commonly used for making furniture or cabinetry and not as a subfloor material.
How wide should a floor joist be?
When you lay your plywood onto the floor joist, the edge should sit in the middle of the joist. Each floor joist is wide enough to support the edges of two plywood sheets. For example, an 1 1/2″ wide 2×12 can support 2 sheets of plywood. Each sheet rests on 3/4 inch.
What is plywood joists?
Joists are what supports the floor. They’re typically 2×8, 2×10, 2×12 or engineered lumber and 16 inches on center. A plywood subfloor is glued and screwed directly to the joists. This is usually OSB, CDX or regular plywood. All three come in 4×8 sheets at 5/8 inch thickness. Different underlayment materials are then installed on top ...
Why is plywood used as a subfloor?
Plywood is used as a subfloor material which means it helps support the finished flooring. In some cases it even helps secure it by holding the nails such as with hardwood. So it needs to be string and stiff. If your plywood flooring flexes even a little you could end up with squeaks, gaps or cracks.
How many layers of wood are there in a wood frame house?
A typical wood framed house has four layers of stacked material that make up the floor. Joists are what supports the floor. They’re typically 2×8, 2×10, 2×12 or engineered lumber and 16 inches on center. A plywood subfloor is glued and screwed directly to the joists.
How thick should a new floor be?
However many older homes used 24″ o.c. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends a minimum plywood thickness of 7/8 inch for joist spans of 19.2 to 24 inches and a minimum plywood thickness of 5/8 inch for joist spans of 16 inches or less.
How thick is OSB?
Plywood and OSB subfloors are typically 5/8 inch thick with a tongue-and-groove edge. One side is rough and one side is smooth. We generally face the smooth side up. They’re sold in sheets sized either 4 x 8 or 4 x 12.Both types are blued to the floor joists and then screwed or nailed down.
How thick is CDX plywood?
CDX plywood should be a minimum of 7/16 inch thick. The thicknesses are as follows: 7/16-, 15/32- and 1/2-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 16 inches on center; 19/32- and 5/8-inch-thick panels require joists spaced 20 inches on center.
What are floor joists made of?
Floor joists are made from 2-by-8-inch or 2-by-10-inch lumber, or from engineered quiet beams, which are made from a thin layer of chipboard on edge between two lumber caps forming an "I" shape. Floor joist spacing has traditionally been 24 inches on center, or from center to center of the joists.
How many inches should a 3/4 inch panel be?
For 19/32- and 5/8-inch panels, joists should be 16 or 20 inches on center. For 23/32- and 3/4-inch panels, joists should be 24 inches on center.
What is subflooring?
The subfloor is the decking installed on top of flooring joists; the finished floor is then installed on top of the subfloor. The thickness of plywood panels in a subfloor is regulated by the spacing of the joists. This number is known as a span rating.
How thick is OSB?
OSB can be used for subfloors, although it is not as common as CDX. For 19/32-inch-thick panels, the joists should be 20 inches on center.
