Which way do you lay OSB subfloor?

“This side down” applies to when it’s used as subflooring. That side should be facing down, against the joists. When used as wall sheathing, that side should be against the studs.

Is OSB OK for subfloor?

Most local codes allow OSB to be used for subflooring. It’s always best to check with your local permitting office before using OSB for your subfloor. One advantage that OSB has over plywood is its larger formatting. For plywood, 8-foot and 10-foot long sheets of plywood are standard.

How thick should OSB subfloor be?

23/32 inch
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. There are several factors that determine what subfloor thickness is optimal for added benefits like insulation.

Does subfloor have to be tongue and groove?

For subflooring, you use tongue and groove plywood. The tongue and groove are only along the 8 foot edges. On the four foot edges, your seams will fall on joist tops, so no need for tongue and groove.

Do you nail or screw OSB board?

A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun. If the force of the nail gun is too strong, the head of the nail can penetrate the OSB, which reduces the nail’s holding power.

What side of OSB goes down?

Also, by installing the stamps down, the rougher side of the panels is kept upward which helps with worker traction on the jobsite. However,structurally there is no difference in how the panel will perform whether the side with the grade stamps is installed up or down.

Can you tile directly over OSB?

You can lay tile over an OSB subfloor, but a membrane should be installed between the subfloor and the tiles to ensure a bond between the tile and the floor is made. Even if you are looking for a new subfloor to install, OSB is inexpensive and can work well with tile.

What flooring can be installed over OSB?

You can put tile or sheet vinyl flooring over OSB so long as you ensure that the surface of the OSB is completely smooth without any major knicks, knots, or bulging staples. With vinyl being as thin as it is, it must have a smooth base so that the appearance of the vinyl remains very smooth.

Is OSB stronger than plywood?

Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.

Should OSB be installed vertically or horizontally?

If the height of a wall is less than 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) vertically. If the height of a wall is greater then 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) horizontally.

What’s the proper way to install OSB flooring?

Maintain a 1/8-inch gap between sheets and at openings for doors and windows. Fasten panels to studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along edges and 12 inches in the middle. OSB subfloor panels have tongue-and-groove edges that fit together and significantly reduce flex in the floor.

When to use blue ribbon OSB floor panels?

Ideal for use in residential and light commercial construction, with the span and sealing to keep moisture at bay, Blue Ribbon® OSB Sturd-I-Floor panels are also recognized for their ease of installation. If Georgia Pacific Wood Products can make your job easier, we’re all over it.

What should be the spacing of subfloor panels?

Improper spacing. To avoid buckling, subfloor panels should be spaced with a 1/8-inch gap at all edges and ends to provide room for naturally occurring expansion. Tongue-and-groove edges on many premium floor panels, such as Weyerhaeuser’s Edge Gold ® OSB panels, are designed to self-gap. 2. Using green joists.

When to use OSB as a structural panel?

When OSB is used as a structural panel, it must adhere to specific span ratings specified by the manufacturer. For example, unless a panel is span rated for flooring, do not use it to build a floor. Manufacturers specify span ratings for floors, roofs and exterior wall sheathing.