We will discuss these types of plywood sheathing sub floors and plywood underlayment in this blog post.
What is floor sheathing.
Different plywoods use various materials and methods of manufacture depending on the application for which they re intended.
Rated sheathing or sturd i floor may be used with an underlayment for vinyl ceramic tile or fully adhered carpet.
Used for sub floors exterior walls and roof decking osb sheathing is a structurally engineered board that is made up of compressed wood strands.
When using carpet and pad the best option is sturd i floor which allows for completely bypassing installation of underlayment.
Plywood sheathing osb or plywood is often mistaken for plywood underlayment.
The material that you use on your floor must have a span rating.
The most basic function of sheathing in any application is to form a surface onto which other materials can be applied.
Uniform load deflection limitations 1 180 of span under live load plus dead load 1 240 under live load only.
Sturd i floor is a specialized engineered wood structural panel expressly designed for single layer flooring installations on upper floors where carpet will be laid directly over the subfloor.
When you remove the floor covering you will see more flooring underneath possibly underlayment definitely subfloor.
Plywood is usually used as subfloor today.
Floor and roof sheathing conforming with this table shall be deemed to meet the design criteria of section 2304 7.
There are several types of sheathing each having a specific function based on its application.
Floor covering or finish floor this is the visible floor the one you see and walk on and can be changed out.
A subfloor is a wooden structural substrate to which durable finished flooring is attached.
A span rating is stamped on each piece of material you purchase.
They are not the same.
2015 michigan building code 23 wood 2304 general construction requirements 2304 8 floor and roof sheathing 2304 8 1 structural floor sheathing 2308 4 7 wood structural floor sheathing structural floor sheathing shall comply with the provisions of section 2304 8 1.
Plywood sheathing is most often used to construct the structural sub floor.
There are many types sizes and configurations of plywood.
Plywood sheathing can either be osb or all plywood.
An underlayment is optional for rated sheathing or sturd i floor when used with hardwood.
Determining the correct floor sheathing thickness is important to the strength performance and longevity of your structure.