In most homes and buildings, generally most of the floors are finished. In typical kitchens and bathrooms there are a variety of different form materials that are used as finished floors. The picture below is an example of a mosaic tile floor. Here in our website, on our blog, we’ve looked at several different types of common floor finishes in kitchen and bathrooms in the past several weeks.
Below the finished wood floors, rigid core vinyl, or ceramic tile, there is generally a concrete subfloor in the basement below grade or a wood deck or slab on grade at tge ground level and a wood subfloor on upper levels in stick framed buildings. Even the Interiors of the historic Masonry buildings of Washington DC are generally built with dimensional wood framing.
There are several important elements of quality control and proper preparation on theses subfloors, both concrete and wood decking, but today we will focus on the framed wood subflooring.
Proper preparation and quality control for wood subflooring installation are needed to create a stable, long-lasting base for the finished flooring. Adhesive, applied between the top of the substrate joist and the underside of the subfloor materials is an important yet often skipped step. Using a quality construction adhesive between the joists and subflooring not only enhances the structural integrity / continuity of the floor system but also significantly reduces the occurrence of future squeaks and creaks. This adhesive creates a strong bond that minimizes movement and friction between the subflooring and joists, resulting in a quieter and more stable floor. At this location, the adhesive not only creates a bond between the subflooring and the substrate jousts, but it also can accommodate small deviations of variations in the planar substrate connection.
The picture below shows an installation in a modern construction but built with lippage between the joined boards. Repairs should be made to defects your deviations like this before finishes are applied.
The choice of fasteners is equally important. Drywall screws and common nails should be considered inadequate for subflooring installation due to their propensity to loosen or shear under the constant stress of foot traffic and structural movement. Instead, ring-shank nails or wood screws specifically designed for subflooring should be used. These fasteners have better holding power and resistance to withdrawal, creating a stronger connection between the subflooring and joists. Screws, in particular, offer the added benefit of easier removal if future repairs are needed.
Often when installing tongue and groove subflooring, it’s important to maintain the manufacturer-recommended gap between panels. This gap, typically 1/8 inch, allows for natural expansion and contraction of the wood due to temperature and humidity changes. Without this space, the panels may buckle or warp when they expand, leading to an uneven surface or damage to the finished flooring above.
The stached subfloor materials shown in the picture below have a doggeared cormer at tge top peice. This particular panel should be cold and used where the particular panel will be not to cut to remove that corner and accommodate the specific layout of the floor.
The size and placement of subflooring panels also play a significant role in the overall strength and stability of the floor. Using smaller cut pieces should be avoided as they don’t provide adequate support, without a multi-joist span, and can lead to weak spots in the flooring. Ideally, each panel should span at least three joists to distribute the load effectively and minimize flexing.
Staggering the seams of subflooring panels is also important. This layout involves offsetting the end joints of adjacent rows by at least one joist space. Staggered seams prevent continuous seam lines which can result in an area of weakness across the floor.
The orientation of subflooring panels relative to the floor joists engages a strength axis of each individual panel. Plywood and OSB panels have a strength axis (meaning a stronger area in the longer direction of the panel), which should be installed perpendicular to the joists. This orientation allows the panel to span the greatest distance between supports, utilizing its full load-bearing capacity and minimizing deflection.
Additional considerations for good quality subflooring installation include double checking the joists are level and properly spaced before installation begins. Checking in the condition across the floor system with a laser level is one of the quickest ways to apply a sample test. Any irregularities in the joist system should be addressed by shimming, planing, and or sistering to prevent issues that would set the subflooring out of plane. It’s also important to acclimate the subflooring material to the installation environment for at least 24 hours before installation to minimize expansion or contraction after installation.
Proper vapor barriers, ventilation, and moisture control in the crawl space or basement below the subfloor are essential to prevent warping or decay of the subflooring material. Checking the completed subflooring for any protruding fasteners, gaps, or uneven areas before proceeding with the finished flooring installation is a quality control step that helps a smooth, stable surface for the final flooring product.
The picture below just looks interesting because here in this particular case, as is common in some of the alternative modern styles, plywood sheathing has been used as a decorative element. It’s rare and to many people is considered a very low quality finish not intended to be exposed. But in some cases looks different or creative.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
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