Plywood Subfloor: Is 5/8″ or 3/4″ Better for You?

When choosing between 5/8″ and 3/4″ plywood, there are a few things to think about.

Now, the thicker the plywood, the stronger it generally is. So, on paper, 3/4″ plywood should provide more strength and stability compared to 5/8″.

It’ll hold up better under heavy loads, whether that’s furniture or foot traffic. If you’re planning on putting down a heavy stone tile or hardwood floor, a 3/4″ subfloor might be your better bet.

On the flip side, 5/8″ plywood could be a good fit in situations where weight or height is a concern. It’s a bit lighter and thinner than the 3/4″, making it easier to handle during installation.

Plus, it’s a bit cheaper too, which might appeal to the budget-conscious among us.

But, you’ve got to keep in mind the ‘joist spacing’, the gap between the supporting beams under your subfloor. The wider the spacing, the thicker your plywood needs to be to avoid sagging.

Most homes today have joist spacing that will comfortably accommodate 5/8″ plywood, but if the spacing is larger, you might want to go with 3/4″.

And lastly, remember the golden rule of home renovation – compliance with local building codes. Some regions might have specific requirements for subfloor thickness.

In the grand scheme of things, both 5/8″ and 3/4″ are common choices and can work well as subfloors. Your best pick really depends on your specific needs and the specifics of your home.

What are the key factors influencing the choice of plywood thickness for subflooring?

First off, think about what’s going on top of your subfloor. The type of finished flooring you plan to install can really sway your decision. If you’re going for something heavy, like stone tile or hardwood, you’ll need a strong base, which is where thicker plywood can be helpful.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to use carpet or vinyl, a slightly thinner plywood might suffice.

Then, there’s this thing called ‘joist spacing’. Picture your subfloor as a bridge and the joists as the pillars supporting it. The wider the gap between the pillars, the stronger your bridge needs to be.

In other words, if your joists are spaced out quite far, you’ll probably need thicker plywood to prevent sagging or bouncing.

Don’t forget about your budget, too. Thicker plywood tends to be a bit pricier than thinner alternatives. If you’re trying to keep costs down, you might be tempted to opt for the thinner plywood.

But remember, you’re building a foundation for your floor, so skimping now might lead to problems (and more expense) later on.

Now, you also have to keep in mind that thicker plywood is heavier and harder to work with. It’ll take more effort to install, and if you’re doing the work yourself, that’s something you might want to think about.

It is also essential to check out your local building codes. Some regions have specific rules about how thick subflooring needs to be, so make sure you’re in the clear before you start buying materials.

How does the type of finished flooring (e.g. hardwood, carpet, tile) impact the choice of subfloor thickness?

The type of finished flooring you choose certainly plays a role in your subfloor decision-making. You can think of the subfloor as the supporting actor that helps the star of the show (your finished floor) shine.

When you’re opting for something heavy like natural stone tiles or hardwood, it’s like putting a sumo wrestler on a trampoline. The extra weight means you need a strong, sturdy foundation.

So, in this case, thicker plywood like a 3/4″ might be a better choice. It’ll provide the robust support needed to keep those heavier materials stable and prevent any unwanted sagging or movement.

Now, if we switch gears to something lighter, say, carpet or vinyl flooring, it’s more like having a featherweight on that trampoline. These materials don’t pack the same kind of punch in terms of weight, so they don’t demand as much from your subfloor.

You might be able to get away with slightly thinner plywood, like 5/8″, which should offer ample support without being overkill.

But remember, there’s more to this decision than just the weight of the finished flooring. For example, some flooring types like tile require a very smooth, even base to avoid cracking.

So, the quality and flatness of your plywood, not just the thickness, can also be an important factor.

What are the cost differences between 5/8″ and 3/4″ plywood? How does this affect the overall budget of the project?

When it comes to home renovation projects, the budget is always a big talking point, isn’t it? It’s like planning a road trip, you want to make sure you’ve got enough gas in the tank to get you to your destination.

In the world of plywood, as with many things, thicker generally means more expensive. It’s a bit like comparing a basic tee shirt to a chunky sweater, you’re paying for the extra material.

So, if you’re deciding between 5/8″ and 3/4″ plywood for your subfloor, the 3/4″ is going to be a bit pricier per sheet because of that extra thickness.

But here’s the twist: The cost of plywood is just one part of the equation. You’ve also got to factor in the potential long-term costs.

For instance, if you’re laying down a heavy stone tile floor on top of a subfloor that’s too thin, you might run into issues like sagging or even damage to your finished floor down the line. And fixing that? It’s like having to backtrack on your road trip, it’s going to cost you in terms of both time and money.

That’s why it’s crucial to think about your budget in terms of the whole project, not just the upfront costs. It’s like investing in a car that’s a bit more expensive but promises better fuel efficiency.

Sometimes, spending a little more at the start can save you a heap of trouble (and expense) later on.

So, in the grand scheme of things, while the 3/4″ plywood might be more expensive per sheet, it could be a worthwhile investment if it better suits your project’s needs. Just like buying that fuel-efficient car, you’ll thank yourself down the road.

How does joist spacing influence the choice of plywood thickness?

Joist spacing and plywood thickness are kind of like dance partners—they need to move in sync to keep everything balanced.

Imagine your joists are like the rungs on a ladder, and your plywood is like a cat trying to walk across without falling through. The wider apart the rungs (or joists) are, the more precarious it gets for the cat.

If the rungs are too far apart, our poor cat would need a wider paw span, think of this as the thickness of your plywood, to successfully cross without sagging between the rungs.

So, if you have wide joist spacing in your home, you’re going to want to go with thicker plywood for your subfloor (like 3/4″ thickness), to ensure it stays sturdy and doesn’t sag or bounce.

If your joists are closer together, the thinner 5/8″ plywood could do the trick because there’s more frequent support underneath.

But don’t forget to check out your local building codes! They’ll usually have guidelines for the maximum joist spacing for different thicknesses of plywood.

The goal here is to keep your floor sturdy and safe, just like our imaginary cat wants to get across the ladder safely. So the relationship between joist spacing and plywood thickness is all about balance and support.

Without the right match, you might find yourself with a subfloor that’s more bouncy trampoline than solid ground.

Are there specific brands or types of plywood within the 5/8″ and 3/4″ categories that are considered superior?

Just like when you’re shopping for anything else, be it a car or a new pair of shoes, there are brands that are considered top-of-the-line in the plywood world as well.

If you’ve been around the block a few times with home renovation, you might’ve heard of names like Georgia-Pacific or Weyerhaeuser. These brands have made a name for themselves in the industry and are often associated with high-quality plywood.

That doesn’t mean they’re the only players in the game, though. There are many brands producing quality plywood, and sometimes, local or lesser-known brands can offer great quality, too.

Now, it’s not just about brand names when you’re choosing plywood. It’s also about the type of plywood. You see, plywood comes in different grades, each indicating the quality of the wood.

Higher grades, like A or B, mean fewer knots and defects, giving you a smoother, more uniform surface. If you’re aiming for top-notch quality, look for this higher-grade plywood, regardless of whether you’re choosing 5/8″ or 3/4″.

But keep this in mind, a higher grade often means a higher price tag. So, just like choosing between a luxury car or a more budget-friendly ride, you have to weigh up the costs and benefits.