You need to give some clearance for expansion and contraction between the boards, and I would imagine that 1/8" would suffice. I normally simply use nails spaced evenly thus creating about 1/8" of spacing between the boards
Yeah, on wall edges the same gap applies. On the edges probably every 6 inches, and elsewhere (non-edge) about every 12"1/8 on wall edges too? What about fastners in the field every 4 inches?
I agree with the ⅛" between sheets, but have never seen any instructions that say ⅛" is good enough for perimeter gaps. I say minimum ¼".
Jaz
1 1/2" deck screws..
1 1/4" will work too, should be able to find bigger package for better price.
Thanks. One last question, sorry this stuff is a no brainer for most, but my first time doing any reno's. Should the fastners be 2'' in from edge of plywood?
I would be closer to the edge but that might be habit more than a rule.
You will be running the sheets across the joists and if the edge of the sheet lands on a joint of the sub floor the sheet should be trimmed so the new joint does not line up. The end joints from one row should not line up with the end joints of the next row.
It's been a long time but I think the joints do not want to land on a joist.
See those cracks between the boards below, not enough there to grab a screw. :thbup:
Check for squeaks, it's those screws that don't tighten up that rub on things and make noise.
Soft spots in the lumber?
Some screws just wouldn't countersink and just spun.
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