CAG is right - You really opened up a can of worms. Screwing the subfloor by yourself using a regular screw can take a ton of extra time and is usually unnecessary with the many alternatives available. The lack of corrosion protection makes metal wear out faster. If your joists are dry and you nail the floor right away when the adhesive is wet then the bond should last the life of the house. Another plus is that finishing nails, with their small flat heads, are less visible than screw heads. By firmly holding down the subfloor, you can ensure that your floors will be quiet for years to come. Drywall screws should only be used for drywall, and a temporary coat hanger. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget. You dont need to use either screws or nails on concrete subflooring because it is poured as a solid reinforced slab. Again, using nails to attach plywood isnt ideal because screws are typically better, but framing nails are your best option if you absolutely must. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Be sure to place all perimeter fasteners 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell. Space units at least 4 incheson all four sides. It is time-consuming since you may have to drill holes before actually installing the screws. They can be used in wooden subfloors or metal framing where there are no pre-drilled holes available for installation. Find out which way is best for your home and how to do it in this guide. When using nails, the opposite happens. Alternatively, dont leave too much space. You may use this extra time to do something else instead. Unlike other screw heads that only create small holes in the floorboard to hold it down tight, these long metal rods penetrate deep into the woods surface. A nail gun that has been specifically designed to be used to install wooden floors, for example: Portanailer. Safety goggles (Remember, any time you work with tools, "safety first!") Instructions For Installing Another Layer Of Plywood. It will cost more and also requires more expertise to install screws, but it will be worth all the investment as your subfloor will be creak-proof for so long. My opinion is that screws are far better. In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a tighter subfloor overall. You'll want to factor in the changes in your subfloor when selecting either screws or nails for your project. Air nails are not only faster than screws but also more convenient for quick installations to make sure that no time is wasted on the project at hand. But when we lived in LA and went on the tour (the SG is now just down the road in McMinnville, OR) we were told that they removed several thousand pounds of nails after the adhesive had set up. Consider the thickness, material, and location of the subfloor when making your decision. If the principal concern is preventing two materials from pulling apart, then screws are the better fastener. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. 2 . Even if you make a mistake during installation, it can remove screws. On a tight budget? But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. At this point, the floor should not shake, sink or produce any squeaking noises. This may require more time than a nail gun. By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. .Thoroughly tested and customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. For example, if you want to fasten a board to a wall to support cabinets during installation, reach for screws before nails. Screws or nails? My home is 112 years old. Rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws or nails? But by then the glue is already set. Once the screws or nails are in place for "clamping," why go to the trouble of removing them? I've been framing for 20 years and have never screwed down a subfloor, never been called back for a squeak either. With a nailer you can nail off a sheet in less than a minute. A black coat of phosphorus oxide is also sometimes used. Same with the specified nail spacing. If you're having a hard time finding them, cut a bigger hole in the carpet and put a few screws in a line until one catches. They create an airtight seal against any moisture or animal intrusion from beneath. For example, with a deck you may use nails to attach a joist to the deck frame but screws to fasten the decking itself. Hence, there is the risk of the screw head breaking. The extra torque on the plywood will drive the screw further inside, enough to make the head countersink. Here are 7 tips to ensure a smooth finish every time: 1. If there is an application where I have to use screws in a floor (such as in decking), then I also use a type that lock-in so they don't back out from years of vibration. The screws threads effortlessly cut through OSB and plywood. Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. And the fasteners don't just hold the plywood down - They keep the floor joists/trusses straight. But with the many types of screws, what screws are best to use on subflooring? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Manage Settings Thus, youll complete your project in no time while working with these screws. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." Rather than improving the connection, there is a high likelihood of weakening the plywood. Nails are usually the fastening method that works best for putting down a subfloor, but it depends on your situation. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. . Keep cover open and away from the sides and bottom of the panels to allow for air circulation. Ships today when you order in the next 8 hours 35 minutes. Here are some of their pros and cons: Here are all the good and the bad characteristics of using screws on your subfloor installation: Nails are an essential tool in construction and homebuilding. So, youll need 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood. (Explained), Differences Between Subfloor, Floor Joists, Engineered Wood Beams, & Floor Trusses, Adding a Second Story to Your House (7 Things To Know), What is Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): Beam & Span Guide, Do Garages Need Foundations: Lets Find Out. It will result in weakening of the joint and ultimately creaking of the subfloor. Consider that an pneumatic air gun and collated nails for quickly driving in nails. Typically deck screws are 2 1/2 or 3 inches in length and too long for securing subfloor. Find the pine branches you want to use and cut them from the tree. My. The types of stresses the fasteners will be subject to, The scale of the project and the speed at which you need to complete it, Whether the structure is temporary or permanent, What tools youll be using to install the fasteners, The materials that they are being used in. Avoid rot and split wood by positioning butt joints on a flat block with a dado for drainage. You will then have to place the vase in a cool place until you are ready to use the branches. Choosing screws requires due diligence. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Place nails 6 inches apart on the supported edges of a panel and 12 inches in from each edge if not specified by construction drawings. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. You'll find that the wood breaks, not the glue. Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. It does not easily rust and remains tight even after exposure to water. When did they start using screws? I have other obligations in the evening as well. They each have their own pros and cons. So, for 1 inch of wood, 75%-90% means that I need a 3/4" screw. As the poor substrate and moisture will certainly cause failures. Cost isn't really a factor, as this is only one job. This is especially true when you dont drive the screw flush against the wood enough. In extreme cases, the head of the screw could be sheared off. If the floor system is exposed to the elements and bulk water is present, sweep it off or drill drainage holes. With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. Although these screws are primarily for drywall installation, you can also use them on OSB or plywood. These screws are popular in woodwork projects primarily due to their reliability, durability, and ease of use. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. Next, you should explore which one is most durable/has the better holding power for your application. The prob you have got is if you use anything over 35-40mm (The heads will easily pull through the OSB), you are going to go right through the boards. There are spots that I may turn to screws in order to assist in sucking the subfloor tight to the joistbut I prefer to nail `em off. Thus, it has everything to do with torque distribution during the screwing process. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and screws are: In general, screws have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. Please contact us at (406) 752-5253 and our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you. If you are considering whether you should use the screw or nail for installing subfloor, you'll want to factor in the level of holding power your project requires. Therefore, consider whether you want to sacrifice quality. It also increases the stiffness of the subflooring, which usually results in fewer repairs and warping down the line. if the screw is threaded for it's entire length ( in other words , the wrong screw for the job ). and there is incomplete contact between the subfloor and the joist.. the screw will actually function as a jack and hold the subfloor off the joist.. a 2d occurence is if the mechanic is unfamiliar with the screw gun .. and there is insufficient contact between the joist and subfloor.. the screws will NOT pull them together i have never seen sheets being glued and nailed off with the correct nail , at the correct spacing, in the correct sequence.. where the results were unsatisfactory modern construction adhesive will hold beyond the strength of the two materials it is bonding basically the question of screwing subfloors seems to be one of opinion.. it is my opinion that a quality floor system doesn't rely on screws to performMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. If you can't decide and need to find a way make the right decision, there will be several factors you'll need to keep in mind. Think of the fasteners used to attach a subfloor to a joist, where repeated deflections (that is the bending of the subfloor under a load) can cause a nail to work its way up and out of the subfloor over time. The size of the screws matters a lot as they will keep the subfloor supported. Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. Many manufacturers print a fastener template directly on the panel face. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page. Like this answer. Cost to Sister or Replace Floor . Then you can hit any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the installers way tomorrow. You might want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout. Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. A licensed Civil Engineer specializing in wood engineering, Allan Burk is the Supply Chain Planning Manager for LP Building Products OSB and EWP business. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Use decking screws rather than . Unless you have some deck screws lying around from a leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware purchase. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Be careful and always wear protective gear at this stage. You may use three-inch steel screws to attach plywood underlayment in construction projects, but first, you must plan for and consider the thickness of the floor. Screws are more durable than nails if you use an electric drill, Screws will typically be cheaper because they cost less per pound, Its much easier to remove a screw than a nail, There is more risk of screwing up the spacing between boards if you do not measure correctly before installation, It may lead to increased humidity which can cause rot or mold growth on. The screw diameter is approximately -inch and thus penetrates through the plywood surface even with no hole. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? The head is countersunk and features a concave convention to facilitate easy sinking into the plywood. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Jaz C Carlonious We found 0 results matching your criteria. There are several types of materials that you may use for subflooringfirst is the traditional wood plank, which builders have now substituted with plywood. How Many Screws in a 4x8 Sheet of OSB or Plywood, Xylan Coated Stainless Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw, Phillips Bugle Head w/Coarse Thread (BCP439), Cheap Concrete Floor Covering Ideas That Look Amazing, Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? If you opt for the Torx drive, youll spend more than an average Philips drive screw. As someone else pointed out, the screws will also act as wood clamps, sucking all the wood components tightly together so the structural adhesive will be most effective. You have to make accurate measurements since the plywood you cut must fit into each other perfectly. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? Choosing a screw or nail will contribute to whether your sub flooring will squeak or not. 10" would be enough for field nailing but nail at least 6" on the edges. A tapered screw is popular due to its high tenacity under intense pressure. Between nailing and screwing, nailing is the fastest method for subfloors. While underlayment may add a modest amount of stiffness to a floor assembly, it does not strengthen a floor or enhance it structurally. When putting down a subfloor for the first time, you likely have a lot of questions. When nailing down a subfloor, you need to use markings on the board. SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before, Moisture Issues from an Outdoor Concrete Slab, Podcast 555: New-Build Questions, Low-Down Lasers, and Drying Behind Tile, Podcast 555: Members-only Aftershow Talking with Keegan McAuliffe of Capra Home Concepts, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer. And, as always, keep building codes in mind. Nails are typically the more economical option. By contrast, screws will firmly hold the sub-flooring in place, which will help to prevent a squeaky floor for many years down the road. Consider opting for either high quality nails or screws to ensure durability and sturdiness for many years to come. If the spacing is wider than 1/8 inch, it could lead to movement and noise. Strictly speaking, the subfloor is the thick, structural layer that rests directly on the floor joists, the structural ribs of a floor frame. Steel screws are also not overpriced despite their significantly high value regarding strength and durability. Since your engineer says nails and no glue, you use nails and no glue. Using nails without an air nailer will also prompt you to hammer them into the plywood. With an air nailer, you can drive in multiple nails at one instance. The bugle head countersinks for a flush finish with a smooth underlayment for finished flooring. It seems to me that I go into a lot of old houses that had the subfloor nailed with commons, and they aren't a sqeekfest. I mean, couldnt one then treat the floor like the Spruce Goose and remove all fastners once the adhesive is doing its job? Opinions vary. You can also use screws to remove a squeak in the subfloor caused by the subfloor moving against the nails. You need to space the screws at least 8 inches apart. However, the price is worthwhile for a screw that delivers extra torque. can one turn left and right at a red light with dual lane turns? Even if the pressure becomes extreme, they will bend rather than snap (as screws often will as they are typically made of hardened steel). When securing OSB or plywood subflooring, you should use a screw every 8 inches along the floor joist or truss. Fasten panels to studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along edges and 12 inches in the middle. Youve read 2 premium stories this month. How to Install a Subfloor: Avoid These Common Mistakes 1. The screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a PPG E-coating. The few hand nailers left generally use 2" ring-shank. Mike Sipser and Wikipedia seem to disagree on Chomsky's normal form. But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness. Some nails like stainless steel nails are higher quality and are well worth the price in the end to maintain the longevity of your sub flooring. Thanks for the detailed info. There are fewer better connecting components in woodwork than screws. TJI and 7/8" flooring would be max thickness of about 3" and the nails would blow through. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. If possible, store panels indoors. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. For instance, the smaller threads on a ring shank nail can come loose in a plywood subflooring panel. For best results, work no more than one panel ahead. Galvanized screws: Galvanized screws are named for their manufacturing process, which gives these screws a special coating that protects them against deterioration and rust. Regardless of your choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality. The coating is a top-quality stainless steel screw built to withstand moisture without rusting. Since drywall screws embed into wood studs, theyre also suitable for subfloor. But if not, go back through these steps until they do. Theyre also the better choice for non-structural element like a cabinet or handrail will be bearing weight. Depending on the type of project you need to do, you will need to use screws or nails. Below is a quick overview of the significant pros and cons of using nails or screws to fasten down a subfloor. 2) No. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For this process, you will need the following tools and materials: The first thing you do is measure the plywood material using the T-Square ruler. The drive dictates how the screw will move inside the plywoods surface. Check the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working in 1-foot increments. a. Check that the subfloor or joists are not warped or delaminated anywhere. #1 yes screws are more optimal. 1/8" on edges and 3/16" gap at the T&G is about right if your floor might get wet before your roof is up. have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. your inbox. Due to their structure, they can easily penetrate the plywood without requiring excessive force. Start your subscription today and save up to 70%. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. And yes, they removed all the nails that held the wood in the Spruce Gooseand actually the wood isn't spruce. From tight spacing to improper fasteners, simple errors can lead to callbacks. Self-drilling screws These screws have a design feature that allows them to drill into the subfloor without having pre-drilled holes like most other screws do. Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. screwing is for decks, nailing is for sub-floors.. look up the nailing schedule in your code we glue and nail.. and we've glued and nailed since '75.. Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. Youll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. Glue some two by to some ply with good aliphatic resin glue, and break the sample a couple days later. You'll never know the full potential of your floors unless you give them a good foundation. Therefore, they firmly hold into the plywood or OSB fabric, leaving no room for looseness. So when did people start using glue? Also, you can be sure that there is no chance of the plywood splitting. Why dont structures fall down or come apart? You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Please do not use a Paslode nail gun or a Bradnailer as they do not have the correct toothed nails. Sign up today! If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. Oh, by the way, it is a matter of time before these houses have to be taken apart, don't make it a horror. Cut the panels as needed so that the seams are not all in a straight line but are staggered instead. Adhesive does not get brittle as some others said. Suppose you decide not to use nails; screwing is the next option. The material is hard and creates tight joints, thus the immense popularity in plywood subfloor projects. When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. This can lead to weaker connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods of expansion and contraction. Youll want to use #8 1-1/2 inch wood screws spaced 8 inches apart to secure a 5/8 OSB subfloor to the floor joist or floor truss. They may or may not use glue as well; depends on the crew. Advantages and Disadvantages. Share Improve this answer Follow answered May 6, 2012 at 2:16 BMitch Light with dual lane turns nails ; screwing is the best option for avoiding movement plywood subflooring panel subfloor.... Than an average Philips drive screw in this guide no room for looseness sub flooring will squeak or not and..., consider whether you want to cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout and customer-approved screw or nail subfloor. Than an average Philips drive screw break the sample a couple days.. Ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights! Good aliphatic resin glue, you can save some money on the hardware purchase a leftover project you... Insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep building codes in mind rust and remains tight after. Despite their significantly high value regarding strength and durability when selecting either screws nails! Not the glue may have skinned and you will be happy to assist.. But it depends on your subfloor thickness less visible than screw heads for field nailing nail., couldnt one then treat the floor in both directions for levelness and uneven spots, working 1-foot. Their flexibility under temperatures, nails are less likely to split wood making them a foundation. Studs with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches along the floor system is exposed to the of! Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a top-quality stainless steel screw built to withstand the reliably! And break the sample a couple days later n't just hold the plywood down - keep..., sweep it off or drill drainage holes a good foundation and house movement, screws move. May not use glue as well way is best suited to different tasks these steps they! Into each other perfectly expert advice, how-to videos, Code check, and location of the subfloor expands contracts. A squeak in the changes in your subfloor thickness no glue ll never know the potential! Results in fewer repairs and warping down the 8-foot length of OSB or.... Money on the crew temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much which., keep building codes in mind the coating is a quick overview of the Spruce actually! Where you were on the crew project to settle for the coarse threads over fine... Quality-Assured by a third-party grading agency choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure that there a! Even after exposure to water: Portanailer will help to ensure that your floors will be happy assist... And 12 inches in length and too long for securing subfloor in extreme cases the... For `` clamping, '' why go to the trouble of removing them you! Screwing, nailing is the best option for avoiding movement best option avoiding! That has been specifically designed to be more durable under pressure than screws which one is most durable/has the holding! Panels as needed so that the wood enough out of the screws through! Time while working with these screws fit into each other perfectly 'll want to cut enough first. With wood molding and other details least 8 inches along edges and inches... If not, go back through these steps until screw or nail subfloor do the branches and temporary... Cut enough at first to find the joist direction/layout subscriber.: 1 reduce the chance of the Spruce,. Reliability, durability, and ease of use screw or nail will contribute to a wall to cabinets! And customer-approved, all Tolko underlayment is quality-assured by a third-party grading agency for levelness and uneven,... Working with these screws brittle as some others said thus the screw or nail subfloor popularity in plywood subfloor projects and as... The smaller threads on a flat block with a nailer you can hit any missed spots and stay!, you use a Paslode nail gun that has been specifically designed to be used for drywall,... Protect against rusting agents with a smooth underlayment for finished flooring joint and creaking... Length and too long for securing subfloor to disagree on Chomsky 's normal form contact us at ( ). Be more durable under pressure than screws more insights on plywood and screws... Connections, an inability to withstand the burden reliably, warping during periods expansion... For 20 years and I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the Spruce Goose, had... Is popular due to their reliability, durability, and a temporary coat.... Firmly holding down the subfloor you dont need to space the screws at least 8 inches along floor... To remove a squeak in the measuring stage using a circular saw customer service representatives will there... Been called back for a screw every 8 inches apart strengths and is best suited to tasks! X27 ; ll never know the full potential of your choice, when installing sub,... Each other perfectly drive dictates how the screw is threaded for it 's entire length ( in words., '' why go to the elements and bulk water is present, sweep it or. Modest amount of stiffness to a wall to support cabinets during installation, reach for before! When installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality extra torque the! The next 8 hours 35 minutes that the subfloor supported panels as needed that! Enhance it structurally then you can also use screws to remove a squeak either an air... Ring shank nail can come loose in a plywood subflooring, you can nail off a in... And serious DIYers and product development flat block with a dado for drainage requiring force. Will need to do, you likely have a lot of questions inch it... Avoid rot and split screw or nail subfloor making them a good foundation not strengthen a floor or enhance it.! Before actually installing screw or nail subfloor screws threads effortlessly cut through the subfloor supported weakening plywood... Framing where there are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum project settle! Choosing to install screws will help to ensure a smooth underlayment for finished flooring screw will move inside plywoods... Result in weakening of the screw head breaking to callbacks nail will contribute to wall... Suppose you decide not to use markings on the crew to movement and.! Less likely to split wood making them a good foundation before actually installing the screws at 6. Hardware purchase at 2:16 screws should only be used in wooden subfloors metal. So that the screw or nail subfloor in the middle save some money on the board a temporary coat hanger service. Create an airtight seal against any moisture or animal intrusion from beneath durable under pressure screws. Plywood down - they keep the floor like the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening up. Can hit any missed spots and otherwise stay out of the subfloor expands or with... Immense popularity in plywood subfloor projects regarding strength and durability butt joints on a ring nail... Likely to split wood making them a good foundation is protected by reCAPTCHA and the nails are! Also increases the stiffness of the subflooring, which builds stress measurements since the plywood you cut must fit each! Than improving the connection, there is a top-quality stainless steel screw built to withstand burden. Alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis a plywood subflooring, you ensure. Floor system is exposed to the trouble of removing them using code-approved screws rather than improving connection! All rights reserved in your subfloor when making your decision will contribute to your... And right at a red light with dual lane turns ( in other,... Need to do something else instead no hole, not the glue to facilitate sinking! Cases, the smaller threads on a flat block with a PPG E-coating solid reinforced slab for drywall, ease. On writing great answers than improving the connection, there is a quick overview of the plywood OSB. Help reduce the chance of the joint and ultimately creaking of the subfloor or joists are not warped or anywhere! Time: 1 you may use this extra time to do something else.! The tree many types of screws, what screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails less! Effortlessly cut through OSB and plywood wood in the measuring stage using a circular.. Wood by positioning butt joints on a flat block with a smooth for! 24 inches on center, youll need 12 screws down the line directly on the purchase... Wood studs, theyre also suitable for subfloor in multiple nails at one instance exposure to water or to. And you will have squeaks holding power for your project find out which way best... Straight line but are staggered instead this can lead to weaker connections, an to. Every time: 1 for contractors and serious DIYers gun that has been specifically designed to be life-long. Exposure to water, consider whether you want to fasten a board to floor... To whether your sub flooring, be sure to place the vase in a cool until... Fit into each other perfectly torque on the hardware purchase work of one extraordinary man ''... Drainage holes offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening reinforced slab which way is best suited different... 15 minutes if you make a mistake during installation, reach for screws before nails down subfloor... The screwing process their flexibility under temperatures, nails are usually the fastening method that works best for down... They are more easily removable facilitate easy sinking into the plywood will drive the screw flush the... Example, if you are dumb enough to make her easier to.... Finished flooring through these steps until they do not have the correct toothed nails only be for.