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Best Screws For Plywood Subfloor (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a strong and reliable foundation for your flooring, you may want to consider using plywood subfloors. While it is a cheaper alternative to traditional hardwood floors, installing a plywood subfloor requires a more extensive process that involves using screws to secure it in place. Choosing the right screws for plywood subfloor is crucial to ensure its stability and durability over time.

Before buying screws for your plywood subfloor, you need to consider several factors such as the type of plywood you’re using, the thickness of the subfloor, and the thickness of the flooring on top of it. The size and length of the screws should also be right for the subfloor to prevent any damages or accidents during installation. Using the wrong screws can lead to a weak subfloor that can cause the flooring above it to crack or warp over time.

Are you struggling to find the right screws for your plywood subfloor? Do you need help in selecting the right size and length of screws? Are you wondering what other materials you need for a successful installation? Keep reading to find out more about the best screws for plywood subfloor and how to choose the right ones for your project.

10 Best Screws For Plywood Subfloor

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for fastening subfloor and other construction materials securely in place.
2
The product is ideal for those in need of a large assortment of hardware items including screws, nuts, bolts, and washers.
3
The product is ideal for stopping squeaks in hardwood floors by repairing loose subfloors.
4
Ideal for removing stubborn materials like ice, concrete, paint, and adhesives from surfaces.
5
It is ideal for protecting against moisture and creating warmer, softer floors in a large area.
6
Ideal for adding an underlayment layer underneath tile or stone floors to prevent cracking and provide moisture protection.
7
Ideal for securing squeaky hardwood floorboards and eliminating excess movement between them.
8
This product is ideal for providing natural sound insulation and serving as an underlayment for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood floors.
9
It is ideal for eliminating squeaks in hardwood floors and subfloors.
10
The product is ideal for sanding surfaces with variable speed control and a 5-inch sanding pad.
The product is ideal for fastening subfloor and other construction materials securely in place.
The product is ideal for those in need of a large assortment of hardware items including screws, nuts, bolts, and washers.
The product is ideal for stopping squeaks in hardwood floors by repairing loose subfloors.
Ideal for removing stubborn materials like ice, concrete, paint, and adhesives from surfaces.
It is ideal for protecting against moisture and creating warmer, softer floors in a large area.
Ideal for adding an underlayment layer underneath tile or stone floors to prevent cracking and provide moisture protection.
Ideal for securing squeaky hardwood floorboards and eliminating excess movement between them.
This product is ideal for providing natural sound insulation and serving as an underlayment for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood floors.
It is ideal for eliminating squeaks in hardwood floors and subfloors.
The product is ideal for sanding surfaces with variable speed control and a 5-inch sanding pad.

1. Senco 08f200y Duraspin# 8 By 2" Subfloor Collated Screw (1, 000per Box)

This product is a screw with a 2-inch length, a No. 2 square flat head, and a No. 8 shank. It has a coarse 2/3 thread with wax for easy installation. The screw is finished with a yellow zinc coating to protect it from rust and corrosion.

These screws are perfect for a variety of woodworking and construction projects. Their coarse thread allows for a strong grip and easy installation, while the wax coating reduces friction and helps prevent splitting. The yellow zinc finish adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, ensuring your project will endure for years to come.

Overall, this screw is a reliable and versatile choice for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor.

Pros

  • 2-inch length is suitable for a variety of projects
  • No. 2 square flat head provides a secure grip
  • No. 8 shank is strong and durable
  • Coarse 2/3 thread with wax allows for easy installation
  • Yellow zinc finish protects against rust and corrosion

2. Jackson Palmer 2,050 Piece Hardware Assortment Kit With Screws, Nuts, Bolts & Washers (3 Trays)

The Deluxe Hardware Assortment Kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, with 2,050 pieces and 60 different hardware sizes. It includes 515 pieces of wood and sheet metal screws in 19 different sizes, 670 pieces of bolts, hex nuts, and washers in 21 SAE sizes, and 865 pieces of bolts, hex nuts, and washers in 20 metric sizes. The kit is built for work with grade 2 nuts/bolts, 6-nibs, and type 17 point heat-treated screws.

The interlocking lid of the kit prevents hardware from mixing, and the removable nested dividers can be rearranged for further customization. The kit is designed with stackable cases that have locking tabs for easy carrying and transport. You can expand your collection by adding additional empty bins to your stack.

The Deluxe Hardware Assortment Kit comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so you can try it with no risk and no questions asked. Use it for household maintenance and repair, DIY projects, and so much more.

Pros

  • 2,050 pieces and 60 different hardware sizes
  • Built for work with grade 2 nuts/bolts, 6-nibs, and type 17 point heat-treated screws
  • Interlocking lid prevents hardware from mixing and removable nested dividers can be re-arranged for further customization
  • Stackable cases with locking tabs for easy carrying and transport
  • 100% money-back guarantee

3. O'berry Enterprises 3233 Squeek No More Kit

The Eliminator Squeak Relief Floor Kit is an essential tool for eliminating squeaks between floor boards and joists. This kit includes an engineered plastic alignment depth tool, which allows for quick and easy installation. The alignment tool ensures that the screws are installed at the proper angle and depth, providing a secure and long-lasting fix for squeaky floors.

One of the unique features of the Eliminator Squeak Relief Floor Kit is its versatility. This kit can be used on both hardwood and carpeted floors, making it a great choice for any homeowner. The kit includes 50 scored screws and 1 drive bit, which provides enough supplies for multiple repairs. Additionally, the kit comes in a convenient clamshell package, which makes it easy to store and transport.

The Eliminator Squeak Relief Floor Kit is a reliable and effective solution for squeaky floors. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this kit is a must-have for any flooring project.

Pros

  • Eliminates squeaks between floor boards and joists
  • Includes an engineered plastic alignment depth tool for quick and easy installation
  • Can be used on hardwood and carpeted floors
  • Includes 50 scored screws and 1 drive bit, providing enough supplies for multiple repairs
  • Comes in a convenient clamshell package for easy storage and transport

4. Eddy Multi Purpose Scraper

The Soft Floor Covering Remover is the perfect tool for removing soft floor coverings, whether the sub-floor is made of plywood or concrete. This lightweight and portable machine is easy to carry and manoeuvre, making it ideal for use in a variety of settings. One of its great features is that it can be quickly and easily turned into a handheld scraper by removing the screw handle. This makes it even more versatile and easy to use.

The Soft Floor Covering Remover is extremely reliable and requires low maintenance, thanks to its 4850 RPM direct drive high torque DC motor. It has a low power consumption of only 5 amps, which means there are no blown fuses to worry about. The machine also comes with four types of blade for different applications, making it even more versatile. The blades are easy to interchange and can be swapped out quickly and easily.

Another great feature of the Soft Floor Covering Remover is that it comes with a 15ft power cord, which gives you plenty of room to move around and work in different areas. The machine is made in Canada and is CSA/UL approved, which means it meets high safety standards and is built to last. If you're looking for a reliable, low-maintenance tool for removing soft floor coverings, the Soft Floor Covering Remover is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Can be used on plywood or concrete sub-floors
  • Easily turns into a handheld scraper
  • Low power consumption of only 5 amps
  • Comes with four types of blade for different applications
  • Comes with a 15ft power cord
  • Made in Canada and CSA/UL approved

5. Dricore Moisture-Proof Subfloor Panels: Warmer, Softer Floors.

The DRICORE Subfloor panels feature Air Gap Technology that protects against moisture and small water leaks, providing better indoor air quality. The high-density plastic membrane is designed for use with basement flooring, laminate, LVT, engineered hardwood, carpet, and tile. It also has a secondary layer of oriented strand board (OSB) that provides a solid foundation for any type of finished floor and furniture.

Installation is a breeze thanks to the tongue and groove design, which makes it quick and easy. With this design, a 495 sq. ft. room can be completed in an afternoon, making it ideal for renovation, refinishing floors, basement refinishing, and floor insulation.

The DRICORE Subfloor panel also offers warmer floors by elevating the finished floors to create a thermal break from the cold concrete floors. With an R-value of 3.0, the premium flooring membrane panel makes floors feel warm, helping you stay comfortable with floors that feel warmer all year round.

This subfloor membrane panel is compatible with all types of finished flooring, making it versatile and suitable for carpet. It is strong enough to support up to 6642 lbs. per sq. ft. and can be used with laminates, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), engineered hardwood, carpet, and tile.

The DRICORE Subfloor panel comes with a 25-year limited warranty, giving you confidence in your purchase. It is perfect for solid hardwood floors, wooden floors, and basement finishing, as it provides a layer of protection to help with moisture and cold coming from the concrete.

Pros

  • Air Gap Technology protects against moisture and small water leaks
  • Tongue and groove design makes installation quick and easy
  • Can be used with all types of finished flooring
  • Strong enough to support up to 6642 lbs. per sq. ft.
  • Comes with a 25-year limited warranty

6. Squeeeek No More/o'berry Counter Snap Kit (#3232) For Hardwood Floors

The Counter-Snap Hardwood Trim Screws are specially designed to eliminate squeaks between hardwood floor joists. These screws are scored to snap 1/4" below the top of the hardwood when driven through the fixture. The small hole left behind can be easily filled with a wood filler to conceal the screw and restore the original beauty of your hardwood floor.

This kit is specifically made for hardwood floors and is not recommended for use on carpeted floors. The included tool ensures that the screw is snapped at the correct level for hardwood floors, making the installation process quick and effortless.

The kit comes with 50 screws, one driver bit, and one counter snap fixture to meet all your installation needs. These screws are a great investment for anyone looking to fix squeaky hardwood floors and improve the overall quality of their living space.

Pros

  • Eliminates squeaks between hardwood floor joists
  • Specially designed for hardwood floors
  • Easy to install with included tool
  • Comes with 50 screws and one driver bit
  • Small hole left behind can be easily filled with a wood filler

Cons

  • – Not recommended for use on carpeted floors

7. Steico Sound Barrier Floor Underlayment – 90 Sqft

Experience enhanced room comfort with the high-performance sound control and acoustic improving properties of this underlayment. Made of pure wood fiber material without any glue additives, it is a natural product manufactured in EU. It is easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools.

This underlayment is the highest rated in sound proofing as it has been US tested and certified after passing the strictest acoustic tests (6” concrete slab without ceiling assembly), which guarantees optimal sound proofing. It ensures that noise stays where it belongs and you can enjoy a peaceful environment.

The absence of VOC and other poisonous emissions makes this underlayment a safe option for your living space, making it more valuable. With its easy installation process, you can ensure safety without any hassle.

Pros

  • Acoustic improving properties enhance room comfort
  • Highest rated in sound proofing
  • Natural product made of pure wood fiber material
  • Easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools
  • Absence of VOC and other poisonous emissions makes it a safe option

8. Squeak Ender 2084 Hardwood Floor / Subfloor Squeak Eliminator Brackets – Quantity 6

The Squeak Ender Floor Squeak Eliminator Brackets #2084 is the solution to your annoying wood floor squeaks. This kit comes in a quantity of 6 and is designed to work by pulling the loose sub-floor tight to the joist, providing a quick and permanent solution to your squeaky floors. The installation process is simple and can be completed from beneath the floor, making it easy to use for anyone. Each kit includes (1) 4" adjustable floor joist bracket, (1) 2" square floor anchor plate, (1) 1/4-20 x 6 inch carriage bolt, (1) 1/4-20 hex nut, (1) 1/4 washer, and (4) #10 x 5/8" sub-floor wood screws. With this kit, you can finally enjoy a peaceful home without the annoyance of squeaky floors.

Say goodbye to squeaky floors with the Squeak Ender Floor Squeak Eliminator Brackets #2084. This kit is designed to work quickly and permanently by tightening the loose sub-floor to the joist. It is easy to install from beneath the floor, and each kit comes with all the necessary components needed for installation. The kit includes an adjustable floor joist bracket, square floor anchor plate, carriage bolt, hex nut, washer, and sub-floor wood screws. With a quantity of 6, you can eliminate squeaks from multiple areas of your home. Get ready to enjoy a quiet and peaceful home with the Squeak Ender Floor Squeak Eliminator Brackets #2084.

Tired of hearing annoying squeaks in your home? The Squeak Ender Floor Squeak Eliminator Brackets #2084 is here to help. This kit includes 6 brackets that work by pulling the loose sub-floor tight to the joist, eliminating squeaks quickly and permanently. The installation process is simple, and you can install it from beneath the floor. Each kit comes with an adjustable floor joist bracket, square floor anchor plate, carriage bolt, hex nut, washer, and sub-floor wood screws. With this kit, you can finally enjoy a peaceful home without the distraction of squeaky floors.

Pros

  • Quickly and permanently eliminates annoying wood floor squeaks
  • Simple to install from beneath the floor
  • Includes all necessary components for installation
  • Comes in a quantity of 6 for multiple use
  • Provides a peaceful and quiet home environment

9. Dewalt Random Orbit Sander, Variable Speed, 5-Inch (Dwe6423)

The orbital sander is equipped with a 3.0-amp motor that can spin the pad at a speed of 8,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute, providing a smooth finish on various surfaces. Its separate counterweight design reduces vibration, making it more comfortable to use for longer periods. The electric sander features an improved dust-sealed switch that protects against dust ingestion, enhancing the switch's lifespan. The dust port of the sander is designed to fit directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors, making it easier to manage dust and debris. The shorter height of the sander allows the user to get closer to the workpiece, providing better control and more precise sanding. The sander also features a rubber overmold that improves grip and reduces slipping, ensuring that the user can handle the sander comfortably and with ease. Additionally, the sander comes with an improved dust collection system and a one-handed locking dust bag that makes it easier to empty and clean. To connect the dust port to other vacuum systems with 1-1/4-inch hoses, use DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector.

Pros

  • The 3.0-amp motor of the orbital sander can spin the pad at a speed of 8,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute, providing a smooth finish on various surfaces.
  • The separate counterweight design of the sander reduces vibration, making it more comfortable to use for longer periods.
  • The dust-sealed switch of the sander protects against dust ingestion, enhancing the switch's lifespan.
  • The dust port of the sander is designed to fit directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors, making it easier to manage dust and debris.
  • The shorter height of the sander allows the user to get closer to the workpiece, providing better control and more precise sanding.
  • The rubber overmold of the sander improves grip and reduces slipping, ensuring that the user can handle the sander comfortably and with ease.
  • The sander comes with an improved dust collection system and a one-handed locking dust bag that makes it easier to empty and clean.

Best Screws For Plywood Subfloor FAQs

Are there any special considerations or techniques for screwing down plywood subflooring around the perimeter of a room?

Yes, there are some special considerations and techniques to keep in mind when screwing down plywood subflooring around the perimeter of a room. First and foremost, it's important to ensure that the subfloor is level and free of any debris or obstructions that could interfere with the installation process. Additionally, it's recommended to use screws that are specifically designed for subflooring, as these will provide a stronger hold and better resistance to movement over time.

When screwing down the subfloor, it's important to use the proper spacing between screws to ensure proper support and stability. This typically involves placing screws every 6-8 inches along the perimeter of the room, with additional screws in the field area as needed. Additionally, it's important to stagger the seams between the plywood sheets to prevent weak spots and ensure a more even distribution of weight.

Overall, taking the time to properly install and secure the plywood subflooring around the perimeter of the room can help ensure a stable and durable base for your flooring materials, while also minimizing the risk of damage or instability over time.

Can I use drywall screws for plywood subfloor installation?

While it's possible to use drywall screws for plywood subfloor installation, it's not recommended. Drywall screws are designed for securing drywall to wood or metal studs, not for supporting the weight and movement of a subfloor. Plywood subflooring requires a secure and stable installation to prevent squeaking, movement, and damage over time. Using the wrong fasteners can lead to structural problems and safety hazards. It's important to use the right type and size of screws or nails that are specifically designed for subflooring, such as deck screws or ring shank nails. These fasteners have a higher shear strength and are less likely to pull out or loosen over time. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local building codes to ensure a safe and durable installation.

How far apart should screws be installed on a plywood subfloor?

When it comes to installing screws on a plywood subfloor, the distance between each screw plays a significant role in ensuring a sturdy and stable subfloor. The general rule of thumb is to place screws every 6 inches along the edges of the plywood sheets and every 12 inches along the interior of the sheets.

However, the spacing of screws can vary depending on the thickness of the plywood, the type of subfloor, and the expected load capacity. For instance, if you are using a thinner plywood sheet, you may need to install screws closer together to avoid gaps and prevent squeaks.

It's also essential to choose the right type of screws for your subfloor. Typically, subfloor screws are coated with a corrosion-resistant material to prevent rust and ensure long-lasting durability.

Overall, the spacing of screws on a plywood subfloor should be carefully planned and installed to ensure the subfloor is strong and able to withstand the weight it will bear.

Should I use coated or uncoated screws for plywood subfloor installation?

When it comes to plywood subfloor installation, the choice between coated and uncoated screws depends on various factors. Coated screws are covered with a layer of corrosion-resistant material, which makes them ideal for areas with high moisture levels or exposure to weather elements. On the other hand, uncoated screws are suitable for indoor subfloor installation, where they are less likely to rust or corrode.

If you are installing a subfloor in a damp or wet area such as a bathroom, laundry room or basement, you should opt for coated screws to prevent rusting and ensure the longevity of your subfloor. However, if you are installing the subfloor in a dry area with minimal exposure to moisture, uncoated screws may be a more cost-effective option.

Moreover, it's essential to consider the type of plywood you are using, as some types of plywood may require specific types of screws. For instance, if you are installing marine-grade plywood, you should use stainless steel screws to prevent corrosion.

In conclusion, the choice between coated and uncoated screws depends on the location of the subfloor, the type of plywood, and the expected exposure to moisture. Consult with a professional or the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you are using the correct screws for your subfloor installation.

What size and length of screws should be used for plywood subfloor installation?

When it comes to plywood subfloor installation, choosing the right size and length of screws is crucial to ensure a stable and secure surface. The recommended screw size for a plywood subfloor is #8 or #10, with a length of 1 1/4 to 2 inches. The length of the screw will depend on the thickness of the plywood being used. For example, if the plywood is 3/4 inches thick, a 2-inch screw would be appropriate.

It's important to use screws specifically designed for subfloor installation, as they are designed to withstand the weight and pressure of flooring materials and foot traffic. These screws typically have a coarse thread and are self-tapping, which makes them easier to install and less likely to strip or break.

When installing the screws, it's recommended to use a spacing of 6 inches along the edges of the plywood sheets and 8 to 10 inches in the field. This will ensure that the plywood is securely fastened and will not shift or buckle over time. By using the appropriate screw size and length, you can ensure a strong and durable subfloor that will provide a solid foundation for your flooring materials.

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