Choosing the right material helps prevent water from infiltrating areas around the bathroom sink, toilet, and bathtub, safeguarding against long-term damage. Excess moisture in the subfloor can significantly disrupt the entire bathroom flooring, potentially leading to an expensive and sudden bathroom remodel—something best avoided altogether! In this article, Vinawood will give you information about subfloors such as: features, benefits, types and tips for a better subfloor.
What is a subfloor?
A subfloor is the lowest structural layer that lies underneath the finished flooring. Installed directly over the joists, a subfloor's main purpose is to create a level, sturdy surface on which the finished flooring can rest.
For further protection, bathroom subfloors usually include a concrete backer board underlayment. In particular during tile installation, a concrete backer board helps shield the subfloor plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) from water damage and minimizes the risk of cracked tiles or uneven flooring.
A basic waterproof membrane typically has a lifespan of at least ten years, but with optimal conditions, it can endure much longer. However, poor waterproofing may fail prematurely.
Several factors influence the longevity of a waterproofing job, including the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as regular preventative maintenance. It's crucial that membranes are robust enough to withstand structural movements and exposure to chemicals. Vulnerable points in any waterproofing system are where vertical and horizontal surfaces meet, requiring extra attention during installation.
Regular maintenance plays a vital role in extending the life of waterproofing. This includes regular inspections for leaks, cracks, or damage, along with ensuring adequate drainage around the area to prevent water buildup.
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Which material is best for a bathroom subfloor?
When remodeling your bathroom, the subflooring material is essential. After all, the tremendous levels of moisture in your bathroom is something you have to cope with every day. It's crucial that you select a moisture-resistant material.
OSB and plywood are the two most used materials for subfloors. A sheet of plywood is composed of layers of wood. In each layer, the wood is orientated in opposing orientations.
OSB, often known as chipboard, is a type of sheet material made of layers of flat wood flakes joined by phenolic resins.
The majority of builders and remodeling contractors maintain that plywood is the ideal material for a bathroom subfloor. Additionally, to make sure that moisture doesn't seep into the plywood, it can be made thicker.
However, some builders believe OSB to be a more structurally consistent alternative. In the following section, we'll examine the benefits and drawbacks of each type of subflooring material to help you make an informed decision.
A ¾" tongue-and-groove plywood that interlocks along the edges is a fantastic choice for subflooring. Remember that the joist spacing determines the precise thickness of the subfloor. Each variety also has an enhanced variant available. In other words, you can have either improved OSB or improved plywood.
If the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches or less apart, normal 15/32-inch plywood should be utilized; however, if the joists are spaced more apart, thicker 3/4-inch plywood should be used. It’s always a good idea to check with your local building code authorities.
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Pros and cons of bathroom subfloor
Although OSB was first utilized in the 1970s, plywood has been used as a subfloor material since the 1950s. Both of them have a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Plywood is stronger and longer-lasting than OSB. It also comes in a variety of finishes, is moisture-resistant, dries quickly, and is overall a great option for an underlayment. Nevertheless, plywood might have weak points that lead to panel voids; also, it is more costly than OSB, not eco-friendly, and has a smaller size range. These are the factors that may hinder plywood from being utilized as a material for subfloors.
Meanwhile, OSB is a more cost-effective, heavier, thicker, and more versatile material than plywood. It also offers a firm, thick surface with good shear strength. There are four things that are disadvantageous: Reduced ability to withstand dampness bulky panels, It is not paintable and prone to expanding around the edges, which is something to think about before adopting OSB as a subfloor material.
Bathroom subfloor cost
Installing a subfloor typically costs between $2.85 and $3.25 per square foot in materials. The entire cost of labor and the cost of materials per square foot range from $8.27 to $16.12.
For a 300-square-foot room, replacing the complete subfloor typically costs between $2,481.75 and $4,836.34.
The project's size and the materials utilized will determine the cost. A four by eight-foot sheet of 3/4-inch-thick subfloor-grade plywood, for instance, costs roughly $21.50, whereas a four by eight-foot OSB sheet measuring 23/32 inches costs roughly $16.50. Comparing that to plywood, each panel is $3 to $5 less expensive.
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Do I need Waterproof the Shower or Entire Bathroom?
Australian Standard 3740-2010 states that waterproofing the floor of the shower recess is the minimum requirement. Since it is in contact with water all the time, it is the most crucial place to waterproof it. Water will eventually infiltrate through tile gaps and grout lines if waterproofing isn't done, which might cause major structural problems.
Even while it might not be necessary to waterproof the entire bathroom floor, doing so is usually recommended for an extra layer of security and to make sure your belongings are safe. The safest and most efficient way to prevent water damage to your home is to waterproof the entire bathroom, especially if your home has a wet room bathroom design, which is a typical feature of many contemporary homes.
There isn't a separate shower enclosure with a shower screen in a wet bathroom. They are well-liked because they eliminate the need for a shower screen, making upkeep simpler. A wet bathroom is not only larger and more open, but it is also simpler for those with mobility impairments to use.
However, more substantial waterproofing will need to be considered because the bathroom floor would be wet rather than just the shower floor and wall.
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Your bathroom is undoubtedly one of the most high-moisture areas of your home, primarily due to the concentration of vapor from the toilet and shower. Therefore, choosing the right flooring material is crucial. A good subfloor will help maintain the health and strength of your bathroom flooring, effectively preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Visit our website Vinawood, you can access the best quality subfloor with the cheapest price.
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