Last Updated on by
The subfloor material you choose for your bathroom remodeling project should be of high concern. It is important because the subfloor needs to be able to withstand the high moisture levels in a bathroom, and not all materials can handle such a tremendous task. It prevents water from seeping into areas around the sink, toilet, and bathtub, which are more prone to exposure to water. If you decide to install vinyl plank flooring in your bathroom, using the right subflooring material will help it stand a better chance of withstanding long term damage.
Excess moisture in the subfloor is a common reason for early replacement of bathroom flooring, but it can be prevented by choosing the right material from the beginning. You can also seek help from professionals like experienced balcony waterproofing contractor.
Wait, What is a Subfloor Anyway?
A subfloor is the lowest structural layer beneath the finished flooring. Installed directly over the joists, the primary function of a subfloor is to create a flat solid surface for the finished flooring to rest on. Generally, this only refers to a layer of plywood but in the case of bathrooms, it includes an underlayment of concrete backerboard as well. As per Concrete Companies in Cincinnati, concrete backerboard helps protect the plywood from water damage and helps prevent bending that leads to cracked tiles and uneven flooring. Also, it’s worth noting that the use of onsite mixed concrete comes with a significant advantage in the reduction of material waste. Every mix is tailored to the exact requirements of the project by a Buffalo concrete contractor, which not only ensures high-quality results but also contributes to sustainable practices. If you’re interested in reading more about the benefits, I highly recommend checking out this article from Master Mix Concrete, an expert in onsite mixed concrete.
Plywood as a Subfloor Material
Traditionally, exterior grade plywood has been the subfloor material of choice for many bathroom flooring projects. Plywood is made by gluing alternating layers of wood veneer. CDX plywood (¾”) in particular is used often because it has a high level of resistance to moisture and humidity. Nevertheless, plywood is still a wood product and is subject to the effects of excessive moisture in the long run. It can stain, warp, swell, and suffer from problems with mold and mildew. Proper installation of the cement-based backerboard using water-resistant mortar/thin-set will help prevent this, as well as proper tile installation. For a flawless and enduring outcome, hire Resin Flooring Installers to ensure expert installation of your chosen flooring solution.
Enhanced Plywood
Enhanced plywood is treated with a layer of water-resistant coating that makes it much more resistant to the long term effects of moisture. Georgia-Pacific offers Plytanium DryPly which is designed to resist the problems created by high moisture and humidity. Plywood tends to be stiffer than other subfloor materials, making it a great choice for tiling which requires a stiff solid surface. Tile can crack easily when flexed, but a stiff subflooring helps prevent this.
OSB Subflooring
Oriented strand board (OSB) is similar to plywood but the structural differences are what set them apart. OSB is created using 3”-4” strands of wood which are then pressed together using glue. This creates a more structurally consistent board that stands up better to moisture. However, OSB is known for swelling around the edges when exposed to water. For tile flooring, this can cause bending and cracking, which is why it is discouraged as a subfloor material for tiling.
Enhanced OSB
Enhanced OSB, just like its plywood counterpart, is designed to resist moisture. Enhanced OSB is more resistant to swelling around the edges. It is created using a water resistant resin. AdvanTech is a new enhanced OSB that comes with a 50 year warranty.
The right choice of subfloor material will also depend on your budget and the overall size of your project. Plywood made from different types of wood will vary in price. When it comes to building materials, you’re likely to save more money in the long run by spending a little more from the start. Cheap materials can cause more problems that will cost even more money to replace.
About the Author
Cheryl Khan loves to spend her weekends remodeling and fixing things around the house. Follow her on Twitter for the latest DIY advice.
Tobias Armstrong says
I never would have thought to use plywood as a subfloor material. It seems like wood would be so fragile in comparison to tile, but with the additions of backboard and proper installation, I can see how it would be beneficial.. Thanks for taking the time to walk through the benefits of different materials! I definitely appreciate it.
emily bennette says
Knowing what type of subfloor to get can be a tricky thing. But you want to make sure that it will be strong, so it can support the weight of a tub filled with water. It might also be a good idea to look into a waterproofing layer to put over it. That might be a good thing to discuss with your contractor.
Jeff Curtis says
Thanks for this helpful post on bathroom remodeling. I really like the look of that bathroom in your pictures. It looks really vintage, but also really nice and new. I have never heard of using enhanced plywood as your bathroom flooring base. I will have to consider doing something like this for my bathroom remodel. Thanks for the help, and the awesome pictures!
Nathan Johnson says
My wife and I are planning a bathroom remodel for later this summer. I had not even thought about the subfloor and how that might be influenced by our remodel. We are going to add a larger bath tub, so we will probably have to check to make sure our subfloor is strong enough. Thanks for going over the different types of subfloor and when to use them.