how to install a sub-floor in my basement?

Question

what thickness of plywood should I use? not sure how far apart the strapping should be?

Answer 1

Check with you local building dept. They may have a concern on adding a subfloor, some areas require the floors to float for shifting soils. Otherwise a 3/4" plywood with 16"oc joints will work. Again, run it by your building dept. since there are other issues to address first.

Answer 2

There a number of different ways. If you are set on using plywood and firring strips, the strips should be 16 inches on center, and for best results, use no thinner than 5/8 plywood. 3/4 would be better. Use construction adhesive also.

If you want a short cut, Home Depot sells these 2x2 tongue and groove panels that can go right on the concrete, since they have some kind of hard plastic that keeps the wood off the floor. Good luck.

Answer 3

Cement is never level, so just putting down furring strips and a plywood floor will give you an uneven floor, and cause problems later. You need a water barrier, and some kind of shimming system to level the floor. I would advise you to consider an in floor heating system as well, it will solve many heating problems. Please don't underestimate the problems moisture could cause...
The pros at Home Depot are there to sell you things. I have been steered wrong many times. Get a couple of estimates from pros, and ask for detailed estimates. It will clue you in to what is involved. It might seem unfair, but fully 50% of my business is fixing other people's mistakes... so I often end up with the work anyway! I don't mean to deter you, good luck!

Answer 4

I think you should consider 3/4 inch plywood and put it on strips at 16 inches on center. Make sure you don't put it down so that four corners of plywood meet.

Answer 5

Talk to some one at Home Depot in flooring dept some of these guys are Pros