what length nail?

[czr12x]

I would like to nail down 1/2 inch plywood over the floor in my garage loft. The loft sub floor is 3/4 inch 4x8 sheets LP top notch and is secure. Just wondering what length nail I should be using to secure the 1/2 plywood to it. Since the sub is solid do I just want to nail into that, and not hit the floor joists? I am going rip the plywood into planks, stain, install, and then cover with a nice high traffic floor finish.

I was thinking about using steel cut flooring nails for a more rustic wood shop floor look. The Tremont Nail Co has a wide variety to choose from and 1 1/2 inch seems to be the shortest for flooring nails.

 

[slickgt1]

I would actually try to hit the floor joist, and go at least 3/4" into it.

 

[Doxhog]

I would also use screws so that you don't get any squeaking or nail head pops after you have finished the floor.

 

[slickgt1]

I would also use screws so that you don't get any squeaking or nail head pops after you have finished the floor.

I was going to suggest that, but the OP seems to be going for a "look".

 

[czr12x]

forgot to mention that subfloor adhesive will be used also. thanks for the advice!

 

[csp]

Even so, a regular nail will move around and end up squeaking as someone moves across the floor. At a minimum, go with a ring shank or spiral cut nail.

 

[Randyman]

I would like to nail down 1/2 inch plywood over the floor in my garage loft. The loft sub floor is 3/4 inch 4x8 sheets LP top notch and is secure. Just wondering what length nail I should be using to secure the 1/2 plywood to it. Since the sub is solid do I just want to nail into that, and not hit the floor joists? I am going rip the plywood into planks, stain, install, and then cover with a nice high traffic floor finish.

I was thinking about using steel cut flooring nails for a more rustic wood shop floor look. The Tremont Nail Co has a wide variety to choose from and 1 1/2 inch seems to be the shortest for flooring nails.

I'm a little confused. Why are you doing this? Are you doing this just for "appearance"? I'm assuming this loft is in the ceiling of your garage and will only have foot traffic. If so you may want to think about some of the new laminate flooring available.

How far apart are the joists that the existing 3/4" loft floor and where your new plywood would be attached? Is there any "bounce" to it? Could 1/8" underlayment do what you want?. If you just want to cover the existing 3/4" plywood with the 1/2" plywood you talked about I would use construction adhesive and screws. Make sure to attach the new floor perpendicular to the existing floor and make sure none of the edges line up.

Use a screw that doesn't penetrate through the existing floor and don't skimp on the screws!

Good luck

 

[antinym]

So you have .5 inch material and .75 base? If you use 1.25 nails you'll get the most grip but it'll show through the other side.. if you care about that use 1.00 nails.

If you use less than 1.00 nails, then use an adhesive, too.

 

[czr12x]

@Randyman, yeah. This is the loft about the garage, The 3/4 sub is osb flooring. Didn't want to drag anything across that so not to tear it up etc. Mostly storage and light woodworking will be going on up There. Joists are on 16. FIL thought there was a little bounce in a place or two but he's 200+ sooooooo. Thanks everyone for the advise.

 

[383]

Cool shop, thanks for the pics! I would run the new flooring perpendicular to the joists, and nail to the joists with an 8d nail. Glue will help for sure.

 

[czr12x]

Thanks guys. Have all the flooring cut and using ring shank flooring nails.. Starting today and nailed some down. Will post pics later tomorrow after i get them off the camera.

 

[czr12x]

a few pics of the progress, slow going but not looking bad..