Diy Plywood Flooring

DIY plywood flooring is a great way to save money and get a unique, custom look for your home. It’s also a relatively easy project to do, even for beginners.

Materials:

Plywood (choose a grade and thickness that is appropriate for your needs)
Underlayment (optional, but recommended)
Construction adhesive
Nails or screws
Finish (stain, polyurethane, etc.)

Tools:

Circular saw
Hammer or drill
Measuring tape
Level
Safety glasses

Instructions:

Prepare the subfloor. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If necessary, patch any holes or cracks.
Install the underlayment (optional). Underlayment helps to reduce noise and improve insulation. To install underlayment, simply roll it out over the subfloor and cut it to fit.
Cut the plywood to size. Use a circular saw to cut the plywood into planks of the desired width. Be sure to leave a small gap (1/8") between the planks to allow for expansion.
Lay out the plywood planks. Start in one corner of the room and lay out the planks in a staggered pattern. Be sure to leave a 1/4" gap around the perimeter of the room for expansion.
Glue and nail or screw the plywood planks in place. Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive to the back of each plank and then nail or screw it to the subfloor. Be sure to use nails or screws that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and subfloor.
Finish the plywood floor. Sand the plywood floor lightly to smooth out any rough edges. Then, apply the desired finish (stain, polyurethane, etc.).

Tips:

For a more rustic look, you can use reclaimed plywood.
If you are using a dark finish, be sure to apply a coat of sealant over it to protect it from scratches and stains.
Be sure to allow the finish to dry completely before walking on the floor.