On Sun, 26 Feb 2006 16:30:22 -0500, "Ken" wrote:

How thick should plywood decking be assuming you are using joists 16" on
center?

In my earlier years, perhaps 20 years ago, I worked for a builder who
typically used 5/8 floor decking and 1/2" on the roof and exterior walls.
Now I'm faced with an architect that insists 3/4" on the floors is a must
and 5/8" on the roof and walls is needed.

Does the floor decking depend on the finish flooring. The builder I worked
with would always install wide plank 3/4" hardwood flooring. But when I
mentioned that to the architect, he insisted that I should still use 3/4"
decking under it. His concern was regarding the holding capacity of the
nails for the hardwood flooring and that it would avoid squeaky floors
later.

Any comments?



The architect is right, if you want a good floor.
the builder is right if all you want is one that's
code-compliant.

Of course, if you wanted a good solid L/480 or better
non-squeaking floor, I hope you're bringing that up
before the framing starts, cause you'll also want
depper joists, more blocking/bridging, glue, and
spiral-shank nails instead of whatever crap comes out
of the pnuematic nailer. All of which is going to
cost you extra.