DIY Plywood Flooring: This Inexpensive Flooring Possibility May Save You Hundreds

Contemplating DIY plywood flooring? Learn all this DIY hardwood flooring possibility that might prevent hundreds of {dollars}, plus get suggestions and plywood flooring concepts for stained, painted, and burnt plywood flooring. 

You’ll additionally wish to learn extra about this DIY fake wooden plank flooring comprised of paper and see this palette of paint colours that work with wooden floors. 

Whitewashed DIY Plywood Plank Floors by Sharktails

This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. Be taught extra and browse our full disclosure coverage right here.

Table of Contents

Plywood Flooring

In our Plywood Fairly sequence, we’ve shared a lot of suggestions for working with plywood and how you can construct plywood tasks from a patterned plywood chest to a plywood console desk and plywood out of doors sectional.

(Plus loads of tasks to construct from only one sheet of plywood, and plywood scrap tasks, too.)

You may as well use plywood in your partitions to make a shiplap wall or inventive function partitions — and naturally, plywood is true at dwelling in your flooring!

Sure, many subfloors are comprised of oriented strand board (or OSB) — however we’re speaking common wooden veneer plywood, in your foors. Should you’ve ever requested your self “Can I take advantage of plywood as flooring?” then then reply is YES and we’ve acquired the how-to!

Begin planning your undertaking: check current plywood prices at Home Depot & Lowe’s

DIY Readers’ Plywood Flooring

Whereas we love our hardwood flooring and LVP flooring, we all know that not each DIYer has the funds, and, if we’re conserving it actual, not each undertaking is well worth the splurge for larger finish flooring.

Plywood may sound like a last-ditch effort, however it may be a fantastic different to laminate flooring in order for you a low value wooden flooring.

Plywood is made up of skinny layers of wooden (ply) topped along with your alternative of wooden veneers (pine, maple, birch, and so forth). And you realize what else is made the identical means? Engineered hardwood.

Plywood flooring is simply DIY engineered hardwood flooring, mainly — with you doing your individual work for the sanding and ending as a substitute of paying for it to be carried out for you.

We’ve talked about and heard from our readers over on Facebook about plywood plank flooring, too — see the posts right here (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,) — together with some superior footage of their flooring.

From pure sealed plywood, to stained or painted plywood flooring, to even TORCHED plywood flooring to convey out the grain, and combined plywood varieties for an attention-grabbing flooring sample — we actually do have amazingly proficient readers! 

On a regular basis DIY: Readers’ DIY Plywood Flooring

Click on on every image to enlarge. See the unique posts and dialogue right here on Fb: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

DIY Plywood Flooring FAQs

Since this can be a common concept that we haven’t personally tried, we reached out to some fellow DIYers about their experiences with their DIY plywood flooring set up and sturdiness. Their experiences will assist reply the query “Is plywood flooring a good suggestion?” (Reply: sure! Learn beneath for extra particulars.)

We’ve compiled their solutions into an informative put up right now, starting with some frequent questions on plywood flooring and persevering with with extra particulars beneath and particular person experiences.

What kind of plywood is sweet for flooring?

Pine plywood is usually the most cost effective, however it’s additionally a softer wooden that may present extra dents and dings over time. With that in thoughts, some DIYers spent a bit extra to get a harder wood plywood, reminiscent of birch or maple. Exterior plywoods (which have been handled for moisture resistance) are an alternative choice.

As you decide sheets of plywood, you’ll additionally wish to take note of any defects, the marble sample of the wooden and variety of knots to get the look you need out of your plywood planks.

Which thickness plywood ought to I take advantage of for flooring?

Most DIYers use 1/2″ plywood or 15/32″ for his or her flooring. A thinner 3/8″ plywood additionally works, and there may be one beneath that makes use of 1/4″ plywood in a selected circumstance. A thicker 3/4″ plywood would additionally work, however will not be value the additional expense.

How large are the plywood planks?

The person planks are normally 6″ or 8″ large, although some desire a thinner 4″ plank and a few went wider. We’d recommend going with a width that makes use of the total width of the sheet of plywood, so that you’re not left with an odd plank on the finish.

What sort of underlayment do I put underneath plywood?

One factor that many DIYers love about DIY plywood plank flooring is that they will set up it proper over the floorboards or plywood OSB subfloor. So, no underlayment or insulation wanted — making this DIY job even higher!

For a concrete flooring, many readers reported success utilizing glue meant for wooden flooring. (In our basement condominium rework, we selected luxurious vinyl tile to put in over the concrete.)

How do I stop warping on the ground?

Acclimating wooden flooring is vital, whether or not it’s DIY plywood flooring or hardwood flooring. Carry the minimize planks into the room the place they’ll be put in for at least a couple of days (to a couple weeks) to acclimate to the temperature and moisture/humidity.

Reader Page additionally suggests: “You need to glue the planks down by working a zig zag bead of liquid nails down bottom of board earlier than nailing with angled nail gun. Additionally we let our wooden sit for a couple of weeks inside to acclimate.”

What instruments do I would like to put in my very own flooring?

At a minimal, you’ll need a circular saw or miter saw with a plywood blade and a brad nailer. You’ll additionally want a sander of some kind, and a table saw (or circular saw with edge guide) in the event you’ll be chopping your individual planks.

Should you’re simply getting began, these instruments are well worth the preliminary funding — however it’s also possible to borrow or lease them in the event you don’t assume you’ll be doing different tasks.

Can I set up plywood flooring in a kitchen or bathtub?

Sure…. however solely in case you are keen to look after it. Since plywood is actual wooden in skinny layers, you’ll wish to take the identical precautions and care with the completed flooring as you’ll with any wooden flooring uncovered to moisture. (An out of doors or marine polyurethane could assist seal it higher than a typical flooring poly.)

You possibly can see within the reader photographs above and the DIYers beneath, that many have chosen plywood flooring for his or her kitchen and/or rest room. Personally, we love actual wooden floors for a lounge however opted for luxurious vinyl planks within the kitchen and bathtub as a result of they’re so sturdy in moist areas.

How lengthy will a plywood flooring final?

Like every wooden flooring, the longevity of a plywood flooring will rely upon the standard you start with, the kind of sealer used, and the care taken to guard the ground in day by day use and cleansing.

As you’ll see with the DIYer’s plywood flooring beneath, many of those flooring have been in use day by day for a number of years and nonetheless look nice!

DIYers Dish: All About Plywood Plank Flooring

For our survey, we requested every blogger these 4 questions:

  1. Why did you select plywood plank flooring over different extra conventional flooring varieties? 
  2. How has your plywood flooring held up to common use and cleansing? 
  3. Would you put in plywood plank flooring once more, or advocate them to a pal? Why or why not? 
  4. What’s one assume that stunned you in regards to the plywood plank flooring, or that you just wished you had identified earlier than you began? 

Their solutions are beneath and are so useful in the event you’re contemplating a DIY plywood flooring undertaking.

Be sure you pay them every a go to to see the particular tutorial particulars of how they put in their plank plywood flooring and you probably have any particular questions for them — plus, take a look at their different tasks whereas  you’re there — stunning houses and superb tasks!

Have you ever ever thought of putting in a plywood plank flooring? When you’ve got DIYed it, we’d love to listen to your expertise and add it to our put up, too — go away us a remark beneath and ship us a pic right here.


DIY Plywood Plank Flooring by Quarry Orchard featured right here

Shannon put in her plank-look plywood flooring in her bonus room above the storage over 6 years in the past (on the finish of 2010) utilizing 6 inch planks of 15/32″ plywood. She initially shared the tutorial with us right here on Remodelaholic, and we get a variety of questions on her flooring, so right here is her replace.

1) We selected plywood flooring due to value. We would have liked to redo this room which meant pulling up the carpet. Once we did that, it was solely subfloor beneath. We didn’t need to spend so much on this flooring and it’s a giant room. This was extra of an experiment, to be sincere!! We weren’t positive how it might go.

2) The flooring have held up very well! Since putting in them, we have now had 2 youngsters and now have 3 indoor/out of doors cats. We additionally had an indoor beagle for the primary few years after doing the flooring. We selected a less expensive plywood so it’s a bit softer. Nevertheless, they’ve held up very nicely.

There are a couple of “dents” in excessive visitors areas as a result of youngsters driving automobiles on them. Nevertheless, I don’t know that anybody aside from us would even actually discover. Persons are nonetheless shocked to study it’s plywood!

3) Sure, I’d advocate plywood flooring to others and I’ve. I’d be hesitant to put in them in areas which will get moist although. It’s nonetheless solely plywood.

I’d fear about this in a kitchen or rest room. I’m a messy cook dinner and spill and drop issues. I’d fear about liquid getting underneath the boards.

In our room, we used Liquid Nail to stick them to the ground AND did minimize nails, just for look. So, we have now had a couple of small spills on ours however nothing like a kitchen would see.

4) We want we’d have identified how stunning they might be! Our plan was to put in after which paint them. We left an intentional hole between the boards in order that the paint wouldn’t simply fill it in and make it look strong. Nevertheless, as soon as we minimize them and had the complete room laid, we have been shocked! Everybody who got here to see them additionally commented on how stunning the grain was.

Since they have been minimize into strips and laid in planks, it didn’t appears to be like like plywood. So, we stained it as a substitute. Had we is aware of that, we wouldn’t have left that hole. It isn’t an enormous hole or downside, however you’re feeling it when strolling barefoot. I even have to make use of a vacuum attachment in some locations to hoover between them.


Painted Huge Plank Plywood Flooring | Little Green Notebook 

Jenny was one of many first DIY bloggers I noticed do plywood flooring, means again in 2013, and her painted large plank flooring (utilizing 8-inch planks of 15/32″ sheathing plywood) in her beautiful studio are nonetheless holding up nicely right now!

Little Green Notebook, White Painted Diy Plywood Floors
painted plank plywood flooring by Inexperienced Little Pocket book

1) We went with plywood flooring in my studio as a result of I needed one thing straightforward to put in ourselves and, most of all, tremendous reasonably priced. I actually needed to color the flooring white and I simply couldn’t wrap my head across the concept of portray new, costly flooring. The plywood ended up costing about $1 per sq. foot, which is fairly exceptional for large plank wooden flooring particularly!

I wanted about 800 sq ft of flooring for the studio and with all of the supplies (plywood, noticed blades, glue, new nail gun, and so forth) we got here in at about $1000. Set up couldn’t have been simpler, too! We had one particular person chopping and gluing and two individuals laying and nailing the planks and we completed putting in all the pieces in sooner or later! It was extremely satisfying. 🙂

2) I feel the plywood flooring has held up nicely! It’s onerous to inform if it’s the oil-based enamel paint serving to out, however I’d give the flooring an 8/10 rating for sturdiness.

We selected a pine plywood for value and comfort, and the softer materials positively exhibits extra of the standard put on and tear from my tasks and our canine, however I actually don’t actually discover it.

I feel if somebody was apprehensive about residing with a extra worn-in look, they may at all times go for a tougher plywood, like birch.

Little Green Notebook, Diy Whitewashed Plywood Plank Floors
painted plywood flooring planks by Little Inexperienced Pocket book

3) I’d positively advocate plywood flooring to a pal underneath the precise circumstances. As a result of the planks have flat edges, with no tongue and groove notches, there can be just a little little bit of motion with the planks over time. A few of the planks will sit up a tiny bit larger than surrounding planks.

The general look finally ends up leaning just a little extra nation and fewer polished (assume an Anthropologie retailer), however it’s fully charming in the precise home!

4) I’ve been stunned at how nicely these flooring have held up! We put in my studio flooring greater than 4 years in the past and it appears to be like virtually the identical right now because it did a couple of months after putting in them and breaking them in just a little.

I feel on the 5 12 months mark I’ll most likely wish to do a contemporary coat of white paint, however general I’m so pleased with these flooring!

Jenny’s prime plywood flooring suggestions: 

  • Order your plywood from the contractor desk at your ironmongery shop every week upfront. I ordered mine from House Depot and there was a nominal charge to tear down all of the planks to dimension. When you’ve got the planks minimize to be just a little underneath 8″ every (for the reason that plywood sheets are just below 48″) , you’ll have six planks of equal width and no waste.
  • That is true with any wooden flooring set up, however you’ll want to actually stagger these planks so there may be not an apparent sample that emerges with the seams!

Beginner’s Information to Plywood Plank Flooring | Shark Tails (archive) 

You’ll acknowledge Allison as considered one of our superior contributors (and in the event you don’t, take a look at her newest tasks right here and right here!). She put in her 3/8″ plywood flooring in 8-inch planks in her master suite a 12 months in the past, in April 2016, and her tutorial is so complete and detailed! She additionally has three canines, so her flooring have seen some actual life use.  Read her full 1-year update here (archived). 

Sharktails, Diy Plywood Plank Flooring
whitewashed plywood flooring by SharkTails

1) Plywood was actually not our first alternative however it actually ended up being a really pleased shock. We have been determined to eliminate the carpet in our bed room (we have now three canines) and initially needed hardwood. A bit math later put that dream to mattress actual fast — it was means outdoors of our funds!  Laminate wasn’t actually an possibility as a result of aesthetically it wasn’t our favourite, and those we did find yourself liking weren’t precisely low-cost. 

So I began researching “different” flooring — and I found some examples of individuals utilizing plywood planks that didn’t look too dangerous. As a matter of truth, they appeared fairly unbelievable! Plus, the worth tag was excellent at $1/sqft. It ticked two of my main packing containers (look, value) and the third (sturdiness) we determined to take an opportunity on plywood flooring.

Sharktails, Diy Plywood Plank Floor Tutorial
plywood plank flooring by SharkTails

2) Actually, our plywood flooring have held up amazingly nicely. As talked about, we have now three very lively canines and these flooring take a beating on the common. There may be an space of the ground the place they leap on and up and doing that has some scratches however you actually can’t discover them both by really feel or sight (until you’re getting proper down on all fours).

I ought to word that we stained our flooring with a very mild shade, which I feel helps camouflage any dings/scratches. I can’t converse to how these would look in the event you used a darker stain. Should you don’t have pets, scratches won’t be a difficulty for you, until in fact you’re within the behavior of faucet dancing in spike heels, dragging grand pianos throughout the ground, and so forth.

3) Sure sure, and sure. If funds have been no possibility (one can dream) I clearly would go for hardwood flooring each time, however for the price, really feel, and look you can not go fallacious with these and I’m so pleased we determined to make the leap and provides them a strive. I’m truly fascinated about putting in these plywood flooring in my lobby/kitchen space, besides portray them as a substitute of staining.

Sharktails, Diy Plywood Plank Floors
DIY whitewashed plywood flooring by SharkTails

4 ) I want as a substitute of chopping the sheets down into planks myself, I’d had House Depot make the cuts for me. It will have been value the additional $25 or no matter it was to have them do it they usually be completely straight/sq.. My cuts have been as straight as i may probably get them, however they aren’t excellent and due to that the gaps in my flooring are inconsistent.

Allison’s remaining phrase on plywood flooring

Should you hate the flooring you have got now, however are nonetheless on the fence about this undertaking, DO IT! You received’t remorse it!


Painted and Stenciled Plywood Flooring | Life in the Big House

Brooke put in her plank plywood flooring in a again room that capabilities as a type of mudroom for her 3 giant canines. She laid the ground final August (of 2016) and made it superb by not simply portray it however by stenciling it for a cement tile look that has me swooning!  Brooke used 1/2″ plywood in each 6- and 8-inch planks for selection, and laid the planks proper over the previous linoleum flooring. 

Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Dirty Floor Pano
painted plywood flooring by Life In The Large Home

1) I selected plywood flooring for a number of causes. First – it was low-cost and I used to be searching for an inexpensive repair. Second, I like the look of painted wooden floors, however I’d by no means have the ability to convey myself to color actual wooden floors. I like previous homes (mine was in-built 1908) and I can’t even paint the wooden trim. So portray common previous (or new on this case) plywood appealed to me. I actually needed to do cement tiles, however that was a bit too expensive for me.

The precise set up of the plywood was tremendous straightforward. I had the shop minimize it into 6″ and eight″ widths to range the look within the room. A penny for spacers and my crown stapler made it go tremendous fast. The room I used was slightly small and likewise the unique flooring was sloping fairly dangerous within the again nook. I used a couple of shims to do my finest to make it degree….end result, eh, not so degree.

However since I used to be utilizing plywood, I wasn’t too apprehensive about motion (though I had a basis man have a look at it and he stated it most likely wouldn’t transfer rather more because it was sooo previous.). That’s one motive I made a decision to not tile, I used to be affraid the tile or grout would crack if it did find yourself settling extra. Since this flooring was for a doggie room, I used to be involved about sturdiness, however I figured with sufficient layers of primer, paint and end coating, it ‘ought to’ be good.

COST

  • Plywood – $71
  • Primer – $23 (Oil Based mostly Flooring Primer in White)
  • Base Paint – $30 (Valspar Porch and Flooring Latex Paint
  • Stencil Paint – $30 (Similar as above)
  • Sealer – $50 (Verathane Heavy Use Components and true to call – tremendous low odor!)

Whole $204 – in fact my undertaking would have been cheaper is I hadn’t needed to stencil a sample.

Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Scratch
plywood flooring in a mudroom by Life In The Large Home

2) Contemplating all issues, and all issues principally being it’s a room for the canines, and we have now 3 huge canines – doberman pinscher, boxer/pit bull combine and a black labrador, the plywood flooring has carried out very nicely.

Since there was a excessive chance that the canines would get the ground moist, I made each try to guard the plywood as a lot as I may. I used an oil based mostly flooring primer in white that was supposed to guard the wooden from water. The bottom coat and stencil colours I used Valspar Porch and Flooring Latex Paint, one other kind of paint that ought to be tremendous protecting.

After which for the protecting coat (sealer) I used Verathane Heavy Use Components Poly, and I did a few coats of that simply to be on the secure facet. With all of the ‘additional’ measures I took, I hoped it might be sufficient to maintain the plywood wanting good.

It has now been about 8 months since I completed the undertaking and I’ve to say the flooring nonetheless look nice. There are 3 scratches within the flooring the place you’ll be able to see the uncooked plywood, I’m not positive who’s fault that’s (ours or the canines? we additionally use that room for storage generally and our dobie is a bit on the hyper facet….) However as quickly as I noticed the scratches, I put one other coat of poly on them to stop any additional harm.

For cleansing, I’ve used a Bissell Steam mop and a swifter moist jet mop. The canines monitor in a variety of grime and dirt and the flooring at all times look nice after a vacuum and mopping. I’ve not observed some other points, no swelling, no chipping moreover the scratches talked about above.

Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Dirty Floor Close Up
these plywood flooring do get used and soiled…
Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Clean Floors Close Up
…however they clear up very well!

3) I’d completely advocate plywood flooring!! Tremendous straightforward to put in and even when somebody didn’t have a desk noticed or round noticed to chop them or a nailer to put in, they may simply lease the instruments and even use a hammer and nail.

I’m undecided I’d try the identical stencil once more, that took lots longer than I had anticipated and was much more concerned. I like the look and may attempt to a discover a better approach to get the sample or do a bigger stencil.

However the precise plywood set up was tremendous straightforward and I’m nonetheless very pleased about it, plus it’s much less $$ dedication and a straightforward repair for a decent funds. We do plan on ending some attic area sooner or later and we wish to use plywood plank flooring once more, I feel I’ll simply have one strong colour or a bigger sample. I did actually just like the all white of the ground primer I used earlier than the bottom coat of blue.

Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Clean Floors 1
stenciled painted plywood flooring by Life In The Large Home

4) I’m stunned about how nicely it has held as much as the canines. Now we have coronary heart pine flooring all through our home and you’ll simply see the scratches from their claws (and we simply had them refinished a 12 months in the past), and with the plywood flooring, it’s tougher to see the small scratches (minus the bigger ones I discussed earlier).

After I used to be completed, I actually thought I had wasted a bunch of time making the ground so fairly solely to have the canines destroy it in a couple of months, however it nonetheless appears to be like nice (IMO *:) pleased ) I ended up needing extra plywood and needed to make a retailer run close to the tip, I’m undecided how I messed that one up.

I do reside in Georgia and I used to be afraid the temperature adjustments may trigger the wooden to pop up from the ground or draw back from the partitions. The room the place the ground is put in, is just not insulated very nicely and is at all times a couple of levels hotter in the summertime and some levels colder within the winter.

Painted Stenciled Plywood Flooring, Brooke Life In The Big House Clean Floors
painted plywood flooring by Life In The Large Home

Brooke’s plywood flooring suggestions: 

  • Purchase excessive grade plywood (sanded)
  • Have the shop minimize it in your (straightforward to move! and saves time)
  • Prime, Prime, Paint, Seal, Seal
  • Take pleasure in!

Rustic Multicolor Plank Plywood Flooring | Sand Dollar Lane

Leen not too long ago (early 2017) put in plywood flooring within the bonus room above her storage, which serves are her artwork studio. She used 1/4″ plywood minimize into 8 inch planks and completed with quite a lot of stains for a extra rustic multi-color model. 

Sand Dollar Lane, Affordable Wood Flooring

1)  I selected plywood flooring due to value positively! Additionally, I needed flooring that appeared rustic and customized, not the identical as everybody else has.

2) To this point so nice.  The plywood flooring is just not in a excessive visitors space so I can’t attest to how it might maintain up in an entry means or someplace like that.  I take advantage of a barely damp mop when cleansing it solely as a result of that’s what I take advantage of for our hardwood flooring in the home.

Sand Dollar Lane, Affordable Wood Flooring 2

3) I’d [install plywood floors again]!  It was a lot simpler than I anticipated it to be and I like the best way it appears to be like.

4) I want I had identified in regards to the no sanding flooring end sooner, I wouldn’t have dragged my toes so lengthy.  I used to be apprehensive that it was going to be extra work than it truly was.  I’m stunned at how good it appears to be like.  I used to be anticipating it to look good however kinda felt like I used to be settling due to my funds.  It’s a lot nicer wanting than I anticipated it to be!

Leen’s remaining plywood flooring tip

Be certain your sub flooring is degree and clear, and hammer down any raised nails within the sub flooring earlier than beginning to lay the planks down.


Rustic Barnwood Model Plywood Plank Flooring | House Seven (archive)

Anissa has a beautiful farmhouse vibe in her dwelling, the place she put in her 8″ plank barnwood model plywood flooring in her dwelling’s bedrooms and corridor over 2 years in the past (June 2015) utilizing 15/32″ plywood. Anissa says, “We offered that dwelling final summer season and have moved into a brand new dwelling. However I’ll say that the plywood flooring have been an enormous promoting level for the home. Folks simply liked them!” 

House Seven, Diy Planked Plywood Flooring

1. We went with the planked plywood as a result of we needed giant (8″ large) flooring that felt like barn wooden however the price of shopping for conventional engineered or hardwoods was means out of our funds. The plywood flooring achieved the look we needed for much much less.

2. The sturdiness is unbelievable. I like to maneuver furnishings and we have now 3 youngsters and a canine, all of that mixed can kill the flooring and these held as much as all of it!

House Seven, Diy Planked Plywood Floors

3. We initially put in the flooring in our grasp and we liked the look and sturdiness a lot that we went forward and put in them in our daughters room and the upstairs touchdown and hallway.

4. The one factor that we realized was we wanted to make use of far much less polyurethane than we did in our first strive. It made the flooring far too yellow, even with utilizing the clear flooring kind. Don’t roll on the poly however as a substitute brush mild strokes till you have got the achieved quantity.

Anissa’s #1 tip for DIY plywood flooring

 Sanding is vital right here! The extra you sand the higher the ground will look and we additionally sanded a beveled edge to every plank to offer them extra of a customized look.


Stained Plywood Plank Flooring | Red Cottage Chronicles

Maureen laid her plywood flooring in her lounge in April 2014. The 6-inch planks look great!

Red Cottage Chronicles, Plywood Floors Update
DIY stained plywood flooring by Pink Cottage Chronicles

1)  Our important motive for selecting the plywood plank flooring was positively value. We had obtained an estimate from a neighborhood flooring firm to supply engineered wooden floors for $4000.00. Selecting the plywood planks was roughly 10{0844f1eca30da9b38992423f20b0130305517cee64bb656bd0db0d22baef9f2a} of that estimate!

2)  We’re very pleased with how the flooring have held up. Going into this undertaking we knew that pine is a comparatively smooth wooden, and with two canines and many foot visitors it might positively not stay pristine.  

Whereas there are some scratches, they actually simply add to the patina we have been going for and really add to the general enchantment of this flooring alternative.  I clear them weekly with a moist mop and Methodology wooden flooring cleaner, they usually haven’t dulled or misplaced their end in any respect.

Red Cottage Chronicles, Diy Plywood Floors
plywood flooring set up progress by Pink Cottage Chronicles

3)  I wouldn’t hesitate to put in the plywood planks once more or to advocate them to anybody who’s searching for an affordable wooden flooring possibility.

4)  We did a variety of analysis earlier than taking up this undertaking, so not lots stunned me.  What did shock me although was that it was a bit longer course of than I used to be anticipating given the drying time and required variety of coats of poly.  The precise planks went down very quickly in any respect, however ending it took a few days.

Maureen’s plywood flooring suggestions

  • Ask your native lumber retailer if they might be keen to chop the plywood to dimension for you.  Some huge field shops will do 3 free cuts after which 1 a minimize after that, however some will do it free of charge on a day that isn’t too busy!  It’s nicely value it to make sure straight, even cuts.
  • Earlier than making use of the stain and once more earlier than the poly ENSURE THE SURFACE IS DUST FREE!
  • Permit for a few week from begin to end relying on the scale of the area.
  • Needless to say the furnishings needs to be fully faraway from the room.  Since we reside in a small dwelling and thru our lounge is the one path to our bed room and loo we did prepare to remain away for two nights after we utilized the poly.

Painted Plywood Plank Flooring | Little House on the Corner

We featured Christine’s dwelling right here a couple of years again, and we nonetheless find it irresistible and love her painted plank flooring! She laid her flooring in a visitor room almost two years in the past, again in Might 2015, utilizing skinny 4-5 mm plywood (underlayment) in order that the ground degree wouldn’t be dramatically completely different than the prevailing flooring in the remainder of her stunning Edwardian dwelling. 

Little House On The Corner, Diy Plywood Flooring
skinny plywood plank flooring by Little Home on the Nook

1) We love wood flooring and have authentic floorboards all through the remainder of the home. The visitor bed room floorboards have been nonetheless in a very dangerous situation with giant gaps between them which is why we determined to put in a plywood flooring.

As a result of we have been putting in the brand new floorcovering over the prevailing floorboards we needed to make use of a cloth that was as skinny as doable. The plywood we used is simply 4mm thick which implies there’s virtually no seen threshold and peak distinction as you step into the room.

We additionally needed flooring that was fast and straightforward to put in and laying the plywood flooring ticked all of the packing containers.

2) The ground has held up very well. We primed and painted it with white flooring paint and up until now haven’t had an chips, dents or marks. We solely sometimes use the bed room so it doesn’t get an enormous quantity of damage.

Little House On The Corner, Plywood Flooring
DIY plywood flooring over floorboards by Little Home on the Nook

3) We’d positively set up plywood flooring once more. It was straightforward to do and you’ll obtain a completely bespoke end to completely suit your area.

4) I assumed the ground must be painted to look good however i used to be actually stunned at how stunning the plywood appeared in its uncooked state earlier than we utilized the paint end. The sample within the timber was stunning and we have been actually tempted to go away it pure and simply seal it with varnish.

Christine’s suggestions for a fantastic plywood plank flooring 

  • Plan, measure after which plan & measure some extra. We deliberate our flooring in order that the room was completely gadgets into equal planks. This not solely makes all the pieces look top quality as there aren’t any thinner or minimize items on the edges it additionally makes putting in it faster as you have got virtually no chopping to do.
  • Should you’re putting in planks have them minimize and don’t hassle doing it your self. Having lengthy strips of plywood prepared to put saves a lot time and prices virtually nothing.
  • Should you paint the ground wait so long as you’ll be able to earlier than placing any furnishings again within the room. We marked the paint after we put again the mattress. We’d advocate ready at the least every week in the event you can!

Darkish Stained Plank Plywood Flooring | Remodelando la Casa

Cristina put in her stunning 8-inch plank darkish plywood flooring in a bed room in her dwelling virtually 2 years in the past (2015) and plans to put in it in additional places in her dwelling quickly. 

Remodelando La Casa, Wide Plank Plywood Floors Room Entrance
plywood DIY large plank wooden flooring by Remodelando La Casa

1) The principle motive for utilizing large plank plywood flooring in my dwelling was value and design. You possibly can’t discover 8” large plank, 3/4in. flooring which are straightforward in your pockets.

2) The plywood flooring has held up splendidly. Now, I put in this type of flooring in a bed room, extra particularly my son’s bed room, which has little or no visitors, there’s no consumption of meals in there, and there’s a rug masking greater than 50{0844f1eca30da9b38992423f20b0130305517cee64bb656bd0db0d22baef9f2a} of the planks.

There are some grooves in between the planks that persons are at all times asking me in the event that they get crammed with grime. Properly, a easy vacuum cleans no matter will get in there, however I’m pleased to report that after virtually two years of getting the flooring, there’s no accumulation of grime.

Remodelando La Casa, Wide Plank Plywood Floors Grooves
large plank plywood flooring by Remodelando La Casa

3) Sure, I wish to proceed putting in the identical type of planks on the complete second degree of my dwelling – the bedrooms and hallways.

I like to recommend the sort of flooring for areas with mild visitors. Nevertheless, in the event you don’t thoughts dents and scratches in any respect, you’ll be able to have plywood flooring throughout your house.

4) I used to be vastly stunned at how stunning and easy the planks feel and appear as soon as they’re put in, having in thoughts the ugly product at the start of the method. Additionally, the room I lined was small, however the quantity of planks appeared big whereas doing all of the sanding, staining and polyurethane defending.

Remodelando La Casa, Wide Plank Plywood Floors Closet
bed room plywood plank flooring by Remodelando La Casa

Cristina’s suggestions for a fantastic plywood flooring 

  • I wouldn’t go together with the bottom grade of plywood. I did so the primary time, however the quantity of sanding was one thing that was I actually didn’t take pleasure in.
  • The entire course of is various work, however it’s one thing that’s very DIY pleasant. You get the financial savings and the gorgeous flooring by doing it your self!

Plywood Wooden Plank Flooring | Layers of Learning

Michelle laid plywood plank flooring in her lounge means again in 2012, they usually’re nonetheless wanting nice, even in a house with six youngsters and loads of tasks. She used 6″ planks of 11/32″ plywood. 

Layers Of Learning, Plywood Floors 1
DIY plywood flooring by Layers of Studying

1. I selected plywood flooring principally due to the financial savings over business wooden floors. However we additionally picked this selection as a result of we knew we needed to redo a number of of the flooring in our home over a couple of years. We couldn’t make sure that the business flooring we selected would nonetheless be accessible years forward. We needed our flooring to match so we did it ourselves.

2. Now we have six boys who usually are not straightforward on the home, however our plywood flooring nonetheless look wonderful. The wooden itself and the end have each held up very well. They’re scratched and dinged on some locations, however since we count on a country look to the flooring this didn’t hassle us.

Layers Of Learning, Plywood Floors Update
The distinction in colour is usually as a consequence of lighting, not an precise distinction in colour, although they don’t look as shiny as they did at first.

3. I’d positively set up these flooring once more. In truth we did end the bedrooms with plywood flooring a number of years after the unique lounge set up. I’d advocate these flooring to others supplied they have been wonderful with a country, lived-in look.

4. I used to be stunned at how straightforward they’re to scrub and the way they by no means look filthy just like the previous press board flooring we had initially in the home. I simply sweep or vacuum regularly after which mop with a well-wrung out moist mop about as soon as a month.


Distressed Huge Plank Plywood Flooring | Addicted2Projects

Andrew and his household first put in their plywood flooring about 4 years in the past (2013) of their lobby and since then have additionally laid plywood flooring of their lounge and eating room — and have impressed many different DIYers with their tutorial! They used 5/8″ sheathing minimize into 8″ planks. 

Addicted2Projects Plywood Plank Flooring

1) The value was the primary issue [in choosing our flooring] and after analysis I came upon the plywood flooring (like we did) and engineered wooden flooring are the identical however our flooring have been carried out for a fraction of the worth.  Set up was tremendous straightforward they usually have lasted for years and solely look higher with time.

2) The flooring have held up GREAT.  With 3 youngsters, 18 12 months previous cat and 85 pound greyhound rescue…they’re sturdy.  Cleansing and care are the identical as one other hardwood flooring.

Addicted2Projects Plywood Plank Flooring Tutorial

3) Sure and we even have already carried out it once more.  We examined it in our lobby a number of years again and now have carried out the lounge, dinning room, and examine goes to be carried out within the subsequent few weeks.  I’d advocate these to anybody wanting a robust, good wanting, very cheap different to different flooring choices.

 4) [It surprised us] that we love them SO MUCH and wished we had carried out it sooner and in earlier homes we have now owned.

Andrew’s encouragement

Don’t be scared!  Strive it in a small room and see what you assume.  Do not forget that these ARE hardwood flooring and could be handled and put in in the exact same means.  Simply do it!


So. there you have got it — all of your burning questions answered about if plywood flooring are literally as sturdy and dreamy reasonably priced as they appear!

Should you nonetheless have questions, go away them within the feedback and we’ll do our greatest to reply, or click on over to one of many featured blogger’s tutorials the place you’ll be able to ask them extra particular questions on their flooring, too.

And don’t overlook to take a look at all the opposite plywood tasks and inspiration we’ve shared for our Plywood Fairly week

It's Plywood BUT Pretty! 12 New DIY Plywood Projects + Tutorials
Learn extra

DIY Wooden Flooring Suggestions & Tutorials

Need to strive one other flooring kind?

All About DIY Planked Plywood Flooring: tips and FAQs about installation, durability, and cleaning, plus pros and cons about installing DIY plywood plank floors @Remodelaholic

First printed 8 April 2017 // Final up to date 13 Sept 2022