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Walkway in attic, what plywood/OSB to use?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Mera, Nov 3, 2007.

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  1. Mera

    Mera Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2005
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    Milwaukee, WI
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    Rodney Dickman
    #1 Mera, Nov 3, 2007
    Since I have a fairly large single level home with a large 3 car attached garage I want to put walkways in the attic. It's not like I am up there on a regular basis but when I do go up there it is a job to walk on the joists. So I want to put some 2 foot wide walkways in. I will buy 4 x 8 sheets of plywood or OSB board and cut them in half. 2 x 8. I believe I have 24 inch centers. What should I buy? Is OSB board going to be strong enough? I want it to be strong enough as I am around 225 lbs and at times I may be carrying something. How thick? I know most roofs are now OSB board on 24 inch centers. Any advice? I want it to be strong enough but do not want to go overboard as the price rises the better the material and the thicker it is.

    Rodney Dickman
    1990 348 TS
     
  2. JohnnyS

    JohnnyS F1 World Champ
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    Oct 19, 2006
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    #2 JohnnyS, Nov 3, 2007
    I would stick with plywood. OSB may be okay, but I have seen it flex and sag over time. 5/8 inch thick would be okay, just nail it to every joist it covers. Nailing it down will keep it from sagging under weight and sliding around. If in doubt, 3/4 inch plywood would be best. If you get sub-flooring (3/4 in) it might be less expensive.

    I went with 1/2 in in my attic and was very disappointed. I had to put another 1/2 in layer up there and now it is fine.
     
  3. Pranucci

    Pranucci Formula 3
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    #3 Pranucci, Nov 5, 2007
    I'd screw it down as the hammering might affect the ceiling below.
     
  4. Mera

    Mera Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2005
    768
    Milwaukee, WI
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    Rodney Dickman
    #4 Mera, Nov 5, 2007
    I'll be screwing them down as I may have to take one up sometime to do something under them.

    I would like to think I can use the 5/8" plywood. Considering how much plywood I need to buy 3/4" would be quite expensive.

    Thanks
    Rodney
     
  5. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    Apr 27, 2001
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    #5 Meister, Nov 5, 2007
    They make a 3/4" OSB that is rated for use as sub floor, that should be strong enough. Last time I bought some it was around $20/sheet.

    Screws would be the best, I like to use the 6 lobe construiction or as I call them TORX screws. With the 6 lobe, you can drive them throuh just about anything...Philips heads do nothing but tick me off =)
     
  6. Pranucci

    Pranucci Formula 3
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    #6 Pranucci, Nov 5, 2007
    Have you tried the square drive screws? I think they're called Robertsons.
     
  7. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #7 Meister, Nov 6, 2007
    Yes, but rarely. I use the coated square drive screws for tile backer and cement board applications. They work well but it seems the bit can start to stick (in the head of the screw) after a while.

    Other than that it's philips for drywall and TORX for anything else I need to screw...I just love those things.
     

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