Engineered Wood

Floor Systems
CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Guide to Engineered Wood Products

Engineered Wood Metric

conversions
Builds Dependable Floors Panel thicknesses indicated in this document
are in metric as the primary units and repre-
sent the nominal panel thickness. Support
and fastener spacing in this document
Plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) and other engineered follows common construction practice in
wood products offer dependable performance and design Canada and is based on Imperial measure-
ments. “Nominal” or rounded values have
flexibility in a variety of structural floor systems. When been used to indicate the metric equivalents
for support and fastener spacing. Actual
choosing the products and design for floor construction, it is measurements for support spacing are listed
below. The nominal metric equivalents of the
important to 1) define the predicted loads and the structural Imperial measurements are shown in text,
figures and tables in this document.
requirements for the floor and 2) select a substructure that is
appropriate for installing the chosen finish floor. Metric Conversions
Nominal Actual Support
This guide from APA – The Engineered Wood Association Support Spacing,
Spacing, mm mm (inches)
provides specification recommendations for plywood and 400   406 (16)
OSB floor systems under carpet and pad, hardwood flooring, 500   488 (19.2)
lightweight concrete, vinyl, and ceramic tile. It also includes 600   610 (24)

options for floor systems with thicker sheathing panels 800   813 (32)

and describes the APA Glued Floor System. Installation 1200 1219 (48)

recommendations for panel subflooring and underlayment

Panel performance categories
are also covered.
Metric
(mm) Span Rating
English Nominal (CSA O325)
5/16 7.5 2R20, W16
3/8 9.5 2R24, W24
7/16 11 1R24/2F16
15/32 12 2R32/2F16
1/2 12.5
2R40/2F20,
19/32 15
1F16, 1F20
5/8 15.5
2R48/2F24,
23/32 18
1F24
3/4 18.5
13/16 20.5
7/8 22 1F32
1 25
1 1/8 28.5 1F48
1 1/4 31.5
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Engineered wood floor systems give builders and designers strength, dependable performance and design flexibility. A
variety of floor framing and wood structural panel products can be used in floor construction. To select the appropriate
products and floor design, it is essential to define the predicted loads and to consider both the structural requirements
and compatibility with the finish floor requirements. Table 1 shows the most common finish floor products and the
underlying structural floor systems that are typically recommended for each.

Table 1

TYPICAL FLOOR PANEL SPECIFICATIONS BASED ON FINISH FLOOR INSTALLATIONS

(All must meet minimum structural requirementsa of the National Building Code of Canada)
b
Finish Floor Typical Panel Installation Example Specificationb
APA OSB, T&G,
Single layer of combined OSB
Carpet and pad CSA O325 rated 1F24h
subfloor-underlayment panel
(see page 5) APA plywood, 18.5 mm, T&G,
with T&G edges Plywoodl
CSA O151, select gradeh
APA OSB, T&G,
Single layer of combined OSB
Hardwood flooring CSA O325 rated 1F20d,i,k
subfloor-underlayment panel
(see page 12)
with T&G edgesi,j Plywoodl
APA plywood, 15.5 mm, T&G,
CSA O121, select graded,j,k

Subfloor panel with or without APA OSB,

Lightweight concrete OSB
T&G edges installed on joists. CSA O325 rated 2F24h
with finish floor on topc
Asphalt paper covers subfloor. APA plywood, 18.5 mm, T&G,
(see page 13) Plywoodl
Lightweight concrete poured on top. CSA O151, sheathing gradeh
APA OSB, T&G, CSA O325 rated
1F20i,k cover with APA Plywood,
Vinyl OSB
Combined subfloor-underlayment CSA O121, 8.5 mm, custom grade
(or other thin resilient Underlayment panelf
panel with T&G edgesi,j plus
floor covering)
top layer of custom grade plywood APA plywood, 15.5 mm, T&G,
or glued-down carpet
Underlaymentf CSA O151, select gradej,k cover with
(see page 13) Plywoodl
APA plywood, CSA O121, 8.5 mm,
custom grade Underlayment panelf
g,i
APA OSB, T&G, CSA O325 rated 1F20
Combined subfloor-underlayment OSB cover with APA plywood, CSA O121,
Ceramic Tilee 15.5 mm, T&G, select gradej
panel with T&G edgesi,j plus top layer
(see page 16)
of plywood underlayment Two layers of APA plywood, 15.5 mm,
Plywoodl
T&G, CSA O121, select gradeg,j
a.  See Table 2 for joist spacing requirements.
b.  Refer to www.apawood.org for installation specifics and alternate installation combinations.
c.  For gypsum concrete recommendations, contact manufacturer of floor topping.
d. See APA Technical Note: APA Performance Rated Panel Subfloors Under Hardwood Flooring, Form R280.
e.  For other specialty flooring products, including marble and slate, refer to the finish floor manufacturer’s recommendations. Enhanced
structural performance may be required for ceramic and natural stone floor products. See Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook
for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation (www.tileusa.com).
f.  Custom grade Underlayment designed for use under resilient flooring and glued-on carpet is produced to proprietary grades by many APA
member-manufacturers for added smoothness, panel thickness uniformity, and puncture resistance.
g.  For joists spaced 400 mm (16 inches) o.c. or less.
h.  For joists spaced 600 mm (24 inches) o.c. or less.
i.  “2F” rated OSB with square edge or T&G edges is permissible.
j.  “Sheathing grade” plywood with square edge or T&G edges is permissible.
k.  Although permissible for joists spaced 500 mm (19.2 inches) o.c., recommended to be installed over joists spaced 400 mm (16 inches) o.c.
l.  Plywood certified to CSA O121, CSA O151 or CSA O153.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  3
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Combined Subfloor-Underl ayment

Single-l ay er Flooring
APA-trademarked OSB is manufactured in conformance with CSA O325 and is easy to
typical apa
use and specify because the maximum recommended spacing of floor joists, or “Span panel trademarks
Rating,” is stamped on each panel. Combined Subfloor-Underlayment single-layer panels
plywood trademark
carry a “1F” designation in front of the Span Rating, indicating a tongue-and-groove
(T&G) has been machined on the long edges of the panel, and it may be used at its
maximum rated span without requiring edge support or a layer of underlayment. Span
Ratings only apply when the panel is used continuous over two or more spans with the 1 SHEATHING
12.5 mm 2
long panel dimension or strength axis across the supports. Table 2 shows the maximum 3 EXTERIOR
joist support spacing and corresponding Span Rating, as found in Part 9 in the National 000 4
CSA O121-08 DFP 5
Building Code of Canada (NBCC).

APA-trademarked plywood combined subfloor-underlayment panels are commonly

OSB trademark
manufactured in a Select or Select Tight-Face grade with a T&G machined into the long
edges of the panel. These panels have the structural performance of a subfloor with the
surface finish of an underlayment. Panels are certified to CSA O151, Canadian Softwood
Plywood; CSA O121, Douglas-Fir Plywood; or CSA O153, Aspen/Poplar Plywood. Part 9 of the 1
6
NBCC specifies minimum panel thicknesses for these products at common joist spacings
3
(see Table 2), which are based on a long proven history of satisfactory floor performance. 2
4
7
8 9
Note that Table 2 contains the minimum floor performance permitted by the NBCC. 10
Greater Span Ratings and/or panel thicknesses are commonly specified in residential 1
11
flooring construction to improve performance of the floor system. Part 9 of the NBCC is
12
limited to live loads up to 2.4 kPa (50 psf) and supports spaced up to 600 mm (24 inches).
Greater spacing between joists and/or higher live loads must be designed by a quali- 13

fied design professional under Part 4 of the NBCC. Table 3 contains recommendations
on maximum specified live loads and concentrated loads for higher loading conditions
1. Panel Grade
and greater support spacings. For nonresidential floors such as warehouses and storage 2. Nominal Panel Thickness
areas, see “Heavy Duty Plywood Floors” section. (Optional for standard
panel thicknesses)
3. Bond Classification
It is important to note that some structural panel applications are not controlled by 4. Mill Number
5. Canadian Plywood
uniform loads. For example, the maximum specified uniform floor load on panels applied Standard
at maximum span according to Table 3 recommendations is greatly in excess of the resi- 6. Span Rating
(U.S. Format)
dential floor live load prescribed in Part 9 of the NBCC. This excess does not mean that 7. Product Standard
and Grade
floor spans for structural panels can be increased, but only that there is considerable 8. APA's Performance
Rated Panel Standard
reserved strength and stiffness for uniform loads. The recommendations for panel floors 9. HUD Recognition
are based on performance under concentrated loads, how the floor “feels” to passing 10. Performance Category
11. Panel Mark —
foot traffic, and other subjective factors that relate to public acceptance. Always check Rating and End-Use
Designation in
the maximum floor spans for structural panels in Table 2 before making a final panel Accordance with
CSA O325
selection. 12. Canadian OSB Standard
13. Panel Face Orientation
Indicator

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  4
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Table 2

MINIMUM PANEL THICKNESS OR PANEL MARK FOR FLOORSa

CSA O325 CSA O121, CSA O151 Minimum Fastener Maximum Fastener
OSB Span Ratingf and CSA O153 Plywoodf,g Length, mm (inches)d Spacing, mm (inches)c
Maximum Subfloor
Joist Panel
Spacing, Used with Common Ring-Thread Supported
mm Subfloor Panel-Type Minimum Panel Spiral Nails or Panel Intermediate
(inches) Panel Underlay Thickness (mm) Nailsb Screws Edgese Supports
300 (12) 1F16 2F16 15.5 51 (2) 45 (1-3/4) 150 (6) 300 (12)
400 (16) 1F16 2F16 15.5 51 (2) 45 (1-3/4) 150 (6) 300 (12)
500 (20) 1F20 2F20 15.5 51 (2) 45 (1-3/4) 150 (6) 300 (12)
600 (24) 1F24 2F24 18.5 51 (2) 45 (1-3/4) 150 (6) 300 (12)
a. Based on Part 9 of the NBCC, which assumes a maximum specified live load of 2.4 kPa (50 psf) and panels installed with face grain or
strong axis perpendicular to supports. Spans greater than 600 mm (24 inches) or live loads greater than 2.4 kPa (50 psf) are outside the
scope of Part 9, and must be calculated by a qualified design professional (see Table 3). Also see “Heavy Duty Plywood Floors” section for
nonresidential floors with high loads (e.g., warehouses and stacked storage). For subfloor recommendations under ceramic tile, refer to
Table 5. For subfloor recommendations under gypsum concrete, contact manufacturer of floor topping.
b.  Spiral nails may be replaced with common round nails 2.84 mm (0.112 inch) in diameter, in which case glue-nailing is recommended.
Glue-nailing of fasteners is recommended for a firmer floor and reduced squeaks. Use only adhesives conforming to ASTM D3498 or
APA Specification AFG-01, applied in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations. If OSB panels with sealed surfaces
and edges are to be used, use only solvent-based glues; check with panel manufacturer. See “The APA Glued Floor System” section in this
publication for more information.
c.  Reduced fastener spacing may be required where floor is engineered as a diaphragm.
d.  All nails must conform to CSA B111, Wire Nails, Spikes and Staples. Fasteners listed apply to panels 20 mm thick or less. Spiral and ring-
thread nails are 3.05 mm (0.120 inch) in diameter. Wood screws shall be a minimum 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) in diameter and conform to ASME
B18.6.1, Wood Screws (Inch Series). For panels greater than 20 mm and less than 25 mm thick, use common spiral nails 57 mm
(2-1/4 inches) or ring-thread nails or screws 51 mm (2 inches) long. Other code-approved fasteners of equivalent capacity are permitted.
e.  Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the centreline of framing with a minimum bearing of 12 mm (1/2 inch). Fasten
panels 9 mm (3/8 inch) from panel edges.
f.  The requirement for edge support and the need for a separate underlayment panel are addressed within each section of this document,
according to finish flooring type.
g.  Applies to all regular grades of plywood, including sheathing, Select, Select Tight-Face, and Good-One-Side.

Combined Subfloor-Underl ayment

Pane l under C arpet and Pad
APA-trademarked OSB (1F span-rated) and plywood (Select or Select Tight-Face grade) are available as tongue-and-
groove panels and are ideal for use in single-layer floor construction beneath carpet and pad. They provide all of the
proven cost-saving and performance benefits of combined subfloor-underlayment construction.

Glue-nailing is recommended for single-layer flooring panels, though panels may be nailed only. Recommendations
for both methods are given in Table 2 (see “The APA Glued Floor System” for more detailed gluing recommendations).
Always protect smooth panel faces and tongue-and-groove edges from damage prior to and during application. Install
with smooth side up. Recommended maximum specified live loads are given in Table 3.

Although tongue-and-groove plywood (Select or Select Tight-Face) or OSB (with a “1F” designation) is suitable for direct
application of carpet and pad, an additional thin layer of underlayment is recommended under fully adhered carpet
and resilient flooring such as vinyl sheet and vinyl tile flooring. Underlayment is required under ceramic tile applied
with adhesive (see “Plywood Underlayment Under Resilient Flooring, Glued-On Carpet, and Ceramic Tile” section).
This added layer restores a smooth surface over panels that may have been scuffed or roughened during construction.
It also serves to compensate for differences between thinner finish floors (such as vinyl sheets) and thicker finish floors
(such as hardwood), making for a more level transition between different floor finishes. The touch-sanded surface of

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  5
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Select or Select Tight-Face grade of T&G plywood is also suitable for direct application of resilient floor covering. If a
sanded face panel is to be used, however, care must be taken during construction to prevent damage or roughening of
the sanded face. Tongue-and-groove edges are recommended to be glued under thin floor coverings to assure snug joints.

If the floor has become wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before application of finish floor, including
carpet, underlayment, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and others. After it is dry, the floor should be checked for
flatness, especially at joints.

When floor members are dry, make sure fasteners are flush with or slightly below the surface of the panel just prior to
installation of thin floor coverings. Fasteners should be set if green framing will present nail-popping problems upon
drying. Do not fill nail holes. To minimize the chance of floor squeaks, installers should press panels tightly onto joists
by standing on the panel over the joist next to the nailing point. Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints (this step may
not be necessary under some carpet and structural flooring products; check recommendations from flooring manu-
facturer). Fill any other damaged or open areas, such as splits, and sand all surface roughness. Ensure fill compound
is fully cured before sanding, because it may continue to expand as it cures.

TABLE 3

RECOMMENDED UNIFORM LIVE LOAD AND CONCENTRATED LOAD FOR APA RATED OSB AND PLYWOODa,b
CSA CSA O121 or Maximum Specified Live Load (kPa)
O325 CSA O151
OSB Plywoodc Maximum Support Spacing
Rated Floor
Minimum Nominal Joist Spacing, 300 mm 400 mm 500 mm 600 mm 800 mm 1200 mm
Panel Mark Panel Thickness (mm) mm (in.) (12 in.) (16 in.) (19.2 in.) (24 in.) (32 in.) (48 in.)
1R24/2F16 11 — 400 (16) 15.8e 5.8 NA NA NA NA
e
2R32/2F16 12 12.5 400 (16) 18.1 8.9 NA NA NA NA
1F16 15 — 400 (16) 20.3e 11.4e NA NA NA NA
1F20 or
15 15.5 500 (20) 23.9e 13.6e 8.8 NA NA NA
2R40/2F20
1F24 or
18 18.5 600 (24) 30.6e 18.2e 12.4e 5.9 NA NA
2R48/2F24
5.1
1F32c 22d 20.5d 800 (32)f — 23.6e 16.8e 9.8e NA
(OSB Only)
— 22.5d 800 (32) — — 20.9e 12.0e 4.6e NA
d e e
— — 25.5 800 (32) — — 23.2 17.1 6.7 NA
1F48c 28.5d 28.5d 1,200 (48) — — — 20.0e 8.5 3.2
— — 31.5d 1,200 (48) — — — 21.9e 12.0e 4.5
a. Assumptions:
1.  Panels installed with face grain or major strength axis perpendicular to supports.
2.  38 mm (1-1/2 inches) of support width, except for 1,200 mm (48 inches) of span, which assumes a double-nailed joist with support width
of 76 mm (3 inches).
3.  Panels 610 mm (24 inches) or wider installed over three or more spans, fully loaded.
4.  Dry service condition and standard-term duration of load.
b.  0.3 kPa (6.3 psf) dead load assumed. Deflection limit is span/360.
c.  Optimized maximum specified live load pressures may be calculated using plywood design properties listed in CSA O86.
d.  Check with supplier for availability.
e.  Capable of resisting a specified concentrated load of 9 kN (2,000 lbf) applied over an area of 750 mm x 750 mm (30 inches x 30 inches)
area in accordance with Section 4.1.5.9 of the NBCC.
f.  Maximum recommended span for 20.5 mm plywood is 600 mm (24 inches).

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  6
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

FIGURE 1

OSB AND PLYWOOD OVER SUPPORTS 400, 500, AND 600 mm

Stagger end joints Blocking with square

edge panels
Plywood (Select or Select Tight-Face grade)
or OSB rated 1F16, 1F20 or 1F24
is 38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
ax thick lumber joists,
Carpet and pad gth
Stren I-joists or floor trusses—
400 mm (16 inches),
38 mm (1-1/2-inch) 500 mm (20 inches)
thick lumber rim joist or 600 mm
or APA Rim Board® (24 inches) o.c.

38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
thick treated lumber sill
Construction
adhesive optional
Notes:
1. Provide adequate moisture
control and use ground cover A 3 mm (1/8-inch) gap is
vapor retarder in crawl space. Panels recommended at all end joints
must be dry before applying finish floor. (and all edge joints for non-T&G
panels) unless otherwise indicated
2. For buildings with wood or steel by panel manufacturer. T&G's have a
framed walls, provide 19 mm (3/4 inch) temporary built-in expansion gap. Do not force panels
expansion joints with separate floor framing together beyond the point of the tongue
members and discontinuous wall plates over the joints, contacting the end of the groove.
at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to 24 m (80 feet)
maximum in length or width, to allow for accumulated
expansion during construction in wet weather conditions.
Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints Tongue-and-groove edges or 38 mm
for Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. (1-1/2-inch) thick blocking between supports

Thick Flooring Pane l s

Part 9 of the NBCC contains prescriptive subfloor requirements for joists

spaced up to 600 mm (24 inches) o.c. A qualified design professional,
following the performance requirements of Part 4 of the NBCC, is required
to design subfloors at spans greater than 600 mm (24 inches). Table 3
includes maximum specified live and concentrated loads for OSB and
plywood at these spans, which may be used for design considerations.

Install tongue-and-groove plywood (sheathing, Select or Select Tight-Face

grade) or OSB (rated “1F”) spaced 800 mm (32 inches) on centre over 38
mm (1-1/2-inch) wide joists or I-joists (Figure 2). Install panels spaced
1200 mm (48 inches) on centre over 89 mm (3-1/2-inch) thick girders (Figure 3). For the 1200 mm (48 inches) on centre
method, supports may be 38 mm (1-1/2-inch) wide joists spiked together, 89 mm (3-1/2-inch) thick lumber, glued lami-
nated timber (glulams), structural composite lumber (SCL), lightweight steel beams, or wood I-joists or floor trusses.
Girders of doubled 38 mm (1-1/2-inch) members should have top edges flush to permit smooth panel end joints.

For a low profile with supports 1200 mm (48 inches) on centre, beams can be set in foundation pockets or on posts
supported by footings so that panels bear directly on the sill. If 89 mm (3-1/2-inch) wide lumber girders are used, they
should be air-dried and/or set higher than the sill to allow for shrinkage. Note that the lumber floor joist systems are
incompatible with SCL or I-joist floor systems in the joist depth, and they should not be mixed in the same floor systems.

In some applications, particularly in hallways and other heavy traffic areas, greater stiffness in the floor may be desirable.
Modifications to the 1200 mm (48 inches) framing system, such as addition of straight or diagonal blocking, will increase
stiffness considerably.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  7
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

FIGURE 2

OSB OR PLYWOOD THICK FLOORS OVER SUPPORTS 800 mm (32 INCHES) o.c.

Stagger end joints Tongue-and-groove

joints (or block edges)
OSB or plywood (see Table 3 to
select the appropriate panel Space nails maximum
Span Rating or thickness) 150 mm (6 inches) along
edges and 300 mm
38 mm (1-1/2-inch) (12 inches) at intermediate
thick lumber rim joist supports
or APA Rim Board®
Joists 800 mm
xis (32 inches) o.c.
38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
gt ha
thick treated en
lumber sill Str

Notes:
1. Provide adequate
moisture control and
use ground cover vapor Centre girder
retarder in crawl space.
Panels must be dry before
applying finish floor. Framing anchors
or min. 38 x 38 mm
2. For buildings with wood or steel (nominal 2x2) ledger
framed walls, provide 19 mm (3/4 inch)
temporary expansion joints with separate floor A 3 mm (1/8-inch) gap is recommended at
framing members and discontinuous wall plates over all end joints (and all edge joints for non-T&G
the joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to panels) unless otherwise indicated by panel
24 m (80 feet) maximum in length or width, to allow for
accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather
manufacturer. T&G's have a built-in expansion
conditions.Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints gap. Do not force panels together beyond the
for Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. point of the tongue contacting the end of the groove.

FIGURE 3

OSB OR PLYWOOD THICK FLOORS OVER SUPPORTS 1200 mm (48 INCHES) o.c.

Tongue-and-groove
joints (or block edges)
OSB or plywood (see Table 3 to
select the appropriate panel Space nails maximum
Span Rating or thickness) 150 mm (6 inches)
along edges and
38 mm (1-1/2-inch) intermediate supports
thick lumber rim joist
or APA Rim Board® 89 mm (3-1/2-inch) wide
x is girder (or double 38 mm
gt ha (1-1/2-inch) thick joists
38 mm (1-1/2-inch) en
thick treated Str connected together
lumber sill

Notes:
1. Provide adequate m
0 m s)
moisture control and 30 inche
(12min.
use ground cover vapor 89 x 89 mm
retarder in crawl space. (nominal 4x4) post
Panels must be dry before
applying finish floor.

2. For buildings with wood or steel

framed walls, provide 19 mm (3/4 inch)
temporary expansion joints with separate floor A 3 mm (1/8-inch) gap is recommended at
framing members and discontinuous wall plates over all end joints (and all edge joints for non-T&G
the joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to panels) unless otherwise indicated by panel
24 m (80 feet) maximum in length or width, to allow for
accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather
manufacturer. T&G's have a built-in expansion
conditions. Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion gap. Do not force panels together beyond the
for Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. point of the tongue contacting the end of the groove.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  8
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

The APA Glued Floor S yste m

The APA Glued Floor System is based on thoroughly

tested gluing techniques and field-applied construction
adhesives that firmly and permanently secure a layer of
wood structural panels to wood joists. The glue bond is
so strong that floor and joists behave like integral T-beam
units. Floor stiffness is increased appreciably over conven-
tional construction, particularly when tongue-and-groove
joints are glued. Gluing also helps eliminate squeaks, floor
vibration, bounce and nail-popping.

Field-glued floors go down quickly, even in cold weather,

using ordinary construction materials and techniques.
And like many other panel assemblies that provide
excellent sound control, the APA Glued Floor System is ideal for multifamily construction. The large panels with glued
tongue-and-groove joints reduce the number of cracks that can “leak” airborne noise.

Panels recommended for glued floor construction are tongue-and-groove APA plywood (Select or Select Tight-Face grade)
or OSB with a “1F” designation for single-floor construction. APA plywood (sheathing grade with square edge) or OSB with
a “2F” designation for the subfloor may be used for a glued floor construction if used with a separate underlayment layer or

FIGURE 4

APA GLUED FLOOR SYSTEM

Stagger end joints Tongue-and-groove edges or

min 38 mm (1-1/2-inch) thick
Plywood or OSB with blocking between supports
“1F” or “2F” designation

Site-applied glue, both

38 mm (1-1/2-inch) joints and tongue-and-
thick lumber rim joist groove joints (or between
or APA Rim Board® panels and edge blocking)
is
ax
th
38 mm (1-1/2-inch) eng
thick treated Str
lumber sill

Notes:
1. Provide adequate
moisture control and 38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
use ground cover vapor
retarder in crawl space. thick lumber joists,
Panels must be dry before I-joists or floor trusses—
applying finish floor. 400 mm (16 inches),
500 mm (19.2 inches),
2. For buildings with wood or steel 600 mm (24 inches)
framed walls, provide 19 mm (3/4 inch)
temporary expansion joints with separate floor A 3 mm (1/8-inch) gap is recommended at
framing members and discontinuous wall plates over all end joints (and all edge joints for non-T&G
the joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to panels) unless otherwise indicated by panel
24 m (80 feet) maximum in length or width, to allow for manufacturer. T&G's have a built-in expansion
accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather
conditions. Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints
gap. Do not force panels together beyond the
for Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. point of the tongue contacting the end of the groove.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  9
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

with structural finish flooring. In both cases,

subfloor panels should be installed contin-
uous over two or more spans with the long
dimension or strength axis across supports.

A single layer of tongue-and-groove

plywood (Select or Select Tight-Face grade)
is allowed under areas to be finished with APA Glued Floor
resilient floor coverings, such as tile, S yste m Applic ation
linoleum, vinyl or fully adhered carpet,
although an additional layer of plywood For best results, follow these application procedures:
underlayment is recommended. Care must 1. Snap a chalk line across joists 1.2 m (4 feet) in from wall for
be taken during construction to prevent panel edge alignment and as a boundary for spreading glue.
damage or roughening of the sanded face
that will receive the finish flooring. Both 2. Spread only enough glue to lay one or two panels at a time, or
OSB (for subflooring) and plywood (for follow specific recommendations of glue manufacturer. Wipe
subflooring and underlayment) have suit- any mud, dirt or water from joists before gluing.
able bond performance for applications 3. Lay first panel with tongue side to wall and nail in place. This
subject to moisture during or after construc- protects the tongue of next panel from damage when tapped
tion, as in bathrooms and utility rooms. into place with block and hammer. T&G's have a built-in
expansion gap. Do not force panels together beyond the point
Tongue-and-groove panels are recommended
of the tongue contacting the end of the groove.
for single-floor construction. Before each
panel is placed, a line of glue is applied 4. Apply a continuous line of glue of about 6 mm (1/4 inch)
to the joists with a caulking gun. The diameter to framing members. Apply glue in a serpentine
panel tongue-and-groove joint should pattern on wide areas.
also be glued, although less heavily, to 5. Apply two lines of glue on joists where panel ends butt to assure
avoid squeeze-out. If square-edge panels proper gluing of each end.
are used, edges must be supported with
6. After first row of panels is in place, spread glue in groove of one
a minimum 38 mm (1-1/2-inch) thick
or two panels at a time before laying next row. Glue line may
blocking securely nailed between framing
be continuous or spaced, but avoid squeeze-out by applying a
members. Glue panels to blocking to mini-
thinner line than on joists, about 3 mm (1/8 inch) in diameter.
mize squeaks. Blocking is not required
under structural finish flooring, such as 7. Tap second-row panels into place, using a block to protect
wood strip flooring, or if a separate under- groove edges.
layment layer is installed. 8. Stagger end joints in each succeeding row, where possible. A
Only adhesives conforming to ASTM 3 mm (1/8 inch) space is recommended between panels at end
D3498 or APA AFG-01 are recommended joints and along edge joints of non-T&G panels. Use a spacer
for use with the APA Glued Floor System. A tool to assure accurate and consistent spacing.
number of brands meeting this specification 9. Complete all nailing of each panel before glue sets by standing
are available from building supply dealers. If on the panel over the joist next to the nailing point to press
OSB panels with sealed surfaces and edges the panel tightly onto joists. Check the glue manufacturer’s
are to be used, use only solvent-based glues; recommendations for allowable time. Warm weather accelerates
check with panel manufacturer. Always glue setting. Select fasteners and spacing per Table 2. Closer
follow the specific application recommen- nail spacing may be required for diaphragm construction.
dations of the glue manufacturer. Finished deck can be walked on and will carry construction
loads without damage to glue bond.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  10
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Pane l Subflooring

APA-trademarked OSB is manufactured in conformance with CSA O325 and is easy to use and specify because the maximum
recommended spacing of floor joists, or “Span Rating,” is stamped on each panel. Subfloor panels carry a “2F” designation
in front of the Span Rating, indicating an additional underlayment panel must be installed on top, or by itself under certain
robust flooring finishes that do not require an underlayment (e.g., hardwood flooring). These Span Ratings in the trademark
indicate the maximum spacing of supports and only apply when the panel is used continuous over two or more spans with
the long panel dimension or strength axis across the supports (unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer).

Plywood certified to CSA O121 DFP, CSA O151 CSP or CSA O153 Poplar in the grades of sheathing, Select or Select Tight-
Face is commonly used as subflooring.

Table 2 shows the maximum joist spacing and corresponding subfloor Span Rating for OSB panels and minimum panel
thickness for plywood panels, in accordance with Part 9 of the NBCC. Nailing recommendations are given in Table 2. Other
code-approved fasteners may be used. APA panel subflooring may also be glued for added stiffness and to reduce squeaks.

Part 9 of the NBCC (and Table 2) limits joist spacing to 600 mm (24 inches) and live loads to 2.4 kPa (50 psf). A qualified
design professional is required to specify floors beyond these limits. Table 3 contains recommended live and concen-
trated loads for OSB and plywood at greater joist spacing and live loads. Spans are limited to the values shown because
of the possible effect of concentrated loads.

FIGURE 5

APA PANEL SUBFLOORING

Stagger end joints (optional) Panel edges T&G or supported

on blocking (shown) unless
Plywood or OSB with covered with underlayment,
“1F” or “2F” designation lightweight concrete or wood
strip flooring perpendicular to
Wood strip, wood the unsupported edges
blocks, or lightweight
concrete flooring

38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
thick lumber rim joist is
ax
or APA Rim Board® th
e ng
Str
38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
thick treated
lumber sill

Notes:
1. Provide adequate 38 mm (1-1/2-inch)
moisture control and use ground thick lumber joist,
cover vapor retarder in crawl space. I-joists or floor trusses
Subfloor must be dry before applying
subsequent floor.

2. For buildings with wood or steel framed walls,

provide 19 mm (3/4 inch) temporary expansion joints A 3 mm (1/8-inch) gap is recommended at
with separate floor framing members and discontinuous all end joints (and all edge joints for non-T&G
wall plates over the joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor panels) unless otherwise indicated by panel
areas to 24 m (80 feet) maximum in length or width, to allow for manufacturer. T&G's have a built-in expansion
accumulated expansion during construction in wet weather conditions. gap. Do not force panels together beyond the
Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints for Large Buildings, point of the tongue contacting the end of the groove.
Form U425 for detailed information.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  11
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Long edges should be tongue-and-groove or supported with blocking unless:

1. A separate underlayment layer is installed with its joints offset from those in the subfloor. Minimum underlayment
thickness should be 6 mm for subfloors on spans up to 600 mm (24 inches). Underlayment of 8 mm or thicker is
recommended on spans greater than 600 mm (24 inches).
2. A minimum of 38 mm (1-1/2 inches) of lightweight concrete is applied over the panels.
3. 19 mm (3/4 inch) matched hardwood or softwood strip flooring is installed over the subfloor perpendicular to the
unsupported edge. For enhanced performance, see APA Technical Note: Performance Rated Panel Subfloors under Hardwood
Flooring, Form R280.
If the floor becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before application of finish floor, including but
not limited to underlayment, hardwood flooring, and ceramic tile. After it is dry, the floor should be checked for flat-
ness, especially at joints.

OSB or plywood stamped as “Exposure 1” meets the “Exterior Type” requirements of the NBCC, Clause 9.3.2.4, where
temporary exposure to moisture or weather is permitted during construction. Plywood certified as “Exterior” have bonds
capable of withstanding repeated wetting and redrying or long-term exposure to weather or other conditions of similar
severity. Note that plywood subject to attack from mould, decay or insects must be pressure-preservative treated to the
appropriate requirements per CSA O80.

In some nonresidential buildings, greater traffic and heavier concentrated loads may require construction in excess of the
minimums given in Table 2. Where joists are 400 mm (16 inches) on centre, for example, OSB with a Span Rating of 2F24
or plywood 18.5 mm thick will give additional stiffness and strength. For beams or joists 600 mm (24 inches) or 800 mm
(32 inches) on centre, thicker panels such as 31.5 mm or rated 1F48 will provide additional stiffness and strength. Before
specifying thick panels, check with supplier for availability.

Pane l Subfloors under Hardwood Flooring

Panel subfloor spans for 19 mm (3/4 inch) hardwood

strip flooring are limited to maximum spacing of floor
framing listed in Table 2. For improved stiffness, and
to help eliminate floor squeaks when hardwood floor-
ing is installed, spans reduced from the maximum are
recommended by the National Wood Floor Association
(NWFA)a. See APA Technical Note: Performance Rated
Panel Subfloors under Hardwood Flooring, Form R280.

Because hardwood flooring is sensitive to moisture,

make sure subflooring panels are dry before hardwood
is installed. Do not install hardwood unless subfloor
moisture level is within a range consistent with the hard-
wood manufacturer’s recommendations. If the home is
built over a crawl space, make sure the crawl space is dry
and well-drained. A 6-mil polyethylene vapour retarder
should be installed on the ground in the crawl space.

Follow the recommendations of the flooring manufacturer or the NWFA for the hardwood flooring product being used
and its storage and handling, and for acclimatizing the hardwood prior to installation on the subflooring. Also see APA
Technical Note: Performance Rated Panel Subfloors under Hardwood Flooring, Form R280.
a. National Wood Flooring Association, 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005; Phone (800) 422-4556 (USA),
(636) 519-9663 (Local and International)
Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  12
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Subfloor under Light weight Concrete

OSB and plywood are an excellent

FIGURE 6
b a s e for l ig h t w e ig h t c onc r et e
floors. See “Combined Subflooring- SUBFLOOR UNDER LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

Underlayment Single-Layer Flooring” Carpet and pad

or “Panel Subflooring” sections for 38 mm (1-1/2 inches) lightweight
application recommendations. For concrete on No.15 asphalt felt

gypsum concrete recommendations, Min. 15 mm OSB

or plywood subfloor
contact manufacturer of floor topping.

Install panels continuous over two

or more spans with the strength axis 400 mm (16 inches) o.c.

across supports. Use a moisture barrier

when recommended by concrete manu-
facturer. See Figure 6 for a typical floor Gypsum wallboard screwed to resilient metal channels

assembly. Resilient metal channels

Ply wood Underl ayment under Resilient

Flooring, Glued-on C arpet and Cer a mic Tile
Some types of finish flooring require two layers of panels beneath them for added stiffness and serviceability requirements.
This usually consists of a bottom subfloor layer topped with an underlayment panel. The type of underlayment panel product
will depend on the finish flooring. For example, vinyl sheet flooring requires a smooth and solid substrate able to with-
stand concentrated loads that could lead to puncture—contrasted with ceramic tile flooring, which requires a thicker and
stiffer underlayment panel able to resist flexing under load to prevent tile cracking (see “Subfloor and Underlayment Under
Ceramic Tile Floors” section).

Applied as recommended, plywood underlayment is dimensionally stable and eliminates excessive swelling and subsequent
buckling or humps around nails. Underlayment panels may be used to raise up thinner finish floors to make a level transi-
tion to thicker finish floors.

There are generally two types of plywood suitable as underlayment: 1) sanded/touch-sanded plywood manufactured to the
regular grade standards found in CSA O121, O151 or O153, and 2) mill-specific custom Underlayment grades with enhanced
performance properties. Both types are recognized under the NBCC, but the choice between these products depends on how
demanding the end application and how sensitive the finish flooring is to the subfloor/underlayment below it.

Regul ar Gr ades

Regular grades of plywood that have been sanded or touch-sanded (Good-One-Side, Select Tight-Face and Select) may be
suitable as underlayment panels under ceramic tile, hardwood flooring and some resilient flooring types. These grades
may provide the necessary smoothness but are only suitable where the finish flooring does not rely on the underlayment
for puncture resistance. Refer to the finish flooring manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular grades are available in a
number of thicknesses and typically range from 6 to 18.5 mm. See Table 4 and Figure 7 for installation recommendations.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  13
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Custom Gr ade Underl ayment

Custom grade Underlayment is commonly used under vinyl, rubber and synthetic sheets or tiles and glued-on carpets.
These panels are certified to CSA O121 or CSA O151 standards and are manufactured to proprietary grades unique to
each plywood manufacturer. Although unique, custom grade Underlayment panels across the industry share a number
of common traits and installation recommendations.

These panels are fully sanded for enhanced smoothness and sized to a finer thickness tolerance than required by the
manufacturing standard (CSA O121 or CSA O151). The face veneer resists dents and punctures from concentrated loads
by placing special limitations on the face veneer thickness and voids beneath the face veneer. Custom grade Underlayment
panels are specially manufactured, avoiding chemicals that can discolour or bleed-through to the finish flooring.

These panels are typically manufactured at thicknesses of 8.0 to 8.5 mm and are identified by the manufacturer as an
Underlayment panel, often found in the trademark. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for detailed installa-
tion recommendations.

Always protect all types of plywood underlayment against physical damage or water prior to application. Panels should,
however, be allowed to equalize to atmospheric conditions by standing individual panels on edge for at least 48 hours
before installation. Crawl spaces must have cross-flow ventilation and must be equipped with a vapour barrier having
a minimum clearance of 460 mm (18 inches) from the crawl space floor. Floor covering manufacturers do not recom-
mend the installation of resilient flooring over wood panels attached directly to on grade or below grade concrete
subfloors, or over sleeper constructed subfloors on or below grade concrete slabs.

FIGURE 7
INSTALLATION OF APA PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT
Resilient tile or sheet Stagger end joints by at
flooring, carpet or least one joist spacing in
nonstructural flooring Underlayment panels.

Min. 200 mm (8 inches)

offset from subfloor

Stagger end joints by

at least one joist spacing
Space Underlayment in subfloor panels.
panels 6 mm (1/4 inch)
from the wall around
the room perimeter. Subfloor and
underlayment
panels oriented
with strength
(long) axis
across
supports

No blocking required
if underlayment edge joints
Lightly butt panels at all are offset from subfloor
joints, leaving less than 1 mm joints or if tongue-and-
(1/32 inch) space. groove (T&G) subfloor is used

OSB or plywood (subfloor must be dry Plywood Underlayment (see Table 4

before laying underlayment). for fastening recommendations).

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  14
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

TABLE 4

APA PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT a

Minimum Maximum Fastener Spacing
Underlayment
Underlayment Thicknesses
Subfloor Type (mm) Recommended Fasteners Panel Edgesc Intermediate
32 mm (1-1/4-inch) ring-grooved
underlay flooring nails min. 12-1/2
Custom Grade 100 mm
gage (0.099 inch) shank dia. or 75 mm
Plywood 8 (4 inches)
narrow crown staples 28 mm (1-1/8- (3 inches)b,d
Underlayment each wayb
inch) long x 6 mm (1/4-inch) wide,
1.6 mm (1/16-inch) dia.g
APA-Certified
OSB or Plywood 19 mm (3/4-inch) spiral or
(see Table 2 for ring-grooved underlay flooring nails
joist spacing 6 or staples 22 mm (7/8-inch) long x
and min. panel Select, Select 4.7 mm (3/16-inch) wide x
thickness) Tight-Face, 1.2 mm (0.047 inch) dia.e 200 mm
150 mm
Good-One- (8 inches)
(6 inches)
Sidef Plywood 22 mm (7/8-inch) spiral or each way
Underlayment ring-grooved underlay flooring nails
8 or staples 28 mm (1-1/8-inch) long x
4.7 mm (3/16-inch) wide x
1.2 mm (0.047 inch) dia.e
a.  For underlayment recommendations under ceramic tile, refer to Table 5.
b.  Custom grade plywood Underlayments are proprietary products and have manufacturer-specific installation requirements. The indicated
maximum fastener spacing is common to most manufacturers. Refer to manufacturer’s literature for additional installation requirements.
c.  Fasten panels 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) from panel edges.
d.  Some manufacturers recommend a spacing of 50 mm (2 inches).
e.  Use 38 mm (1-1/2 inches) ring-grooved or spiral nails, minimum 12-1/2 gage (0.099 inch) shank diameter, for underlayment panels
14–18.5 mm thick.
f.  Not recommended under glue-on carpet, vinyl tile or vinyl sheet.
g.  Screws not recommended.

Follow the finish floor manufacturer’s installation specifications. Install plywood underlayment, smooth side up,
immediately before laying the finish floor. For maximum stiffness, place face grain across supports. All joints of
underlayment panels should be offset by at least 200 mm (8 inches) from joints of subfloor panels. Offset underlayment
panel end joints from floor joists and avoid fastening into joists (to minimize the chance of nail pops). Always offset
underlayment joints so that four corners do not meet.

Nailing or stapling should begin at one corner of the underlayment panel and should progress diagonally across the
panel. To prevent splintering, ensure staples are applied parallel to the grain. If power-driven fasteners are used, foot
pressure should be applied near the fastener to ensure firm contact between the underlayment and subfloor. Make
sure fasteners are flush with, or just slightly below, surface of underlayment just prior to installation of resilient floor
coverings such as tile, or sheet vinyl. (See Table 4 for underlayment recommendations for thin flooring products.)

Preparation of underlayment for floor covering applications must be done as recommended by the floor covering
manufacturer. Such a recommendation should include sanding of uneven surface and panel joints to level and completing
the floor covering manufacturer's procedure for filling surface voids. When required by the manufacturer, a procedure
for filling of joint seams should also include a specification for a suitable filler.

The plywood underlayment needed to bridge an uneven floor will depend on roughness, loads applied and the finish
flooring type. Although 8 mm minimum thickness is recommended, 6 mm plywood underlayment may also be accept-
able over smooth subfloors, especially in remodeling work.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  15
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Subfloor and Underl ayment

under Cer a mic Tile Floors
Recommendations for several plywood floor systems suitable for application of ceramic tile are given in Table 5, based
on specifications of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA)a. In designing such a floor system, expected live loads,
concentrated loads, impact loads and dead loads, including weight of the tile and setting bed, need to be considered.
For additional details and assemblies, see Technical Topic: Ceramic Tile Over Wood Structural Panel Floors, Form TT-006,
at www.apawood.org.

TABLE 5

APA FLOOR SYSTEMS FOR CERAMIC TILE FLOORING BASED ON THE TILE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA
HANDBOOK FOR CERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION

Service Max. Joist Spacing Underlayment

a,b
TCNA No. Classification o.c., mm (inches) Layer Subfloor Layer Comment
32 mm minimum 15.5 mm
F141 Light Commercial 400 (16) e Cleavage membrane
mortar bed T&G plywood
15.5 mm
F142 Residential 400 (16) 15.5 mm plywoode —
T&G plywoode
12.5 mm plywoode
Residential or Light
e 15.5 mm underlayment layer
F143 Commercial or (with 400 (16) 15.5 mm plywood
T&G plywoode gives “Residential”
special tile), Heavy
performance
15.5 mm plywoode
Cementitious backer
Residential or Light 18.5 mm subfloor gives
F144 400 (16) units or fiber cement
Commercial T&G plywoode “Residential”
underlayment
performance
Residential or Light 19 mm minimum Cleavage membrane
F145 400 (16) 18.5 mm plywoode
Commercial mortar bed + metal lath
Coated glass-mat
F146 Light Commercial 400 (16) 15.5 mm plywoode —
backer board
9.5 mm plywoode
18.5 mm 100 mm x 100 mm
F147 Residential 600 (24)c plus uncoupling
T&G plywoode or larger tile only
membrane
Uncoupling 18.5 mm 75 mm x 75 mm
F148 Residential 500 (19.2)
membrane T&G plywoode or larger tile only
18.5 mm 200 mm x 200 mm
F149 Residential 600 (24) 15.5 mm plywoode
T&G plywoode or larger tile only
Use of 12.5 mm
plywoode under-
Residential or Light
F150 400 (16) 15.5 mm plywoode 15.5 mm plywoode layment layer
Commercial
gives “Residential”
performance
Coated glass mat 22.5 mm 200 mm x 200 mm
F151 Residential 600 (24)
backer board T&G plywoode or larger tile only
Continued on next page

a. Tile Council of North America, Inc., 100 Clemson Research Blvd., Anderson, South Carolina 29625; phone (864) 646-8453.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  16
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

TABLE 5 (Continued)

APA FLOOR SYSTEMS FOR CERAMIC TILE FLOORING BASED ON THE TILE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA
HANDBOOK FOR CERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION
Service Max. Joist Spacing Underlayment
a,b
TCNA No. Classification o.c., mm (inches) Layer Subfloor Layer Comment
18.5 mm 100 mm x 100 mm
F152 Residential 600 (24)c 9.5 mm plywoode
T&G plywoode or larger tile only
18.5 mm
F155 Residentiald 600 (24) 15.5 mm plywoode T&G OSB or OSB subfloor OK
plywoode
18.5 mm 200 mm x 200 mm
F160 Light Commercial 600 (24) 9.5 mm plywoode
T&G plywoode or larger tile only
Residential or Light Fiber-reinforced 15.5 mm
F170 400 (16) —
Commercial gypsum panel T&G plywoode
Residential or Light Cementitious-coated 15.5 mm 200 mm x 200 mm
F175 400 (16)
Commercial foam backerboard T&G plywoode or larger tile only
Residential or Light Poured gypsum 18.5 mm
F180 400 (16) —
Commercial minimum 19 mm T&G plywoode
Cementitious 18.5 mm
F185 Residential 500 (19.2) —
self-leveling T&G plywoode
Poured gypsum 18.5 mm
RH122 Residential 400 (16) —
minimum 19 mm T&G plywoode
Cementitous self-
18.5 mm
RH123 Residential 400 (16) leveling minimum —
T&G plywoode
12.5 mm
Use of 12.5 mm
plywoode under-
Residential or Light Light Commercial- 15.5 mm
RH130 400 (16) layment layer
Commercial 15.5 mm plywoode T&G plywoode
gives “Residential”
performance
Use of 15.5 mm
Residential or Light Light Commercial 18.5 mm plywoode subfloor
RH135 400 (16)
Commercial 18.5 mm plywoode T&G plywoode gives “Residential”
performance
Cementitious 18.5 mm
RH140 Residential 500 (19.2) —
self-leveling T&G plywoode
Reinforced 32 mm Use of glass tile
15.5 mm
RH141 Light Commercial 400 (16) minimum mortor may lower service
T&G plywoode
bed classification
a.  Order of increasing serviceability: Residential, Light Commercial, Moderate and Heavy.
b.  As typically performed, the ASTM C627 Robinson-Type Floor Tester delivers three simultaneous dynamic 1.33 kN (300-pound) concentrated
wheel loads moving in a 0.76 m (30-inch) diameter circle over the surface of test assembly. The number of cycles the system withstands
without failure determines its service classification. One criterion used to determine failure is a maximum deflection of L/360 under the
three concentrated loads.
c.  38 mm (1-1/2 inches) net support width permitted with 200 mm x 200 mm (8 inches x 8 inches) or larger tile—otherwise 57 mm
(2-1/4 inches) net support width is required.
d.  Passed ASTM C627 tests with a “Light Commercial” rating using plywood as the subfloor and then again with OSB as the subfloor.
e.  APA Exterior-rated plywood certified to CSA O121 DFP, CSA O151 CSP, or CSA O153 Poplar.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  17
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

Pane l Stair Tre ads and Risers

A growing number of builders

and manufacturers are using FIGURE 8
ply wood or OSB panels for APA PANEL STAIR TREADS AND RISERS
t re ad s a nd r i s er s of b ot h
63 mm (2-1/2 inches) Panel tread minimum 25 mm thick
site-fabricated and prefabricated common nails 150 mm (strength axis at right angle to
(6 inches) o.c.a,b stringers with open risers,
stairs in closed-riser stairways. and either direction if
Risers may support the front of continuously supported
Detail A (May be used for by front riser)
the tread. Risers that support plywood treads and 1-1/8
Performance Category
both the front and back of the composite panel or OSB
treads) Finish
tread create a very short effective Riser
flooring
material
span for the tread. Panels may
Tread
also be used for treads with open
risers (see Table 6 and NBCC
Sections 9.8.9.4 and 9.8.9.5).

R ou n d e d n o s i n g m a y b e Detail B (Preferred)
machined into the tread, but Riser
should be covered by a finish 15 mm minimum
flooring material such as carpet panel riser (any grade)
Tread
and pad in order to prevent
Lumber block 63 mm (2-1/2 inches) common
excessive wear or damage to nails 150 mm (6 inches) o.c.a along
Stringer leading edge add two nails at each end.
veneers exposed by rounding.
a. Pre-drill tread end grain at mid-thickness with 2.4 mm (3/32 inch) bit. Maintain at least 9.5 mm
(3/8 inch) edge distance in riser.
Glue is recommended to improve
b. Gluing is recommended to increase stiffness and decrease squeaks.
stiffness of connections and
to eliminate squeaks. Apply
construction adhesive meeting ASTM D3498 or APA AFG-01 to all joints, with particular attention to the connection
at the back riser. Regardless of where glue is used, nail all edges of treads as indicated in Figure 8. Detail A is the
simplest system, but Detail B is preferred since it eliminates end-grain nailing at the back riser.

Table 6

APA Panel stair treads

a
Maximum Span Between Stringers for Stair Treads
Stair tread Stair tread not continuously
Stair tread supported by front riser supported by front riser
b
OSB or plywood minimum 25 mm thick 1200 mm (48 inches) 750 mm (30 inches)
a.  Table indicates the maximum span between stringers for treads. Building code may require closer stringer spacing depending on occupancy
type.
b.  Face grain or orientation of strength axis must be at right angles to the stringers.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  18
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

APA Perfor m ance R ated Rim Board ®

A Rim Board is the wood component that fills the space

between the sill plate and bottom plate of a wall or,
in second floor construction, between the top plate
and bottom plate of two wall sections. The Rim Board
must match the depth of the framing members between
floors or between the floor and foundation to function
properly. In addition to supporting the wall loads, the
Rim Board ties the floor joists together. It is an integral
component in an engineered wood system because it
transfers both vertical bearing and lateral forces.

While lumber has been the traditional product used

for Rim Boards, it is generally not compatible with the
depth of the new generation of wood I-joists used in floor construction. With the increasing use
of wood I-joists, a demand for compatible engineered wood Rim Boards has resulted. As glued
engineered wood products, APA Rim Boards have greater dimensional stability, higher strength, RIM BOARD
EXPOSURE 1
increased structural reliability, more consistent quality and a lower tendency to check or split than THICKNESS 1.091 IN
sawn lumber. MILL 000
PRR-401
APA Performance Rated Rim Boards can be manufactured using plywood, oriented strand board ANSI/APA PRR 410 C1
1-1/8 CATEGORY
(OSB), glulam, or structural composite lumber (SCL). These engineered wood Rim Boards have less
shrinkage than lumber and match the depth of wood I-joists and other engineered wood framing products. They are
available in lengths up to 7.3 m (24 feet), depending on the product used.

Most APA Performance Rated Rim Boards are structural-use panels that are manufactured in accordance with Voluntary
Product Standard PS 1 or PS 2, APA Standard PRP-108, or CSA O325 Construction Sheathing. Glulam Rim Boards are a
resawn grade of glued laminated timber manufactured in accordance with ANSI A190.1. SCL Rim Boards are manu-
factured in accordance with ASTM D5456. The APA Rim Boards meet the requirements of ANSI/APA PRR 410 Standard
for Performance-Rated Engineered Wood Rim Boards or APA PRR-401 Performance Standard for APA EWS Rim Boards. ANSI/
APA PRR 410 or APA PRR 401 standards meet or exceed the requirements given in the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for
Wood-Based Rim Board Products, AC124. ANSI/APA PRR 410 is also compatible with the requirements of the CCMC
Technical Guide for Wood-Based Rim Boards for Floors. APA Performance Rated Rim Boards may also carry a CCMC regis-
tration number and product evaluation report in addition to the ANSI/APA 410 certification for wider acceptance by
Canadian local authorities.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  19
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

He av y Dut y Ply wood Floors

Above-grade plywood floors may be designed to

support heavy loading or to support relatively high
loads imposed by warehouse shelving or stacked stor-
age. Heavy-duty plywood floors also make excellent
mezzanine decks and vibration-resistant surfaces for
mounting computer equipment. Table 7 gives plywood
recommendations for uniform loads. These assume the
use of plywood continuous over two or more spans
with face grain across supports.

For heavy duty plywood floors carrying fork-truck

traffic, refer to APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide,
Form E30.

Table 7

APA PLYWOOD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIFORMLY LOADED HEAVY DUTY FLOORS,a,c

(Deflection limited to 1/240 of span)
Minimum Thickness of APA Douglas-Fir Plywood Sheathing Grade
or Canadian Softwood Plywood (mm)b
Centre-to-Centre Support Spacing
Specified
Uniform Live 300 mm 400 mm 500 mm 600 mm 800 mm 1200 mm
Load (kPa) (12 inches) (16 inches) (19.2 inches) (24 inches) (32 inches) (48 inches)
2.4 12.5 12.5 15.5 18.5 18.5 28.5
4.8 12.5 12.5 15.5 18.5 22.5
7.2 12.5 12.5 15.5 18.5 25.5
9.6 12.5 12.5 15.5 20.5 28.5
12.0 12.5 12.5 15.5 22.5 31.5
14.4 12.5 15.5 18.5 25.5
16.8 12.5 15.5 20.5 25.5
19.2 12.5 18.5 22.5 28.5
21.6 15.5 18.5 25.5
24.0 15.5 22.5 28.5
26.4 18.5 25.5 31.5
a.  Use plywood with T&G edges, provide structural blocking at panel edges or apply a separate underlayment. Install panels with face grain
or major strength axis perpendicular to supports. Supports must be a minimum 38 mm (1-1/2-inch) wide, except at the 1200 mm (48-inch)
span, install on a minimum support width of 76 mm (3 inches) (double nailed joists).
b.  Douglas-fir plywood is APA-certified to CSA O121. Canadian softwood plywood is APA-certified to CSA O151. Check with supplier for
availability for thicknesses over 18.5 mm.
c.  Table Assumes:
1.  Panels 610 mm (24 inches) or wider installed over two or more spans, either fully or partially loaded.
2.  Dry service condition and normal duration of load.
3.  0.3 kPa (6.3 psf) dead load.

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  20
Engineered Wood Floor Systems

About APA
APA – The Engineered Wood Association represents North American manufacturers
of plywood, OSB, glulam, I-joists, and structural composite lumber. Since its
inception in 1933, APA has led the industry as an innovator in technical research
and as the provider of the most rigorous product testing and quality auditing
program in the field.

Currently representing 84 percent of structural wood panel producers in North

America, APA is known for a well-demonstrated commitment to rigorous quality
assurance, technical research and testing, national and international standards
development, and a highly regarded safety and health program that fosters
industry-wide excellence in safety.

APA is committed to the needs of its Canadian members,

maintaining a close working relationship with the
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in the develop-
THING
ment and maintenance of Canada’s national consensus
RATED SHEA
32/1SP6ACING standards for wood-based panels and other engineered
SI ZE D FO R wood products. APA staff actively participates in
1
EXPOSURE 1 IN. CSA A369 Technical Committee on Wood-Based
0.45
THICKNESS
000 ING Panels, CSA A370 Technical Committee on Solid
TH
PS 1-09 SHEA D-UM-40
PR P- 10 8 HU and Engineered Wood Products, and CSA O86
RY
15/32 CATEGO
Engineering Design in Wood, as well as ASTM, ANSI,
SHEATHING
CONSTRUCTION
2R32/2mF16
CIB, and ISO committees.
12m
CSA O325-16

IS
STRENGTH AX ION
THIS DIRECT

Form No. R300  ■  © 2016 APA – The Engineered Wood Association  ■ www.apawood.org  21
 Engineered Wood Floor Systems
We have field representatives in many major U.S. cities and in Canada
who can help answer questions involving APA trademarked products.
For additional assistance in specifying engineered wood products, contact us:

A PA H e ad q ua r te r s
7011 So. 19th St. ■ Tacoma, Washington 98466
(253) 565-6600 ■ Fax: (253) 565-7265

P ro du c t Supp o r t H ELP D e s k
(253) 620-7400 ■ [email protected]

D i sc l a i m e r
The information contained herein is based on APA – The Engineered Wood Association’s c­ ontinuing
programs of laboratory testing, product research, and comprehensive field experience. Neither
APA, nor its members make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal liability or
responsibility for the use, application of, and/or reference to opinions, findings, conclusions, or rec-
ommendations included in this publication. Consult your local jurisdiction or design professional to
assure compliance with code, construction, and performance requirements. Because APA has no
control over quality of workmanship or the conditions under which engineered wood products are
used, it cannot accept responsibility for product performance or designs as actually constructed.

Form No. R300/Issued December 2016