Selecting the right plywood for flooring is crucial for durability, performance, and aesthetics. Whether you’re installing a subfloor or creating a finished floor surface, the type of plywood you choose significantly impacts cost, lifespan, and maintenance requirements. Plywood flooring options range from budget-friendly CDX to premium hardwood-faced varieties, with prices typically between $15 and $70 per sheet. Installation costs vary from $1 to $8 per square foot depending on complexity and finish quality. This comprehensive guide examines the best plywood options for various flooring applications, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Several plywood varieties are appropriate for flooring applications, each with distinct characteristics. The most common types include softwood plywood, hardwood plywood, marine-grade plywood, CDX plywood, and specialty underlayment plywood. Your specific project requirements will determine which type is optimal for your situation.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Softwood plywood (typically pine, fir, or spruce) is economical and commonly used for subfloors. Hardwood plywood features premium wood veneers like oak, maple, or birch, making it suitable for decorative finished floors. Marine-grade plywood offers superior moisture resistance with waterproof glue and minimal voids, ideal for bathrooms or basements.
CDX plywood is a construction-grade option primarily used for subfloors, while underlayment plywood is specifically designed to provide a smooth base for final flooring materials. Tongue and groove plywood provides enhanced structural integrity with interlocking edges that reduce movement and squeaking.
Plywood Grades Explained
Plywood quality is indicated by a letter-grading system. The first letter denotes the quality of the face veneer, while the second letter represents the back veneer quality. Grades range from A (highest) to D (lowest), with a fifth grade, C-plugged (C-), falling between C and D.
A-grade plywood has smooth, paintable surfaces with minimal defects. B-grade has minor repairs but maintains good quality. C-grade allows knots up to 1.5 inches and limited splits. D-grade permits larger knots and more defects. For finished flooring where appearance matters, A or B-grade face veneers are recommended, while subfloors can utilize more economical C or D grades.
| Plywood Type | Best Used For | Moisture Resistance | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood Plywood | Subfloors | Low to Moderate | $15-$45 per sheet |
| Hardwood Plywood | Finished floors | Moderate | $30-$70 per sheet |
| Marine Grade | Moisture-prone areas | High | $45-$100 per sheet |
| CDX | Basic subfloors | Low | $15-$40 per sheet |
| Underlayment | Substrate for finish flooring | Varies | $20-$50 per sheet |
Comparing Plywood Flooring Prices
Plywood flooring costs vary significantly based on type, grade, thickness, and brand. Standard 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ CDX plywood typically range from $15 to $40, while hardwood plywood can cost between $30 and $70 per sheet. Premium marine-grade plywood might reach $45 to $100 per sheet. These prices translate to approximately $0.50 to $2.20 per square foot for the material alone.
Thickness is a major price determinant, with 1/4″ sheets costing substantially less than 3/4″ sheets. For subfloors, 3/4″ thickness is standard to ensure structural integrity. Specialty products like tongue and groove plywood command a 15-25% premium over standard sheets but offer improved performance.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
When comparing costs to other flooring options, plywood is economical. Laminate flooring ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot, engineered hardwood from $3 to $10, and solid hardwood from $5 to $15. However, plywood requires additional finishing costs if used as a visible floor surface.
Plywood Flooring Installation Costs
Installation costs for plywood flooring depend on whether it serves as a subfloor or finished floor. For subfloor installation, professional labor typically costs $1 to $3 per square foot, bringing the total project cost (including materials) to $1.50 to $5 per square foot. DIY installation can save on labor but requires proper tools and expertise.
When plywood serves as a decorative finished floor, installation becomes more complex. Professional installation with sanding, staining, and sealing ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot for labor alone. Additional materials like fasteners, adhesives, moisture barriers, and finishes add $0.50 to $2 per square foot.
For a standard 200-square-foot room, expect total costs of $300-$1,000 for a basic subfloor installation and $700-$2,000 for a finished plywood floor. Regional labor rates, floor preparation requirements, and accessibility can significantly impact these estimates.
Additional Cost Considerations
Several factors can increase your plywood flooring budget. Floor preparation, including removing existing flooring, can add $1-$4 per square foot. Subfloor repairs might add $2-$10 per square foot for addressing rot, moisture damage, or structural issues.
Finishing costs for decorative plywood floors vary based on treatment type. Simple polyurethane coating costs $1-$2 per square foot, while professional sanding, staining, and multiple finish coats can reach $3-$5 per square foot. Edge treatment, moisture barriers, and soundproofing underlayment represent additional expenses to consider in your budget planning.
Pros of Plywood Flooring
Affordability stands as one of plywood’s greatest advantages, with complete systems costing significantly less than hardwood, tile, or high-end vinyl options. As a subfloor material, plywood provides excellent structural support for virtually any finishing material. When properly finished, it can also serve as an attractive and durable floor surface.
Installation flexibility makes plywood appealing for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its design versatility allows for creative applications: it can be painted, stained, whitewashed, or clear-coated to achieve various aesthetic effects. Some homeowners create distinctive patterns by cutting plywood into planks or geometric shapes.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Sustainability represents another advantage, as plywood typically uses less old-growth timber than solid wood flooring. Modern plywood often comes from managed forests with responsible harvesting practices. For environmentally conscious consumers, plywood with FSC certification ensures sustainable sourcing.
- Cost-effective compared to many flooring alternatives
- Provides stable, durable foundation for other flooring materials
- Can be installed by experienced DIYers
- Accepts various finishes for customized appearances
- More environmentally sustainable than solid hardwood options
- Easy to modify or repair if damaged
Cons of Plywood Flooring
Moisture sensitivity represents plywood’s greatest weakness, with standard varieties prone to swelling, warping, and delamination when exposed to water. Even marine-grade plywood isn’t completely waterproof. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements require special consideration and proper sealing to prevent moisture damage.
Aesthetic limitations can be a drawback when using plywood as a finished floor. Without proper finishing, plywood may appear industrial or unrefined. The layered edge is particularly challenging to make visually appealing, often requiring edge banding or trim to conceal.
Durability concerns arise with softer plywood varieties that dent and scratch more easily than hardwood. Maintenance requirements can be demanding, as plywood floors typically need resealing every 2-5 years depending on traffic and wear. Sound transmission can also be problematic, with plywood floors potentially creating more noise than solid hardwood or concrete.
- Susceptible to moisture damage without proper treatment
- May not have the prestige or resale value of traditional flooring
- Softer varieties dent and scratch more easily than hardwood
- Requires regular maintenance and refinishing
- Can create more noise without proper underlayment
- Visible seams between sheets may be aesthetically undesirable
Best Plywood Options for Different Flooring Needs
For subfloors in standard residential applications, 3/4″ tongue and groove CDX or RTD sheathing plywood offers the ideal balance of structural support and cost-effectiveness. Ensure it meets the PS1 or PS2 standards from the American Plywood Association (APA) for quality assurance. For enhanced moisture resistance in bathrooms or kitchens, consider plywood labeled “Exposure 1” which can withstand occasional moisture during construction but isn’t waterproof.
When creating decorative finished floors, hardwood plywood with at least B-grade face veneer provides the best appearance. Baltic birch plywood, with its multiple thin layers and minimal voids, offers superior stability and an attractive edge appearance when exposed. Cabinet-grade plywood (typically A or B grade) provides excellent surface quality for visible applications.
For high-traffic commercial spaces, consider ACX plywood with a minimum thickness of 3/4″. The “X” indicates exterior-grade glue for improved durability. In areas where fire resistance is critical, look for fire-retardant treated plywood (FRTP) that meets building code requirements.
Recommended Thicknesses for Different Applications
Plywood thickness requirements vary by application. For subfloors, 3/4″ (23/32″) thickness is standard for joists spaced 16″ or 24″ on center, providing necessary rigidity and support. Underlayment typically ranges from 1/4″ to 1/2″, with thinner sheets used over stable subfloors and thicker options for correcting minor subfloor issues.
For finished floors, 1/2″ to 3/4″ plywood provides ideal durability. The thicker the plywood, the more stable and dent-resistant the floor, but with corresponding higher material costs. When installing over concrete, 3/8″ or 1/2″ plywood attached to sleepers or a plywood/foam assembly creates an effective floating floor system.
Installation Guide for Plywood Flooring
Proper installation begins with thorough preparation. Allow plywood to acclimate in the installation space for 48-72 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity levels. Ensure the subfloor or surface below is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. For installations over concrete, install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture migration.
For subfloor installation, use 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood with the face grain perpendicular to floor joists. Leave 1/8″ expansion gaps between sheets and 3/4″ around the perimeter. Secure with construction adhesive and screws (not nails) for a squeak-free installation. Stagger the joints between rows for maximum structural integrity.
For decorative finished floors, consider cutting plywood into planks (typically 6-8″ wide) for a more traditional look. Install with 1/16″ to 1/8″ gaps between planks to allow for movement. After installation, sand progressively with 80, 120, and 220-grit sandpaper. Apply stain if desired, followed by at least three coats of polyurethane or other floor finish, sanding lightly between coats.
- Acclimate plywood in the installation space for 48-72 hours
- Prepare the subfloor ensuring it’s clean, dry, and level
- Install moisture barrier if needed
- Position plywood with appropriate expansion gaps
- Secure with adhesive and screws in recommended pattern
- Sand thoroughly if creating a finished floor
- Apply appropriate finish system (stain plus protective coating)
Maintaining Plywood Floors
Proper maintenance extends plywood floor lifespan considerably. For daily cleaning, use a dry microfiber mop or vacuum with a hard floor attachment to remove dust and debris without scratching. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp (not wet) mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors.
Prevent damage by using furniture pads under heavy items and immediately wiping up spills. Avoid excessive water, steam cleaners, or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish and wood. In high-traffic areas, area rugs can protect the floor while adding decorative elements.
Even well-maintained plywood floors eventually require refinishing. Expect to recoat the surface every 2-5 years and perform complete refinishing (sanding down to bare wood and applying new finish) every 7-10 years. Minor scratches can be addressed with touch-up markers or fill sticks, while deeper damage may require replacing individual boards or sections.