Installation Guide

Floor Construction
ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
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FORM NO. E30V
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© 2011 APA – THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION
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WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
37
8. Stagger end joints in each succeeding row, where possible. A 1/8-inch space between all end joints and edges, includ-
ing tongue-and-groove, is recommended. Use a spacer tool to assure accurate and consistent spacing.
9. Complete all nailing of each panel before glue sets. (See Table 11.) Check the glue manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions for allowable time. Warm weather accelerates glue setting. Use 6d ring- or screw-shank nails for panels with a
Performance Category of 3/4 or smaller, and 8d ring- or screw-shank nails for thicker panels. See Table 5 for nail dimen-
sions. Space nails per Table 11. Closer nail spacing may be required for diaphragm construction. Finished deck can be
walked on and will carry construction loads without damage to glue bond.
APA Panel Subflooring
The Span Ratings in Table 13 apply to APA RATED SHEATHING grades only, and are the minimum recom mended
for the spans indicated. The spans assume panels continuous over two or more spans with the long dimen sion or
strength axis across supports.*
Recommended live loads are given in Table 12. Spans are limited to the values shown because of the possible effect of
concentrated loads.
Nailing recommendations are given in Table 13. Other code-approved fasteners may be used. APA panel subflooring
may also be glued for added stiffness and to reduce squeaks using nailing recommen dations in Table 11.
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. The minimum Performance
Category of underlayment should be 1/4 for subfloors on spans up to 24 inches and 11/32 or larger panels on spans
greater than 24 inches.
2.
A minimum of 1-1/2 inches of light weight concrete is applied over the panels.
3. 3/4-inch wood strip flooring is installed over the subfloor perpen dicular to the unsupported edge.
If the floor becomes wet during construc tion, it should be allowed to dry before application of finish floor, including
under layment, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, etc. After it is dry, the floor should be checked for flatness, especially
at joints.
TABLE 13
APA PANEL SUBFLOORING (APA RATED SHEATHING)
(a)(b)
Panel Span
Rating
Panel
Performance
Category
Maximum Span
(in.)
Nail Size
& Type
(c)(d)
Maximum Nail Spacing (in.)
Supported Panel
Edges
(e)
Intermediate
Supports
24/16 7/16 16 6d common 6 12
32/16 15/32, 1/2 16 8d common
(f)
6 12
40/20 19/32, 5/8 19.2
(g)
8d common 6 12
48/24 23/32, 3/4 24 8d common 6 12
60/32
(h)
7/8 32 8d common 6 12
(a) For subfloor recommendations under ceramic tile, refer to Table
15. For subfloor recommendations under gypsum concrete, contact
manufacturer of floor topping.
(b) APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR may be substituted when the Span
Rating is equal to or greater than tabulated maximum span.
(c) Other code-approved fasteners may be used.
(d) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
(e) Supported panel joints shall occur approximately along the
centerline of framing with a minimum bearing of 1/2 inch.
Fasteners shall be located 3/8 inch from panel edges.
(f) 6d common nail permitted if panel has a Performance Category
of 1/2 or smaller.
(g) Span may be 24 inches if a minimum 1-1/2 inches of lightweight
concrete is applied over panels.
(h) Check with supplier for availability.
*Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies when the long panel dimension or strength axis is across supports unless the strength axis is
otherwise identified.