I have to replace a section of flooring in my TT. The flooring inserts into a C channel along the perimeter of the trailer. The flooring is 3/4 inch thick and about one inch at the edges of the plywood are shaved down to about a 1/2 inch to fit into the C channels.My idea is: Lay 1/2 inch plywood around the area so that it can easily slip into the C channel. This would consist of three cut pieces. Then use 1/4 inch plywood with lots of glue and place over the 1/2 inch plywood and cut it so the seams from the original pieces are covered over. WOUld structual integrity be compromised in doing this. I don't think so, but want to make sure.

A router (for WOOD WORKING not internet) with the proper bit, set to the proper depth would be my first choice. Even a cheapo router and bits from Harbor Freight shouldn't set you back much at all.Your suggestion could work but would sacrifice some strength and depend on having a good glue bond..Plywood is made using alternating layers of wood plus specific glues for the laminating process and is put under many tons per square inch of pressure while the glue sets.. You will never be able to match that using your idea.

Gdetrailer wrote:A router (for WOOD WORKING not internet) with the proper bit, set to the proper depth would be my first choice. Even a cheapo router and bits from Harbor Freight shouldn't set you back much at all.Your suggestion could work but would sacrifice some strength and depend on having a good glue bond..Plywood is made using alternating layers of wood plus specific glues for the laminating process and is put under many tons per square inch of pressure while the glue sets.. You will never be able to match that using your idea.Thanks!

Was the original subfloor one piece or three cut pieces? Any time you create a joint, you'll diminish the integrity, somewhat. The question should be, "will I compromise the flooring beyond it's function?". If you can place an additional piece under the joints it will add strength. If the adhesive you use to attach the 1/4" overlay bonds both pieces and the adhesive is stronger than the wood plys (it will be), then the total strength will be similar to the original. Remember to observe direction of plies when using plywood as a subfloor.

westend wrote:Was the original subfloor one piece or three cut pieces? Any time you create a joint, you'll diminish the integrity, somewhat. The question should be, "will I compromise the flooring beyond it's function?". If you can place an additional piece under the joints it will add strength. If the adhesive you use to attach the 1/4" overlay bonds both pieces and the adhesive is stronger than the wood plys (it will be), then the total strength will be similar to the original. Remember to observe direction of plies when using plywood as a subfloor.The original subfloor was one piece The area I am talking about is around the equivalent of a 4 x8 sheet, not the entire 25 foot trailer. I am welding the steel frame for reinforcement purposes. There is rust on some of the frame. There is no way to put plywood back in one piece. Thats why I asked about putting down the 1/2 inch in 3 pieces and then 1/4 inch in a much larger piece. See pic.

Ok, the picture helps (you're going to be admonished about size by a moderator). As long as the joints in the 1/2" sheet fall on a joist, you'll be golden. Typical trailer construction from what I see, the original OSB is not supported for a span of greater than 24". So they saved the price of two pieces of stamped steel and the associated welds. If it was me, I'd try to get some additional joists under the floor. Your overall plan, as originally described, sounds good.

Subflooring Idea | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

westend
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
Was the original subfloor one piece or three cut pieces? Any time you create a joint, you'll diminish the integrity, somewhat. The question should be, "will I compromise the flooring beyond it's function?". If you can place an additional piece under the joints it will add strength. If the adhesive you use to attach the 1/4" overlay bonds both pieces and the adhesive is stronger than the wood plys (it will be), then the total strength will be similar to the original. Remember to observe direction of plies when using plywood as a subfloor.
akronharry
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
Gdetrailer wrote:
A router (for WOOD WORKING not internet) with the proper bit, set to the proper depth would be my first choice. Even a cheapo router and bits from Harbor Freight shouldn't set you back much at all.

Your suggestion could work but would sacrifice some strength and depend on having a good glue bond..

Plywood is made using alternating layers of wood plus specific glues for the laminating process and is put under many tons per square inch of pressure while the glue sets.. You will never be able to match that using your idea.

Thanks!
Gdetrailer
Explorer III
Jun 24, 2014
A router (for WOOD WORKING not internet) with the proper bit, set to the proper depth would be my first choice. Even a cheapo router and bits from Harbor Freight shouldn't set you back much at all.

Your suggestion could work but would sacrifice some strength and depend on having a good glue bond..

Plywood is made using alternating layers of wood plus specific glues for the laminating process and is put under many tons per square inch of pressure while the glue sets.. You will never be able to match that using your idea.

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Subflooring Idea

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