Subfloors are usually generally composed of a wood product, with the exception of concrete slabs. The type of wood product will differ, which may affect the sort of underlayment that is required or not, as well as the way your floor feels and functions. Understanding these differences will help you determine the best subfloor material for your specific needs.
Plywood
Large, thin sheets of wood veneer are piled like a gigantic sandwich to create plywood, which is then firmly joined together using pressure, heat, and an industrial-strength glue. It is a popular option for subfloors in residential dwellings because it is not only consistently level and sturdy but also significantly less expensive than solid wood sheets of the same size. Additionally, it is more resistant to warping and expansion than solid wood.
Oriented Strand Board
Oriented strand board (OSB) is a relatively new material that is competing with plywood in popularity. Smaller pieces of chipped wood are used to make OSB. These pieces are crisscrossed and then bonded and pushed together. Compared to plywood, OSB produces a denser and more uniform structure with a surface that is less prone to defects or low areas since it compacts a lot of tiny wood bits into a single sheet. Additionally, OSB is more moisture-resistant than plywood, even though plywood typically dries out more quickly when wet. However, OSB is typically less costly than plywood. To determine whether OSB subfloor is the best choice for your house, it is best to consider your options and conduct the necessary research.
Particleboard
Sawdust and tiny wood chips are combined with glue to create particleboard, which is then pressed into sheets. Despite being comparable to OSB, it is not as strong as OSB or plywood because of the solid wood chunks. Particleboard is no longer advised for use as a subfloor material due to its poor construction and the availability of stronger, more reasonably priced alternatives like OSB. However, particleboard works well as an underlayment material since it can be made with a very flat, smooth surface.
FRP Panel
In some industrial or moisture-prone environments, FRP panel (fiberglass reinforced plastic panel) systems are used in combination with or over subfloors to provide an extra layer of water resistance and durability. While not a subfloor material on their own, FRP panels can enhance performance when used as part of a broader flooring solution, especially in commercial kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms where hygiene and moisture control are crucial.
Concrete
Concrete subfloors are typically found on any floor level of high-rise buildings and condominiums, as well as in the basements of single-family homes. Concrete floors are quite resilient, but they can still break or have uneven surfaces. Although an underlayment is frequently advised to assist prevent seepage, control temperature, and provide a generally more comfortable surface, some flooring types can be put straight over concrete.
