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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Subfloor Question
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Carpenters Daughter
Member
# Posted: 6 Jun 2022 00:27
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My 10 year old son wants to build a cabin on our property this summer that he can eventually live in as a young adult while he's getting started in life, so we've been collecting reclaimed and/free materials for the past several months and we're ready to get started. The foundation will be post and beam. My question is about subfloors. It seems most people recommend treated plywood in this application but I have a few concerns about that...not just with the chemicals that he could be exposed to in the interior of the cabin, but also with cost (it's currently $77/sheet right now) and the goal of this project is to spend as little as possible. I've collected several sheets of 3/4" OSB and I'm wondering if there are things I could do to make that work? For example, could I put several coats of oil based primer on the bottom and edges? I also wondered if I could install house wrap between the floor joists and the subfloor? The roof and foundation aren't things I want to cut corners on because I want this structure to last, but also trying to be mindful of my budget. Any input would be appreciated!

Brettny
Member
# Posted: 6 Jun 2022 08:18
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You dont need PT for a sub floor. 3/4in OSB will be fine but tongue and grove 3/4in plywood is better.

spencerin
Member
# Posted: 6 Jun 2022 23:17 - Edited by: spencerin
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Agreed with Brettny. And, yes, put a barrier between the subfloor and joists, but something thicker than house wrap.

Carpenters Daughter
Member
# Posted: 7 Jun 2022 00:28
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Thanks for your input! I appreciate your feedback ☺️

NorthRick
Member
# Posted: 7 Jun 2022 14:29
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If the wood will be within 12 or 18 inches of the ground it's usually recommended that you use pressure treated wood.

spencerin
Member
# Posted: 8 Jun 2022 00:51
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PT wood is required if it's within 6" of the ground. And that's if it's exposed to moisture. A barrier between the joists and subfloor negates the need for treated plywood.

ICC
Member
# Posted: 8 Jun 2022 08:27
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The rules we always followed to keep the inspector happy included:

Bottom edge of beams 12" above ground or use PT.

Bottom edge of joists 18" above ground or use PT.

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