How to Install Plywood

Choose a corner to start installing the plywood. You want the plywood to run across as many joists or studs as possible, six if you are working with a full sheet.

If you are installing plywood as a subfloor, spread a bead of construction adhesive on the floor joists. Cut the tip of the tube of adhesive with the cutter on the caulking gun, poke through the foil and pull the trigger until adhesive comes out. If you are installing sheathing you can skip this step.

Choose one side of the plywood and begin fastening with nails. If you are installing plywood that is 1/2 inch or less in thickness use 6d (penny) nails; if you are installing plywood greater than 1/2 inch use 8d nails. Nail every 6 inches along the seams and 12 inches apart in the field of the plywood. Nail from one side of the wood to the other to prevent buckling and ensure an flat installation.

Prepare your next piece of plywood for installation. Leave a 1/8 inch space between the piece you just attached and the next one being installed. The space allows for any expansion the plywood might undergo and will prevent damage to siding, roofing or flooring installed over the plywood.

Continue to install the plywood while maintaining a 1/8 inch in space between all pieces while also staggering the seams. To stagger seams, cut the first sheet of plywood in the second row in half, and then use a full sheet for the second piece.