What Is the Best Subfloor Material to Use in 2025

23 Jul What Is the Best Subfloor Material to Use in 2025

If you’re wondering what to use for subfloor in 2025, MgO board is the best choice. This material stands out because it doesn’t burn easily, making it fire-resistant. It also resists water damage and is environmentally friendly. Builders prefer MgO board because it helps keep homes safe and dry, performing well even in bad weather. This subfloor is durable and requires minimal maintenance. Choosing the right subfloor can protect your floors, reduce noise, and keep pests away. When deciding what to use for subfloor, consider the room’s conditions, moisture levels, and your budget.

Key Takeaways

• MgO board is the top subfloor material in 2025. It stops fire, water, mold, and pests. It is also good for the environment and lasts a long time.

• Pick a subfloor that matches the room’s moisture and use. Use moisture-resistant materials in bathrooms and basements. Use sound-reducing ones in bedrooms and living rooms.

• Plywood gives strong support and lasts longer than OSB. It works well in places where people walk a lot. OSB costs less and is good for dry rooms.

• Always look at your subfloor for damage before new floors. Check for squeaks, soft spots, or mold. This helps you avoid problems later.

• Put a moisture barrier in wet areas to protect your subfloor. This helps your flooring last longer.

What to Use for Subfloor

Subfloor Basics

When you start working on new floors, you need to pick the right subfloor. The subfloor sits above the floor joists and under your finished floor. It is the base for your whole flooring system. If you want your home to last, you need a good subfloor.

A good subfloor does many things:

• It gives your finished floor a flat, strong surface.

• It spreads weight so the floor does not sag or bounce.

• It blocks moisture, which stops mold and rot from hurting your floors.

• It helps make your home quieter by reducing noise between floors.

• It protects your finished floor so it stays nice for longer.

If you hear squeaks or feel soft spots, your subfloor might be damaged by water or need fixing. Always check the subfloor before you put in new floors.

Why Subfloor Choice Matters

Picking the right subfloor is a big part of any flooring job. The best subfloor makes your floors last longer and keeps them safe. A strong subfloor can hold heavy furniture and lots of people without bending or breaking. It also keeps water out, which saves your floors from damage and saves money on repairs.

The subfloor material you choose affects how long your floors will last. Some materials, like plywood or MgO board, are stronger and keep out water better. Other materials may not last as long, especially in rooms that get damp. If you want your home to last, focus on picking a good subfloor.

Tip: Always choose a subfloor that fits the room. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements need more water protection. Living rooms and bedrooms need more sound control and comfort.

Types of Subfloor

When picking a subfloor, you should know the main types in 2025. Each type has good and bad points. The best one depends on your project, budget, and what the room needs.

Plywood

Plywood is a very common subfloor. Builders like it because it is strong and lasts long. Plywood can hold a lot of weight and keeps heat better than some other types. You can use plywood in most rooms, like kitchens and living rooms. It works in humid places because it does not swell or get weak from water. But plywood costs more than OSB and is heavier, so it is harder to put in. If you want strong plywood, pick C-grade or better. These grades last longer and have fewer problems.

Note: If you keep plywood dry and sealed, it can last as long as your house.

OSB

OSB is another popular subfloor. It costs less than plywood and comes in big sheets, so there are fewer seams. This makes your floor more stable. OSB is made from fast-growing trees, so it is better for the environment. But OSB soaks up water slowly and keeps it, which can make it swell. It does not go back to normal after it dries. OSB is best for dry rooms like bedrooms or living rooms. For better results, you can use premium OSB or Advantech, which handle water better and last longer.

MgO Subfloor

MgO board is a newer subfloor that is popular in 2025. It is good for the environment, does not burn, and is very strong. MgO board keeps out water, mold, and bugs, so it is great for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. It also helps save energy by keeping heat in. MgO board costs more than plywood or OSB, and it can take longer to get because it is not as common. If you want a subfloor that lasts and protects your home, MgO board is a great pick.

Concrete

Concrete is a strong subfloor for basements and ground floors. It lasts a long time and does not need much care. Concrete works well with tile, stone, or heated floors. But it is heavy and hard to put in. You may need more help to install concrete. It is not good for upper floors because it is so heavy.

Tip: Always pick a subfloor that fits your room. Wet rooms need subfloors that keep out water. Bedrooms and living rooms need comfort and less noise.

Best Subfloor Plywood

Grades and Thickness

When you look for the best plywood for subfloor, you want to pick the right grade and thickness. The most common choice is CDX plywood. This type has a “C” grade face and a “D” grade back. It uses glue that stands up to moisture, so it works well as subfloor plywood in most homes. If you need more strength or you have a room with lots of moisture, like a bathroom or basement, you should use exterior or marine-grade plywood. These types have better water resistance and last longer.

Thickness matters a lot when choosing subfloor plywood. For most homes, 3/4-inch thick plywood is the best plywood for subfloor. This thickness gives your floor enough strength and keeps it from sagging. If your floor joists are close together, you might use 5/8-inch plywood, but 3/4-inch is safer for most jobs. For heavy loads or commercial spaces, you can use 7/8-inch or even 1-inch plywood.

Here’s a quick table to help you choose the best subfloor plywood:

Tip: Always use tongue and groove subfloor plywood if you want a floor that feels solid and quiet.

Plywood vs. OSB

You might wonder if OSB is the best plywood for subfloor. OSB costs less and comes in big sheets, but plywood is stronger and lasts longer. Plywood holds nails and screws better, so your underlayment stays tight. When you use plywood as subfloor plywood, you get less bounce and fewer squeaks. OSB can swell if it gets wet and may not go back to its original shape. Plywood shrinks back after it dries, so it keeps your floor flat.

• Plywood gives you better durability and strength, making it the best subfloor plywood for heavy loads.

• OSB is a good choice if you want to save money and your room stays dry.

• Plywood is the best plywood for subfloor in high-traffic areas or where you want your underlayment to last a long time.

When choosing subfloor plywood, think about moisture, load, and your budget. For most homes, CDX 3/4-inch plywood is the best plywood for subfloor. It gives you a strong, stable base for any underlayment or finished floor.

MGO Board Advantages

If you want a great subfloor in 2025, MGO board is a smart pick. It protects your home from fire, water, and bugs. This board will not catch fire, even if it gets very hot. Your family stays safer with this material. You can see how MGO board, plywood, and OSB compare for fire safety:

MGO board is also great at stopping water damage. It does not get bigger, bend, or break when it is wet. You do not need to worry about mold or mildew growing. Here is a table that shows how MGO board and plywood handle water:

Choosing MGO board helps the earth. Many companies make it in ways that are better for nature. For example, MagPanel® boards can be recycled and help trap CO2 when made. Some MGO boards have special labels like CE, ISO, and INTERTEK. These show they are safe and good for the planet. You get a subfloor that is strong, safe, and eco-friendly.

Tip: MGO board is a green building material made from minerals. It is safe, can be recycled, and does not hurt the land. It lasts a long time and needs little care.

Subfloor Checklist

Key Factors

When you start a flooring project, you need to look at several important things before you pick a subfloor. Each factor can affect how long your floor lasts and how well it works in your home.

• Check the type of subfloor you already have. You might see plywood, OSB, or concrete. Make sure it fits your new flooring project.

• Look at the moisture level in the room. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens often have more moisture. You may need a moisture barrier to protect your subfloor.

• Think about how much traffic the area gets. High-traffic rooms need a strong subfloor that can handle weight and movement.

• Set your budget. Some materials cost more to buy and install. Pick a subfloor that fits your flooring project and your wallet.

• Make sure the subfloor is level and stable. Uneven or weak subfloors can cause problems like squeaks or cracks.

• Fix any structural issues, such as sagging or wide gaps between joists.

• Use a moisture barrier and good ventilation to stop moisture from causing damage.

• Match your subfloor to the type of finished floor you want. Some floors need more moisture protection or a smoother surface.

Tip: Always check for signs of moisture damage before you start your flooring project. Wet spots, mold, or a musty smell mean you need to fix the problem first.

Quick Comparison Table

Here is a quick table to help you compare the main subfloor materials for your flooring project. This table shows how each one handles moisture, cost, durability, and installation.

Note: For rooms with high moisture, always use a moisture barrier under your subfloor. This step helps prevent damage and keeps your flooring project strong for years.

MgO board is the top subfloor for 2025. It is very strong and does not burn or get damaged by water. It also helps keep the air inside your home healthy. When you plan to fix up your home, pick a subfloor that fits the room, how wet it gets, and how much you want to spend. Look at the checklist and table to help you choose. If your project is tricky or your space is different, ask a flooring expert for help. This way, you can avoid mistakes and make sure your floors last a long time.

FAQ

What is the main benefit of using MgO board for subfloors?

You get strong fire and water protection with MgO board. This material keeps your home safer and lasts longer than wood-based subfloors. You also help the environment because MgO board is eco-friendly.

Tip: MgO board works best in wet or high-risk areas.

Can you install tile or hardwood over MgO board?

Yes, you can put tile or hardwood over MgO board. This subfloor gives you a flat, stable base. Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

How do you know if your subfloor needs replacing?

Look for squeaks, soft spots, or signs of water damage. If you see mold, warping, or cracks, you should replace the subfloor. A solid subfloor keeps your finished floor safe and strong.

Is plywood or OSB better for a budget project?

OSB costs less and works well in dry rooms. Plywood gives you more strength and lasts longer. For a tight budget, choose OSB. For better durability, pick plywood.

Do you need a moisture barrier under your subfloor?

You should use a moisture barrier in wet areas like basements or bathrooms. This layer stops water from reaching your subfloor. It helps prevent mold and keeps your floors in good shape.

Note: Always check local building codes before you start your project.