How to Lay Plywood Planks

Plywood planks can offer the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost.

Plywood planks can offer an affordable and durable alternative to wooden floors. Made from regular plywood sheets, they can cost a fraction of oak or walnut planks and can be installed in an afternoon. Plywood planks can be painted a high gloss finish for easy cleaning and can be stained to show beautiful wood grain.

Things You'll Need

• 4x8 sheets of 1/2-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Nails
• Hammer
• Wood filler
• Wood stain or paint
• Electric sander
• Coins or spacers

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Instructions

1. Cut the plywood into the plank sizes you want using a circular saw. A standard sheet of plywood is 4-feet-by-8-feet, easily divisible into even width strips. Sand down the edges to prevent splinters and to give a smooth, rounded appearance. Sand the top of the plywood planks as well. Cut the planks into variable lengths to give the floor a less uniform, patterned look.

2. Paint your plywood planks, including the sides. This ensures that the paint is uniform on the planks and gives a more detailed look when finished. Prep your sub-floor. Sand down any rough spots, secure any loose boards and replace any rotted boards. Layout the plywood planks in the pattern you want. Cut any extra strips to fit, if needed. Space with thin wooden spacers or coins.

3. Nail the planks in place. Place nails designed for your particular type of sub-flooring at each end of the board, one in the right corner and one in the left. Longer boards may have a tendency to rise or arch in the middle. Nails can be placed in the center to prevent the bowing. Countersink the nails, and fill with wood fill to give a finished look. Clean the boards of any debris and sand out any installation imperfections. Paint again, using a high-gloss paint that will withstand traffic and be easy to clean. Add baseboards if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• If the wood planks will be used over a concrete sub-floor, plywood planks can be installed using liquid nail and concrete nails.

References

• Blue Cricket Design: Guest Post: DIY Plywood to Plank Flooring by Quarry Orchard
• TC Palm: Plywood Plank Flooring a Great Look for Our Nursery