Which material is typically used as a subfloor in residential construction?

In residential construction, plywood is commonly used as a subfloor material due to its structural integrity and stability. It provides a solid, sturdy base for the finished flooring and can support the loads typically encountered in a home. Plywood is made up of thin layers of wood veneer glued together in a cross-grain pattern, which enhances its strength and resistance to warping compared to other materials.

Plywood offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for subflooring, including its ability to handle moisture better than particle board and its ease of installation. Additionally, plywood can effectively absorb impacts and distribute weight, making it suitable for the demands of residential spaces.

While OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is also a viable option for subflooring and is often used in many construction projects, plywood tends to be favored for its overall performance characteristics in a wider range of applications. Other materials like particle board may not hold up under heavy loads or varying moisture conditions, and concrete, though solid, is typically used for slabs rather than as a subfloor material.