Plywood vs Nova/Cresdeck flooring

[pam]

we live in the country in an older mh .we have just spent almost everyday for
3 months researching my husband has been the carpenter on this older one and he knows quite a bit about the wood floors he also has useed lots of material in making furniture. murrey who replied earlier is 100% correct. plywood is the best
also get thermalpane windows and french doors not sliding glass.we sold our suburbian home to bring our kids to the country and it has been great.
a mom who knows

[rmurray]

There is more than 1 plywood used in the floors of manufactured homes...The best if it is available (and most expensive) is 3/4 " tongue and groove plywood...this is the stuff used in site builts...This means the sheets interlock together and cannot squeek...This is usually offered on 2x8 flor joists..

Some manufacturers (especially in the SE) use 5/8" grade C plywood in the floors..This is unfinished on 1 side and can have large knots...which someday will be holes..The sheets butt together and sometines sqeek with preasure...The floor seems soft to those of us that have eaten a little too much...I would not buy this as an option...In this case I would stay to OSB....

[Melissa]

Hi Pam

I have to admit I will be the one having to sacrifice the most if we make this move to the country. Hubby says, no clothes dryer....ugh!! I would have to actually hang out the clothes?? LOL! Not a big issue I suppose, just a step back in time. I do think it would be best for all involved though, myself included. It's very peaceful out there. In fact when we drive out to see the property I really like it and want to move, but when we come home I like my house too! Can't I have both? ) Thank you for the advice about the windows and doors. One question though: What is your reason about not getting sliding glass doors? Can you be more specific? I was already wondering a few days ago about them and if they would be a problem. We have a slider on our home and are forever having problems with the rollers going out etc.

Melissa

[Melissa]

Murry,

First of all thank you so much for your help!! I think once the building Dept opens we are going to check on the land we want and if all is well we are going to purchase it! Even if we decide not to move for some reason we'll be able to sell it.

Now about the squeeking floors thing. The Skyline dealer (who was actually awarded Skyline top 25 in the nation in 2001....he was very proud of that) "claims" that the subfloor skyline uses is 5/8" MARINE plywood. IF this is true, do you know how well it would hold up? Is there some way we can find out if this is true?? it's very sad that we have to question every thing they say. The first Skyline dealer we talked to here in our town was selling the model we want for $90,950.00!!!! tag room included. This other dealer in another county is selling the same home for $78,000.00! tag room included. I'm shocked at the difference in price, and they both come from the same factory. Whats up with that?! Amazing.

Melissa

[rmurray]

I would be VERY wary of the "Marine" plywood claim...If this was so I would expect it to be proudly highlighted in the factory brosure...If you need to, call the factory and verify this claim...

Usually quality plywood floors are 3/4"....Ask if that is available...Many times even well meaning salespersons insert foot in mouth...Trust the factory preprinted brosures the most...Other construction boasts cannot not be backed up...

The 12K difference in price does not make sense either...The industry is VERY competitive in most areas and pricing is usually very close...Shopping might save a few thousand (nothing to sneeze at)...but I would be wary of this large of difference...Some dealers use base price quotes....others use delivered as you see the home quotes....be SURE you are comparing apples to apples...There can easily be 12K in factory options in a home like this...Before you buy..be sure EVERY detail is in writing...

[Melissa]

OK, I called the Skyline factory here in So Ca. The sub floors are 5/8" tongue and groove plywood made from Georgia Pacific (is this good???). The same plywood used in two story stick built homes here in CA. Also believe it or not, the cheaper price was the most acurate quote according to the "factory guy" He also said that he has the exact home we want being made at this very moment for another customer and will be ready for delivery next week. Since we haven't actually seen the home floor plan we are wanting to purchase he has invited us to come to the factory next week and see this one before it is shipped out. It will be in three pieces, but hey, at least we'll get an idea right? It's about an hour and 1/2 away but would be worth the drive to actually SEE it. He also said that my hubby can call him with any other questions he may have about how the homes are built, etc. Perhaps if we visit the factory we will get to see HOW they build them.

Getting excited....
Melissa

[r murray]

A plant visit is one of the best possible ways to see what the home is all about...

I doubted the "marine" plywood...but tongue and groove is what you would want...Make the trip...It will be well worth it...

[Ed]

We live in a large, 2-story home on pier and beam, built in 1983. I can tell you it squeaks all the time! Not every step you take, but you won't walk 20 feet without at least one squeak. One was so bad, our Realtor told us to fix it before trying to show the home. We're downsizing and planning a MH on a wonderful view lot we bought on the other side of our mountain village.

Ed