MH Flooring

[Travis]

What is CRESDEC and how does it compare to Plywood for flooring on these manufactured homes?

Is it better to have 2X8 Floor Joist vs. 2X6? What is the difference other than the size of board?

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Travis,

This is taken from my book...Consumer Reports recommends using plywood as a sub-floor in a manufactured home, it will not swell like particleboard when exposed to water. I believe plywood and T/G are a good choice but I am not against using particleboard if it has been treated with a water-resistant coating. Cresdeck and NovaDeck are products that are being used in the industry successfully. The problems with standard particleboard is, when exposed to water the particleboard will swell causing expensive repair bills. Particleboard that has been treated to resist water is dark brown in color and comes with a warranty. The floor in my home is made of Cresdeck. I have had no problems with this product and would recommend it to anyone. When touring different display models look for exposed sub-floors to determine which product is being used. Standard (yellow) particleboard is a poor choice and should be avoided at all costs. If a manufacturer were using standard particleboard I would not hesitate to walk out and look for another manufacturer that has my best interests at heart.

2X8 floor joists are 33% stonger the 2X6's and I would recommend going with the 2X8. I have 2X8 floor joists in my home and it makes a difference.

Randy Eaton

[Travis]

Thanks,
I have ordered both of your books but just wasn't sure if some of my questions would be answered there.

[aikanae]

you reccomend cresdec?
i know i've seen post after posts on forums complaining, replacing, etc. i was looking for a pre-owned home at first and most the homes built in the last 5yrs had the rolling floor ripple, soft spots, etc. i assumed it was cresdec.

wasn't novadeck involved in a lawsuit?

i'm STILL looking at homes and so far been avoiding cresdec in favor of osb (can't find plywood except at one manuf) that's been my number one requirement.

i just found it odd.