Why Using the Right Flooring Plywood Matters

When it comes to professional flooring installations, the choice of plywood is often overlooked — but it is one of the most important factors in ensuring a reliable, long-lasting job. At Caine Flooring, we’ve always believed in doing things the right way, even if it costs a little more. That means following British Standards guidance on the correct class of plywood for subfloor preparation.

Class 2 vs Class 3 Plywood

There are key differences between Class 2 non-flooring grade plywood and Class 3 flooring grade plywood (such as SP101 or FG1):

• Class 2 Plywood (Non-Flooring Grade):
  
  

  • Designed mainly for non-bonded installations such as carpets or carpet tiles.

  • Slightly moisture tolerant, but not stable enough for bonded installations.

  • Cost-effective in the right application, but should never be used where adhesives are involved or in moisture-sensitive areas.
    
    

• Class 3 Plywood (Flooring Grade):
  
  

  • Fully compliant with British Standards for bonded flooring installations.

  • Fully moisture tolerant and dimensionally stable, tested specifically for flooring use.

  • Essential for areas where LVT, vinyl, or other adhesives are used, or where moisture may be present.
    
    

👉 Rule of thumb: Class 2 for non-bonded carpets or carpet tiles, Class 3 for bonded flooring and moisture-prone environments.

Unfortunately, some competitors ignore this British Standards guidance in order to save money and clinch the job. We don’t — and we’ve learnt exactly why.

Learning the Hard Way – Our 2007 Lesson

Back in 2007, a client asked us to work to a very tight budget. Against our better judgement, we agreed to use Class 2 ply in a bonded installation.

Within months, the floor began to fail — bubbles, lifting, and movement that should never have happened.

It bit us on the arse.

We ended up putting it right at our own cost, and from that moment we set a hard rule: we will never compromise on plywood standards again. That experience cost us dearly, but it also shaped our reputation — today, clients know that we stick to the correct system every single time.

Our Investment in Better Fixing Systems

Alongside using the correct plywood, how it’s fixed makes a huge difference to the end result.

• We’ve invested in a specialised screw system that fixes plywood at 6–8 inch centres, giving a solid, reliable, and movement-free base.

• We specifically use 19 mm screws on 5.5 mm ply — this avoids any risk of screws reaching pipework or cabling that may sit close to the surface, a common cause of nasty surprises with less careful methods.

• This method is faster, stronger, and safer than traditional fixing.
  
  

Some competitors still rely on spot nails, staples, or ring shanks fired through a compressor. While these methods are quicker and cheaper, they don’t hold as well as screws and often work loose over time. We see them as antiquated — a corner-cutting approach that doesn’t match modern expectations of quality.

Why We Refuse to Compromise

At Caine Flooring, we believe that great flooring starts with great preparation. From following the right ply grade under British Standards to investing in the best fixing systems, we won’t take shortcuts. It means our installations last longer, perform better, and remain fully compliant with manufacturer warranties.

We learnt the hard way back in 2007 — and we won’t make that mistake again.

Your flooring deserves the strongest and safest foundation possible. That’s why when you choose us, you’re choosing a finish that will stand the test of time.

And if you’re in Birmingham or the wider West Midlands, you’ll have seen our work in everything from family homes to surgeries, schools, and housing association properties. Wherever the project, we apply the same uncompromising standards.

💡 Looking for expert floor preparation and installation in Birmingham? Get in touch with Caine Flooring today — where quality and compliance always come first.