Best Plywood for Subfloors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
Preparing a subfloor in York's older properties is rarely a straightforward task. Between uneven joists, bowing walls, and the strict requirements of conservation areas, getting the foundation right is the difference between a floor that lasts a lifetime and one that creaks within a year.
Whilst structural subfloors require specific heavy-duty sheeting, skilled joinery often relies on thinner plywood materials for the crucial preparation stages—specifically for creating templates for difficult scribes around stone fireplaces or levelling minor dips (shimming) before the final lay.
In this review, I'm looking at thin plywood sheet options available for these specific preparation tasks. We'll examine materials suitable for templating and fine adjustments to help you achieve that perfect professional finish.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Structural Strength"
"Any plywood can be used for a subfloor."
This is false. Structural walking surfaces need 18mm+ Exterior Grade (WBP) plywood. The thin sheets reviewed below are strictly for *templating* difficult cuts or micro-shimming, not for bridging joists.
The Spec: "Usage of 1.5mm - 3mm Ply"
"Thin sheets are just for model making."
In professional joinery, these thin sheets are invaluable for making physical templates (patterns) of irregular shapes—like alcoves in York terraces—before you cut expensive hardwood flooring.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
16 Pcs Plywood Sheets, Blank Basswood Sheets, Unfinished Wood Sheet, Thin Wood Board for Woodcraft Model, Crafts, Painting, Engraving, Stenciling
Qichan
This pack offers excellent value for joiners needing disposable material for creating templates. The 1.5mm thickness is easy to cut with a stanley knife, making it perfect for scribing around complex heritage architraves.
The Good
- Extremely cost-effective at roughly 27p per sheet
- 1.5mm is very easy to cut with a craft knife
- Smooth surface takes pencil marks well for measuring
The Bad
- Too thin for any structural support
- Small dimensions (200x100mm) limit use to small area templating
Installer Tip:
Use these small sheets to create a 'jigsaw' template for tricky door stops. Tape them together to replicate the exact shape of a stonework hearth before cutting your expensive oak flooring.
Priced at £4.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon10 Pack 420 x 300mm Basswood Sheets, 3MM Craft Plywood Sheets, A3 Plywood Board Thin Wood Sheet
FWEEK
These larger A3 sheets offer more substance at 3mm thickness. While still not structural, they are excellent for packing out (shimming) low spots in a subfloor or acting as a rigid template for larger areas.
The Good
- Larger A3 size covers more area
- Consistent 3mm thickness is useful for packing
- High-quality basswood with minimal knots
The Bad
- Significantly more expensive per sheet
- Basswood is soft; not suitable for areas with moisture
Installer Tip:
If you have a slightly uneven floorboard that needs levelling before overlaying 6mm ply, these 3mm sheets can be cut into strips and used as packers to build up the low points.
Priced at £21.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon10 PCS Basswood Sheets 200x100x2mm Thin Plywood Sheets Craft Wood Boards Unfinished Wood Board
Generic
Sitting nicely between the budget and quality options, these 2mm sheets are the 'Goldilocks' thickness for intricate scribing work. They are flexible enough to conform to slightly bowed walls yet rigid enough to trace against.
The Good
- 2mm thickness is ideal for precise scribing
- Easy to cut with scissors or knife
- Good balance of durability and flexibility
The Bad
- Small size limits creating large templates
- Unfinished surface needs sealing if used permanently
Installer Tip:
When fitting flooring around radiator pipes in York homes, drill a hole in this sheet matching the pipe diameter, then cut a slit to slide it over. This gives you a perfect template to transfer to your hardwood planks.
Priced at £7.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness of plywood for a structural subfloor?
Why would a joiner use thin basswood sheets during flooring installation?
Can I use these sheets to level a floor?
How do I fix plywood shims/templates?
Do I need professional help for subfloor preparation?
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