If you’re in search of the best flooring or paneling system for your attic, garage, or any other space, you came to the right place! We’re here to walk you through a couple of the best options you can go for, including Attic Dek and plywood.
Knowing details about attic dek and plywood will help you figure out which one would be a better option for you and why. It is not uncommon for people to not know anything about these two, especially if it is your first time dealing with a task like flooring.
However, in order to choose the right option and ensure that you won’t have to go through the hassle of returning one product to get the other, knowing these details is essential. Thankfully, you don’t have to waste time figuring it out on your own when you have us!
We’ll provide you with all there is to know about Attic Dek and plywood, including what they are, how they work, how they differ from one another, and which one is a better option. Once you gather this info, you’ll be ready to get your ideal one in record time and with minimum effort!
What Is Attic Dek?
Let’s start by explaining what Attic Dek actually is. Although you might have heard about this term before, understanding what it is and how it works exactly is what will make all the difference in the long run.
Attic Dek is a type of paneling system that is specially designed for finishing the unfinished spaces in your attic (or above your garage). The Attic Dek panels are made of highly durable and high-quality plastic.
These panels are quite lightweight and easy to handle, and they usually provide the additional attic storage space that you may need to organize properly. You don’t need any tools to install the Attic Dek panels since they don’t have to be measured or cut. They can also be installed in smaller sections when needed, but you can also add more tiles if necessary.
What’s also great about Attic Dek is that it is quite convenient and easy to install. You don’t have to be a professional to do so, and you don’t need any help. One person can easily get the job done.
The panels are sturdy and durable, with each one supporting up to 250 pounds. These panels eliminate the risk of sagging joists that some heavier flooring materials might cause. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the exact size you need and simply click them into place.
What Is Plywood?
Now that you’re acquainted with Attic Dek and you know how it works, it’s time to talk about the good old plywood. You probably already know that plywood is a type of flooring wood, but there is a lot more to learn about it if you want to make a wise decision when it comes to your flooring.
Plywood is originally made of solid lumber which gets cut down into wood veneers that are very thin and glued to one another. It’s one of the most widely used engineered wood panels, and it has a variety of purposes.
You can use plywood for subflooring, sheathing of walls, roofs, and floors, single-layer flooring, concrete formwork, structural insulated panels, and much more. It provides exceptional strength and durability, which is why it is one of the most well-known and commonly used wood in construction projects.
Plywood also comes in a wide range of different variations and grades, so you can choose exactly what you need for your project.
Attic Dek & Plywood—Key Similarities
1. Both Are Used for Flooring
The first similarity between Attic Dek and plywood is that they are both used for flooring. Although you can use plywood for a wide range of other tasks and projects as well, its primary and most common use is flooring.
As for Attic Dek, we already said that it is mostly used for flooring your attic. Whether you will end up choosing Attic Dek or plywood depends on your personal preference and which of these two you end up liking better for your needs.
2. Ease of Use
Another similarity between these two is that they are both extremely easy to work with. It’s true that Attic Dek may win here since using it is exceptionally easy. All you need to do is click the panels into place and you’re done—no measuring, no cutting, and no hassle.
With that being said, plywood doesn’t fall far behind either. It may not be as easy to handle as Attic Dek is, but it is certainly not difficult either. Since it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can use it with ease no matter what project you’re working on.
Attic Dek & Plywood – Key Differences
1. Weight Bearing & Durability
The first important difference between Attic Dek and plywood we’re going to mention is their weight-bearing capability. Getting panels that are able to withstand a lot of weight is important for more than one reason.
Firstly, you won’t have to worry about them cracking or breaking while you’re working with them. Secondly, you won’t have to think about your furniture being too heavy for your floors and damaging it. That’s why you need to pay attention to the weight-bearing capabilities of your panels.
Both Attic Dek and plywood can withstand a certain amount of weight, but Attic Dek could probably take a win here because each panel is able to bear up to 250 pounds. It is very durable, sturdy, and strong, which is why it is used as commonly as it is.
Plywood can also withstand a good deal of weight, especially if you go for thicker panels, but it is typically no match to Attic Dek panels here.
2. Water Resistance
The next difference is related to water and moisture resistance. Water and moisture resistance is very important when it comes to flooring, as well as the other tasks you might plan on using your panels for. But, this factor is especially important to consider when it comes to flooring because using panels that aren’t water and moisture-resistant can prove quite a nightmare.
Plywood comes in a variety of types, and some of them are completely waterproof, while others are not even moisture-resistant. For example, marine-grade plywood is one of the best options since it is completely moisture-resistant and waterproof.
On the other hand, most of the other plywood types are not only less waterproof, but some are not even moisture-resistant. This can present various issues and cause your floors to deform over time, which is not something anyone would like.
Attic Dek, however, is usually made of 100% plastic that is high in quality and 100% waterproof. That is why this would be a better choice when it comes to water and moisture resistance.
3. Flexibility and Impact Resistance
We’ll continue with the flexibility of Attic Dek and plywood. Attic Dek panels are generally made to withstand a lot of weight, which is why they are very thick and hard. That is why they aren’t as flexible as one would hope. When it comes to impact resistance, they can handle it to some extent, but an extreme drop would definitely result in them cracking or snapping.
Plywood is a whole different story. It is made to be somewhat flexible, so if flexibility is what you’re looking for when it comes to flooring, plywood is a better option. It is also able to withstand more impact than Attic Dek, which makes it a safer choice when it comes to this.
4. Appearance
Now, appearance may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to flooring if you’re planning on finishing your attic. However, if you need these panels for other rooms, spaces, or even purposes/projects, thinking about appearance and design is definitely important. That is why this factor needs to be considered before making up your mind and deciding on either of the two.
Attic Dek panels are not aesthetically pleasing at all. They usually look like plastic black grids that don’t go well with pretty much any aesthetic. Again, this might not be a problem when it comes to your attic or garage, so keep that in mind as well.
On the other hand, plywood can look incredibly beautiful as your flooring, but also your outdoor furniture and a variety of other projects and pieces. We already mentioned that it can be used for numerous tasks and projects, and the wood-like appearance it gives off can be matched perfectly to a lot of different aesthetics, colors, designs, and furniture. When it comes to appearance, plywood wins.
5. Workability
Let’s talk about the differences when it comes to the workability and convenience of these two. Attic Dek panels come in a variety of sizes that will fit the standard roof beam spacing. What that means is that you can choose the size that would work better for your needs, but you cannot cut the panels into any size you want. This means that you would have to settle for one of the sizes that are offered to you.
This does not apply to plywood. When it comes to plywood, you can cut it into any size and shape you want for your ultimate convenience. Of course, it would take a bit more effort than simply clicking Attic Dek panels into place, but it is nonetheless more convenient.
This is especially true if you’re working on a special project or need a panel in a size that is different from the usual ones. That is why it’s safe to say that plywood wins here.
6. Applications
The last difference we’re going to mention is application. While Attic Dek panels are made especially for flooring the unfinished space in your attic (or above your garage), plywood can be used for a wide range of construction-related applications.
That is why getting plywood might prove as a better option than Attic Dek. If you simply need to deal with your attic, Attic Dek will serve its purpose, but if you want to use the panels for a variety of projects and tasks, plywood is a better option.
Attic Dek Vs. Plywood – Which Is Better?
Whether you’ll get Attic Dek or plywood depends entirely on your needs and preferences. If you need to finish your attic floor, getting Attic Dek panels is a good choice.
However, if you want to do more with your panels, such as build walls, furniture, and sheds, do roof and floor underlayment, or cut your panels to pieces that you can use for different DIY projects, getting plywood is a safer option.
You should, of course, consider all the factors we mentioned in the article, including water and moisture resistance, durability, and flexibility, to ensure that the panels you end up getting are fit for the purpose you intend to use them for.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you do the research and check all the boxes before you make your final decision. That way, you’ll avoid getting the wrong product, and you won’t have to waste your time and money on getting a new one. Even better, you won’t have to do the work twice!
Conclusion
Both Attic Dek and plywood have their advantages and disadvantages, and both of them can be used for certain projects with great success. It’s important that you take into consideration all of their differences and similarities (as well as pros and cons) before you choose either of them for your floors or any other purpose.
Only when you’re 100% sure that one of them fits your needs perfectly should you proceed with your purchase. You’ll know that you made the right choice and won’t encounter the common hassles related to getting the wrong product, such as returning the product, wasting time and money, and similar. Work smarter, not harder!