Technical Guide
Plycem Subfloor Panel Thickness Selection Guide
Unlike USG Structo-Crete which is only available in 3/4" (19mm), Plycem offers four thickness options. This guide helps engineers and architects select the optimal thickness based on joist spacing, span requirements, load capacity, and budget.
Why Multiple Thickness Options Matter
Right-Size Spans
Match thickness to joist spacing — don't over-engineer
Optimize Dead Load
Lighter panels reduce structural requirements
Control Costs
Don't pay for thickness you don't need
Design Flexibility
Different areas can use different thicknesses
Thickness Comparison Table
Compare all four Plycem thickness options by specification, application, and price.
| Thickness | Joist Spacing | Max Span | Weight/Panel | Price/Panel | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20mm(0.79") | 16" o.c. | 24" | 149.6 lbs | $79-82 | Standard multifamily, hotel guest floors, typical commercial |
| 22mm(0.87") | 16" or 24" o.c. | 32" | 164.5 lbs | $82-85 | Longer spans, heavier floor finishes, 24" joist spacing |
| 25mm(0.98") | 24" o.c. | 36" | 187.0 lbs | $85-88 | Heavy commercial, institutional, maximum span applications |
| 30mm(1.18") | 24" o.c. | 48" | 224.4 lbs | $88-95 | Heavy loads, equipment rooms, special structural requirements |
*Prices are CIF Long Beach (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Actual costs may vary based on order volume and thickness availability.
Detailed Thickness Specifications
20mm
0.79"
Best for: Standard multifamily, hotel guest floors, typical commercial
22mm
0.87"
Best for: Longer spans, heavier floor finishes, 24" joist spacing
25mm
0.98"
Best for: Heavy commercial, institutional, maximum span applications
30mm
1.18"
Best for: Heavy loads, equipment rooms, special structural requirements
Quick Selection Guide
Use this decision matrix to quickly identify the right thickness for your project:
16\" o.c. joist spacing, typical residential/commercial loads
→ Choose 20mm (standard, lowest cost)
24\" o.c. joist spacing, or heavier floor finishes
→ Choose 22mm or 25mm
Heavy equipment areas, high-load corridors, storage
→ Choose 30mm
Budget optimization critical, 16\" joists
→ Choose 20mm — same structural rating as 3/4\" Structo-Crete at lower cost
Thickness Advantage vs. USG Structo-Crete
USG Structo-Crete is only available in 3/4" (19mm). This single-option approach forces engineers to either:
- ✗Over-design for 16\" o.c. applications (wasted cost)
- ✗Under-design for 24\" o.c. applications (potential issues)
- ✗Add additional structural support to compensate
Plycem's four thickness options allow precise matching to structural requirements — optimizing both performance and cost.
Need Help Selecting the Right Thickness?
Contact us for project-specific recommendations and pricing for all thickness options.
Contact Robertson Carrillo: (415) 532-3376 | robert@plycemca.com