Knowledge Builders

can you use particle board subfloor

by Jimmy Lehner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Particleboard, which kind of looks like oatmeal, is comprised of small wood particles that are glued and formed into sheets. These boards, which are typically manufactured in 4" x 8" sheets, are not suitable as a subfloor. Structurally, they lack the strength and height needed for a hardwood flooring installation.Jul 28, 2020

How to clean particle board subflooring?

  • Put on protective gear.
  • Set the depth of the circular saw blade to make a cut equal to the thickness of the particleboard.
  • Cut and remove small sections of the subfloor.
  • Make the initial cut about 2 feet long, lift the saw, turn it 90 degrees away from the seam and make a second 12-inch cut.

How to install hardwood floor over particle board?

To get the particle board up:

  • Put on all safety gear
  • Set the saw blade depth to be just greater than the depth of the particle board. ...
  • Cut the sheets of particle board into smaller sections.
  • Use the hammer to work the pry bar under the edge of one sheet and start prying up the pieces.

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How sturdy is particle board?

Particle board is an inexpensive, smooth product that can be used for underlayment under carpeting and vinyl flooring. However, even in the best of circumstances, particle board is very susceptible to moisture damage. Even small amounts of water can cause particle board to warp, buckle, and fall apart.

Is particle board good for furniture?

Pros:

  • Very strong building material.
  • Lightweight yet sturdy.
  • Resistant to cracks, warps, and shrinking over time, as well as more moisture-resistant.
  • Good for wood paneling, cabinetry, furniture, etc.

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Is plywood or particle board better for subfloor?

Considering that plywood possesses a cross-grain pattern from which it derives much of its strength, plywood is clearly stronger and more durable than particleboard. Plywood becomes even stronger and more durable with the strong adhesives used in its manufacture.

Is particle board OK as a underlayment?

Particle board is an inexpensive, smooth product that can be used for underlayment under carpeting and vinyl flooring. However, even in the best of circumstances, particle board is very susceptible to moisture damage. Even small amounts of water can cause particle board to warp, buckle, and fall apart.

Should I replace my particle board subfloor?

If your time and budget allow, I would remove all the particle board subflooring and replace it with plywood. But if you feel the undamaged particle board will remain in good condition, you would only have to tear out the areas that need replacing.

Can you lay plywood over particle board?

If your home has particleboard subfloors instead of plywood subfloors, you may want the added durability plywood has to offer. Replacing the subfloors can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but you can strengthen your subfloor without removing the particleboard by laying plywood on top of it.

What is the cheapest subfloor?

Rarely, a prospective homeowner may recognize that OSB is the cheaper subfloor material.

Can you put wood floors over particle board?

Yes, you can put hardwood over particle board, but this should be avoided if at all possible. Hardwood floors need a strong subfloor that can easily hold nails, but should also have a subfloor that is not apt to water absorption. Particle board is very weak and incredibly absorptive.

What is the best subfloor material?

PlywoodPlywood. Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

Can I install vinyl plank flooring over particle board?

While particleboard is actually only recommended for vinyl sheeting, vinyl tiles can be installed on it, provided the particleboard is sealed first. This prevents moisture from seeping between the tiles and causing the particleboard to swell over time.

Can you sand particleboard subfloor?

You will likely have seams, as most rooms require more than one sheet of flooring. Sand if desired; it is not essential, but sanding will help make your end result look better. However, particle board cannot be sanded to be perfectly smooth due to the nature of the material.

What type of flooring can be installed over particle board?

As far as hard surface flooring is concerned, particle board subflooring will limit you to a vinyl plank floor or a laminate floor. Sublfoor leveling is a very difficult and costly task on particle board. If the subfloor is not smooth enough for a plank floor, then we would only be able to install carpet.

How do you install particle board underlayment?

3:1119:26How To Install Underlay [Floor] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe original sheeting was laid perpendicular to them which is correct and we're actually going toMoreThe original sheeting was laid perpendicular to them which is correct and we're actually going to follow that same direction so our sheets are going to run perpendicular to the four joists as well.

What kind of plywood do you use for a mobile home subfloor?

The most recommended subfloor material is 5/8″ plywood. If you can afford water resistant marine plywood for your kitchen, laundry, and bath that would be a good idea.

How do I remove particle board subflooring?

How to Remove Glued Down Particle Board Subflooring. Put on protective gear. Set the depth of the circular saw blade to make a cut equal to the thickness of the particleboard. Cut and remove small sections of the subfloor.

What is particle board underlayment?

Particle board underlayment has the appearance of oatmeal but is actually made up of tiny wood particles glued and pressed into 4" x 8" sheets. It is NOT suitable to use as a structural subfloor material.

How thick is a plywood subfloor?

Use a thick piece of plywood to help shore up your particle board subfloor, at least 3/4 inch thick. Nails won't grip the particle board, but screws do a better job. Don't add screws too close to the edge of a piece of particleboard, as it may cause the board to crack. Keep the screws more than an inch from the edge.

Can you put hardwood flooring over particle board?

Likewise, people ask, what type of flooring can be installed over particle board? Most people use nails or hardwood staples to attach hardwood flooring to the subfloor, but this is only an option if the subfloor is made of plywood. If you have particleboard as your sub floor or underlayment instead, stay away from nails.

Why is particle board so hard to install?

Installation Woes: Because particle board is so flaky, it is difficult to install with nails. Driving a nail into the surface usually causes chunks of board to flake off, therefore negating the smooth surface.

What is particle board made of?

Particle board is made from dry wood particles that are sprayed or dusted with a binder resin, then bonded together with heat and pressure. The wood particles can be made from practically any part or kind of wood, such as trimmings, shavings, and sawdust from manufacturing of plywood or other wood products.

What is subflooring?

A subfloor is the layer of flooring that provides structural support. Although underlayment is often still called subfloor, in reality the subfloor is the thick wood layer that is screwed directly into the floor joists. Subfloors must be strong and resistant to damage.

What is underlayment flooring?

Underlayment can stiffen the floor a little, but mostly it is used as a smooth, level, and strong backing for finished flooring. Underlayment can be made from many materials depending on the finished flooring intended. Particle board is one of the choices, but not necessarily the best option.

What happens when particle board gets wet?

Because particleboard is made of basically sawdust glued together, it is like a sponge for water. When it gets wet, it swells, warps, and disintegrates.

What glue to use on particle board?

Screws, ring-grooved underlayment nails, or staples can adhere better to particle board, as well as adhesive glues, such as hard-setting casein glue or polyvinyl acetate floor underlayment glue (which can, however, also lead to moisture damage).

Is particle board good for subflooring?

Although particle board provides a smooth, level surface for flooring underlayment, it does not usually provide the best longevity, and it certainly is not a good choice for subfloors. Let’s look at why.

Is particle board good for wood flooring?

The problem is, particle board is just glue and sawdust, and it absorbs liquid like a sponge (it also doesn’t hold nails, hence not being able to use it for wood flooring). When it absorbs liquid, it swells.

Can you see particle board after ripping tile?

And after ripping the tile out, you can see places where the particle board has swelled. We never noticed it because the look of our tile did a good job of hiding it. But with faux wood tile, we are determined to make the entire surface flat and even, as though it’s actual wood. So, no swelling allowed.

Can a floor scraper knock off high spots?

It would also be connected to a shop vac. Also standard flooring scrapers can knock off some high spots as long as the leveling compound isn't like concrete.

Is particle board OSB?

Confirm, too, that it is actually particle board and not OSB or similar product. Yes, it's particle board. It's about a 20 sq ft section with maybe 1/4-1/2' deflection. It does have some form of a paint or adhesive from a previous tile install that might help to seal it. The entire install area is only 100-120 sq ft.

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1.Particle Board Subflooring: Good Or Bad Idea? [Answered]

Url:https://homearise.com/particle-board-subflooring/

33 hours ago  · In some house buildings, particle boards are used in subflooring. It is an option professionals use if required. However, it’s not something that is recommended. These particle boards are useful for construction works. The bonded wood fragments are covered by a solid smooth surface. This gives them extra integrity and durability for building works.

2.Can you use particle board subfloor? - AskingLot.com

Url:https://askinglot.com/can-you-use-particle-board-subfloor

19 hours ago  · Can you use particle board subfloor? Particle Board - Underlayment Particle board underlayment has the appearance of oatmeal but is actually made up of tiny wood …

3.Particle Board Underlayment: Pros, Cons, and Cautions

Url:https://homeefficiencyguide.com/particle-board-underlayment/

17 hours ago  · As far as hard surface flooring is concerned, particle board subflooring will limit you to a vinyl plank floor or a laminate floor. Sublfoor leveling is a very difficult and costly task …

4.Why Particle Board Subfloors Are Bad - Chris Loves Julia

Url:https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/why-particle-board-subfloors-are-bad/

4 hours ago Note: particleboard is nonstructural and has no code approval for use as sub-flooring or single-layer sub-flooring/underlayment ( source). It does not provide the necessary strength and …

5.How do I deal with Particle Board Subfloors and …

Url:https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/11858/how-do-i-deal-with-particle-board-subfloors-and-hardwood-flooring

16 hours ago In general, particle boards are used as an addition to regular subfloor for wall- to-wall carpet installation. Particle board comes in different densities, but still softer compared to OSB …

6.Leveling a particle board sub-floor - DoItYourself.com

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/forum/solid-hardwood-engineered-laminate-flooring/409791-leveling-particle-board-sub-floor.html

21 hours ago  · In one sentence – particle board is often used as a subfloor for carpets, OSB is used as a primary subfloor for any flooring, including hardwood. Now let’s take a closer look at …

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