Installing Solid Hardwood Floors Over Particleboard

lawndart

We did a job 2 weeks ago with particle board. When we went to demo it, we found out that not only was it nailed, but it was glued down too. Because of door, and ceiling height the customer refused to go over it. Took 2 guys 5 days to rip it all up. It was a nightmare to do, but the customer was happy in the end.

lawndart

Why don't you tear it all up? It's easier to do than laying a new subfloor, and cutting doors in my opinion.

csheafer

If it is a nail down floor, then there is a problem.
The fact of the matter is, it does not really matter what kind of "sub floor" you put over it, over time, that original floor will fail and so will any nails you used to install the sub floor with over your existing floor.
The humidity alone can cause these floors to fail not to mention mere time.
These always have been and always will be a very bad idea.

That being said, it's your house. If it appears sound then go ahead and install it as is knowing that someday, there my be big problems.
A washing machine hose goes, a dishwasher hose goes, your floor WILL go.

Fact is, your on your own on this one.

golter

If it gets wet- the particle board will swell and fall apart... it won't hold the hardwood in place any longer. It can become loose. It can squeak. I have had to repair work where someone else has done this same thing. I had to completely pull out all the particle board and the hardwood because of problems. I would not recommend putting hardwood over particle board.

craigt617

Particle board is a layer over another layer of subfloor, tear out the particle board, then nail your floor down.

ptolaini

Dont do it. It will move on you with in 3-4 weeks. Do the job right or dont do it all and you wont have to worry about it. OSB is acceptable, plywood is best, but particle board needs to be torn up and replaced. No questions.

rusty baker

Cut off the doors.

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mikeswoods

Congratulations--The job must have been a success--The post is from 2004--Out of warranty now.

finaltouchfloor

Don't do it if the floor is a nail-down installation. Some 3/4" particle board from the 60's is denser & stronger than the 3/4" ply made today, but we still cut it out and replace.

If gets wet the floor will start to move. We cut the old flooring into smaller squares with a worm saw & then remove. I did 1400 sq ft in one day w/ 3 guys. I charged $1.75 sq ft, client buys the plywood. Cut the bottoms off doors if needed, we charge $20~$35 depending on if its hollow or solid core. This is a great way to make extra money and do the job right.

If there's a kitchen involved, take your vitimans & man up, its rough work.

RhodesHardwood

Don't install over particle board. OSB is fine

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Cgolden84

Particle board is an approved underlayment. If it conforms to ANSI A208-1-1993 as long as it is PBU grade or equivalent. It is suitable for laminate and carpet and glued down or floating engineered wood floor applications. It is not approved for nail or staple down applications, however, the newer forms of PB offer a much better holding capability compared to the ones used 20-30 years ago. It is not illegal by building codes to use osb, it is the second reccomended form of underlayment next to plywood. It is more affordable so more commonly used. PB is the cheapest of the three and is found in many homes built in the 70's 80s and 90's where a carpeted subfloor was in the original design of a modular home.

angus242

Particle board is junk....period. It's the cheap alternative to our industry and one of the reason folks think they can get a renovation, whether in flooring or cabinets, for ridiculously low rates.

You do get what you pay for.

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Angus
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Robo75

Please don't nail/staple/glue down hardwood onto particle board...lol. Floating is ok.

RhodesHardwood

Do not install on particle board. OSB is ok.

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http://www.hardwoodfloorminnesota.com
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Busam HB

We are pulling up particle board to install plywood and then nail down hardwood. THe particle board is nailed and glued. Where the glue is, the particle board is coming apart is very small pieces. Is there any recommendations on how to get the pb up? It is taking a long time.

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Mark Busam

Warren

Heavy scraper