How to Install Particle Board

Particle board is usually installed over the top of a plywood sub floor. It gives extra strength to a floor that will be carpeted, and it allows for several installations of flooring without damaging the more important sub floor underneath. The average homeowner can install particle board in as little as 2 hours .

Things You'll Need

• 8-penny nails
• Circular saw
• Construction adhesive
• Hammer
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the room. Multiply the the length and width of the room to get the square footage. Because a 4-by-8 sheet of particle board is 32 square feet, then you will divide the square footage of the room by 32 square feet.

2. Check to see if the room is square. Measure the diagonals of the room from corner to corner. The measurements should be the same. If not, snap a chalk line from the center of the width of the room and across. Snap a line from the center of the length of the room and across to the other wall. You will have a cross on the floor with four quadrants.

3. Apply the construction adhesive on the floor in the area directly beneath the first sheet of particle board.

4. Lay the first sheet of particle board perpendicular to the sub floor plywood and square with the chalk lines where they meet in the center of the room. Attach the particle board with the 8-penny nails, about 16 inches apart.

5. 

   Stagger the next row of particle board. Once the first row of particle board id down, begin the next row by staggering the joints. Continue until the floor is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection. Be careful when using a circular saw.

References

• Information on particle board.