How to Remove Particle Board Subflooring
If you plan to replace your old floor covering with new flooring, such as carpet, ceramic tile or hardwood, it is important to have a sturdy subflooring. Since particle board becomes brittle with time and succumbs to moisture, it is important that you inspect it closely before putting in new flooring or redecorating. If the particle board subflooring is in poor condition, you should remove the old particle board subflooring and replace it with a studier, more dependable subflooring, such as plywood.
Instructions
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Remove the upper layer of flooring to expose the particle board. This includes any laminate, tile or carpet that is covering the flooring. Put on your safety goggles and gloves for protection.
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Find the seam where two sheets of particle board subflooring meet. Insert a small pry bar under the seam and push it down until you see it start to lift. Release the pry bar and allow the particle board to lay back down.
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3
Cut a hole in the particle board subflooring if there is only one sheet covering the flooring and no seams. Use a sabre saw to cut the particle board, and then pull it upward to locate the nails.
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Use a claw hammer to remove the nails holding the particle board subflooring in place. They should stick up after you use the pry bar. Place the claw level with the nail and slide the nail head into the V. Add leverage by pushing the hammer downward until the nail comes out. Remove all of the nails from the floor joists.
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Clean up the pieces of particle board subflooring that broke off of the full sheet. Use a shop vacuum to remove the debris before placing new subflooring on the joists. Inspect the floor joists for damage as well and replace any areas that show wear.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective goggles and gloves when cutting or removing particle board since it may contain harmful chemicals.
References
- Photo Credit background particle board image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
