How to Install Hardwood Particle Subfloor
Particleboard is an ideal subfloor surface over which to install hardwood flooring, if the area for installation is free of moisture. Since particleboard is so flat, it provides the perfect surface upon which to install your new hardwood flooring. Following a few simple methods of installation makes the whole job easier. If you have some experience installing flooring, you will complete the job in about three hours, for average-sized rooms. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Particleboard panels
- Tile spaces, 3/8 inch
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Flooring nails
- Hammer or pneumatic air gun
Instructions
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1
Install the first panel on the floor beginning in one corner, and add panels one at a time, moving across the room to form a single row. Insert and maintain a space of 3/8 inches between the room's walls and the panels. Slide a 3/8-inch tile spacer between the panels and walls if necessary. Measure the final panel to fit flush against the wall with a tape measure and trim with a circular saw.
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2
Stagger the next row, by cutting the first section of particleboard in half before laying it on the floor next to the row you just installed. Continue to lay panels end-to-end to complete the row, and trim the final board to fit flush against the wall with a 3/8-inch gap.
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3
Complete the entire room, adding panels as needed. Trim the final row, cutting each board separately to the appropriate width for each section of floor.
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4
Nail the particleboard to the subfloor, starting in the center and working out toward the edges. Make each nail 6 inches apart along the length of the board in rows 6 inches apart. Drive each nail until flush into the surface of the board.
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5
Fasten the underlayment until each panel is secure to the subfloor.
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