I would like to replace my original hardwood flooring (28 years old).
Knowing that a particle board subfloor was used, should I replace the subfloor with plywood? Are there any risks for leaving the existing (particle) subfloor with new hardwood floor on top?
Thanks.
Hey Eran,
Mike here. In general, I would rather be laying hardwood onto a plywood subfloor. Most builder homes are sheathed with aspenite (chipboard) these days. I would at the bare minimum add extra flooring screws to the subfloor especially if it is only nailed.
If it makes you feel more comfortable or an uneven floor, you can add a layer of 1/4'' min. of plywood with construction adhesive between layers and screw every 8'' min. I usually charge an extra $2.50-$3 /ftsq for this process.
I also find cleat nails more effective then a flooring stapler into aspenite. Be sure to use wax paper between subfloor and hardwood layers.
I hope this helps, and if you need anything just ask.
Mike
1. No you have no issue leaving the existing sub-floor in place EXCEPT your floor transitions if meeting up with any others will be off.
2. Ensure you screw it down to your existing floor joist using actual flooring screws, important.
3. I would not recommend installing hardwood onto this type of sub-floor, allot of manufactures will not warrant their product if installed on such. You can check with them to confirm.
We would never install over this type of sub-floor, our reputation is too important.
4. Install minimum 1/2 inch ply over top, staggered and screwed using "flooring screws" We would use a longer screw and screw right threw both into the actual joist and then use a shorter screw and screw everywhere else every 6-8 inches.
5. When installing make sure to take your time cutting under all door trims and jams so your hardwood slides underneath, the norm would be that these would not have originally been installed so to get that same appearance is essential to do this.
You may also want to look at your baseboards because they may just be too low when calculating the new thickness being added, when installing hardwood or most other floors the norm would be that baseboards would be installed after the actual flooring.
Any further questions don't hesitate to ask, we have been doing this for over 30 Years with endless satisfied customers.
Thank you folks for your informative reply.
I forgot to mention that at a certain spot I have a sagging floor; should this be fixed first? And how is it usually being done?
Thank you again for taking the time to reply.
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