Can you install plywood over particleboard?

If your home has particleboard subfloors instead of plywood subfloors, you may want the added durability plywood has to offer. Replacing the subfloors can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but you can strengthen your subfloor without removing the particleboard by laying plywood on top of it.

When should particleboard underlayment be installed over the subfloor?





Install Roseburg particleboard underlayment immediately prior to covering with finish floor materials. Never apply Roseburg particleboard underlayment over concrete or below grade. Start laying panels from a cor- ner of a room. Leave a 3/8” gap between underlayment and walls.

How do you install underlayment over plywood?

Step-by-Step Guide To Install Plywood Underlayment For Vinyl Flooring

  1. Step 1: Prepare the underlayment material. What is this? …
  2. Step 2: Prepare the subfloor. …
  3. Step 3: Position the plywood panels on the floor. …
  4. Step 4: Fasten the underlayment.


How do you fasten particle board underlayment?

Screws, ring-grooved underlayment nails, or staples can adhere better to particle board, as well as adhesive glues, such as hard-setting casein glue or polyvinyl acetate floor underlayment glue (which can, however, also lead to moisture damage).

Should I remove particleboard underlayment?





If your time and budget allow, I would remove all the particle board subflooring and replace it with plywood. But if you feel the undamaged particle board will remain in good condition, you would only have to tear out the areas that need replacing.

Can I put plywood on top of plywood?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don’t respect this thickness of ply, then you’re highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

Is particle board OK for subfloor?

Particleboard, which kind of looks like oatmeal, is comprised of small wood particles that are glued and formed into sheets. These boards, which are typically manufactured in 4″ x 8″ sheets, are not suitable as a subfloor. Structurally, they lack the strength and height needed for a hardwood flooring installation.

What goes on top of subfloor?

Underlayment: Some types of flooring can be installed directly on top of the subfloor, such as vinyl flooring. Other types need a middle layer, called underlayment, such as laminate,carpet and tile.

What type of flooring can be installed over particle board?



You can install vinyl plank over particle board, but it is not advised as particle board is very apt to waterlog, swelling, and distortion over time. If you must install vinyl plank over particle board, clean the particle board well, ensure that it is level, and install another subfloor above it.

Should plywood underlayment be glued to subfloor?

No, you should not glue down your underlayment. Underlayment is is a floating material, the same as your laminate flooring. In most cases, you should not glue or nail your underlayment down. You should always check with the installation instructions of the underlayment for proper installation instructions first.

How do you screw down plywood underlayment?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Down it's simply a tiny quarter inch hole. That will never ever be seen.

What is the difference between plywood and particle board?



There are usually two options for cabinet box construction: plywood and particle board. Plywood is made up of layers of wood veneer glued together, alternating the grain of the wood for stability. Particle board (also known as furniture board) is made of wood fibers glued and pressed together, sometimes using a mold.

What are the disadvantages of particle board?

Disadvantages of particle board

  • When compared to plywood, particle board is not considered very strong or durable.
  • The softer and more brittle composition of particle boards makes it prone to damage.
  • Particle boards loses most of their strength in moisture and becomes swollen.
  • Particle boards can be toxic.


What are the advantages and disadvantages of particle board?

As it has low strength and gets damaged in presence of moisture, particle boards have low durability and less life as compared to medium density fiberboard and plywood. It cannot support heavy loads as it is weak in strength.

Can I screw into particle board?



They make screws specifically for particle board, most home centers carry them. They’re basically coarse thread drywall screws, but shorter. Otherwise spax and grk multi purpose screws work as well. Your sheet metal screws are fine thread and just rip out the particles.

What are the best screws for particle board?

Best Screws For Particle Board

  • Bolt Dropper #8 x 1″ Wood Screw.
  • Kreg SML-C250-250 Pocket Screws.
  • Rok ROKS8X12TPSZ-100 Hardware Screws.
  • Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973291563 Wood Screw.
  • Bolt Dropper #10 x 1-1/2″ Wood Screw.
  • FastenMaster FMGD003-75 GuardDog Wood Screw.
  • WoodPro Fasteners AP9X212-1 Wood Screw.

What precautions should be taken when inserting screws into particle board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Don't over tighten it when screwing into particle board make sure to do it slowly. And carefully. Do not over tighten it over tightening can cause the particle boards to crack.

How do you secure screws in particle board?

How to use screws for particle board or chipboard

  1. When you want to screw particle boards together, make sure you do it slowly and steadily. …
  2. Do not by any means rush a screw near to the edges. …
  3. Use pilot holes beforehand.
  4. Once the pilot hole has been set, use some glue.

What size screws 3/4 MDF?



When joining 34 ” MDF, we recommend using #8 deck screws (featuring straight shanks and deep threads) at least 1- 12 ” long. Locate the screws no less than 2″ from the ends of the pieces to avoid splitting. Bore a 532 ” shank hole through the top piece of the joint for each screw, and countersink both sides.

Can you use pocket screws on particle board?

You can definitely use MDF and particleboard with pocket holes. However, you will want to be very careful when driving your screws. If the clutch is set too high, your screw will continue to drive and will come out the other side.