Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Under laminate...OSB?

I am doing the prep work for my ground floor.
Did the kitchen, 1/2 bath and laundry room removal of vinyl and particle board for the tile...tile is installed...on to step 2... :o
Now I am removing the carpet and pad in the remaining rooms for laminate install...appox. 700sq. ft.
What is the recommended material for the 1/4 inch underlayment?...
OSB?..plywood?...spose I should I rent a nailer... any advice on that or overall job?
I'm saving 5K by doing the prep work myself...
that should about pay for the chiropractor... :wall:

Thanks all...

RLD

Once you remove carpet and padding, you should be able to float in a laminate floor over particleboard. If using a laminate that requires nails or staples, then you will want to remove particleboard and install 3/4" plywood (preferred) or OSB (acceptable). Particleboard is sawdust & glue and will not hold nails or staples. Read and follow manufacturer's recommendations for subfloor requirements & preparation, acclimation, underlayment, installation, care & maintenance.

Thanks 12,
Let me give a little more info...partical board was only under the vinyl.
Carpet and pad are removed. Sub floor is plywood and I need a 1/4" underlayment to bring the level up to match the new tile areas.
This will be a glueless laminate.
I was thinking 1/4 OSB over the plywood sub to bring it up for the laminate but have heard others say plywood...
or maybe I'm being too anal and it really doesn't matter...
This is being installed by pros and I'm only doing the prep work.

This is one of those rare cases where you can use either one, even luan. Have you asked your installer what you should use?

You will need to fasten it securely and I would use some yellow wood glue to prevent any squeaks from happening. You can rent a stapler for installing 1/4" underlayment. That would be alot faster for 700 sf.