Bamboo and Exotic Wood Floors - subfloor panic

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badtoolhabit
07-20-08, 11:04 PM
I've got bamboo t&g ready to put down w/ 1 1/2" staples and a pneumatic nailer tomorrow. Well, I'm just now realizing I have particle board! http://forum.doityourself.com/images/smilies/wall.gif Where I live is usually pretty dry. I live about 20 miles inland in central California. How much of a chance am I taking by going forward and putting the floor down on top of the particle board? Does the humidity even play a factor? Any last minute suggestions? Thanks, Greg

Russycle
07-21-08, 12:20 AM
I'm halfway through a bamboo install myself. I did a lot of research before hand, and the consensus was do not nail or staple to particle board, it doesn't hold well. I feel your pain, I had pb too, ripped it out and put down plywood.

You could probably leave the pb down and put 3/4 ply over it.
Daniel Wachtel
07-21-08, 08:12 AM
Are you sure it is particle board or is it oriented strand board? If it is the former it has to go. If latter it is ok.

badtoolhabit
07-21-08, 09:17 AM
It's definitely particle board. Ripping it out would be too difficult for me and putting ply on top is not an option because of height issues w/appliances and door jams. Can I glue directly to the pb?
HotinOKC
07-21-08, 05:24 PM
Glue what?

The particle board has to go.
Daniel Wachtel
07-21-08, 08:04 PM
It's definitely particle board. Ripping it out would be too difficult for me and putting ply on top is not an option because of height issues w/appliances and door jams. Can I glue directly to the pb?
Are you sure you could not afford another 3/8"?
wellmade
07-25-08, 12:30 PM
It's definitely particle board. Ripping it out would be too difficult for me and putting ply on top is not an option because of height issues w/appliances and door jams. Can I glue directly to the pb?

Particle board does not hold nails well, and putting another subfloor on top does present height issues, especially with dishwashers. Gluing is your best option: be sure you use a non-water based urethane wood flooring adhesive. If you get any glue on the surface of the planks, be sure to clean up immediately with mineral spirits, then buff all residue off with a dry soft cloth. Otherwise, you will likely affect the finish. Be sure to follow the instructions of adhesive manufacturer.