Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Hardwood flooring over 3/8 inch particle board

We are gearing up to put down Bruce Natural Reflections hardwood flooring. We have as a subfloor, 1 inch+ plywood subflooring with 3/8 inch particle board over it. We are wondering if we can, because of the thinness of the particle board, leave the particle board down, using 2 inch staples and adhering it through the particle board to the subfloor?

If not, would 5/8 inch OSB be acceptable, or would you recommend using plywood for best suitability?

We have also considered stapling straight to the subfloor, would this be an acceptable installation?

We went to the Bruce website, but wanted real world advice.

Thanks so much.

Don't know much about flooring but particle board is out of the question. You know what happens if it gets wet, It SWELLS, then falls apart. Wouldn't look to good. Use plywood or OSB

Good luck

Particle board is junk according to the flooring industry. It will not hold nails, staples, or fasteners. Go to www.installingwoodfloors.com for helpful info. This product can be removed and replaced or covered over with appropriate underlayment taking into consideration the height of the new floor.

You won't be able to use 2" staples with the Bruce Nat'l Reflections as they are too large and will cause damage during the installation. Pneumatic flooring staples for such thin type products are typically 1" and penetrate the subfloor by approx 3/8- 1/2"