I recently noticed that our master bedroom, which seems to have been added to our house in the 70s or 80s, has 1/2" thick particle board on top of the plywood subfloor. I'm curious about the reasoning behind using particle board instead of something else. Any insights?
3 Answers
It sounds like the particle board was used to level out the floor, especially if the room has a different type of flooring than others, like carpet. It can act as a base to keep everything even.
From my experience, particle board was often a low-cost way to even out floors. It can be a decent option but has its downsides—like being weak and not handling moisture well. I had to replace it when it swelled from a leak!
They probably used particle board to help carpets align well with other floor types like tile. It makes for a smoother transition, which can be crucial for aesthetics and prevents gaps.
For sure! I had a similar setup where they layered linoleum over particle board. It looked nice but I ended up tearing it all out for tiles. Definitely worth considering.
Exactly! I’ve seen it used in several houses from the 80s; it’s a product of its time. You're on the right track wanting to replace it before putting down hardwood.