Hi Everyone,

Took on the task of installing oak hardwood into my kitchen/dining room. After ripping out the carpet, i see that the subfloor (on the second level of our home) is made of particle board stapled to 2x6's that are run diagonally across the floor joists.

I have read many bad things about particle board, so I am removing it.

Seems to me, I could almost nail down the hardwood directly onto the 2x6's, but some spots have 1/8-1/4" gaps, so I am thinking I should lay down some plywood or OSB on top first, just to toughen it up a bit.

I know most minimum specs for plywood thickness are at least 5/8's, but since I have the 2x6's there, is it ok for me to go thinner on the plywood/osb? Say 3/8's or 7/16's?

Thanks for the tips!

What about height issues after the OSB demo? Are the door casings cut to it? The gaps are no problem. Just make sure it is nailed down tight.

Luckily I have no doors going into this room. If i dont need to put down a new layer of OSB or plywood on top of the 2x6's then the height will be about the same that it was pre demo, but even if it is recommended that I reinforce with another layer of OSB/PW, i dont think the added height will cause any problems.

Thanks for the tip. Seems everyone I ask has a different opinion

Never hurts to throw down a new layer of plywood.

2x6 is a nice hefty subfloor. I would flatten it, if not flat, & tighten anything loose, ( this would need to be done one way or the other), and go for it.