How to Install Hardwood Floors with Particle Board

Roll out and cut vapor barrier with a utility knife to cover the entire particle-board subfloor. Staple the vapor barrier along the edges with a staple gun. This can help prevent moisture from seeping into the hardwood planks, which are the long, thin strips of hardwood that will form your hardwood floor, from below. It can also help prevent moisture from spilled drinks and wet shoes from swelling the particle board.

Install foam underlayment over the vapor barrier, stapling it to the subfloor in the same manner as the vapor barrier. Seal the seams between sections of foam underlayment with duct tape.

Cut sections of 1/4-inch plywood to about 2 by 3 inches with a circular saw to use as wall spacers. You need one spacer for each 2-foot section of wall length. Stand the spacers against the walls along the perimeter of the room in the corners and at 2-foot intervals using a measuring tape.

Place a hardwood plank in one corner against the spacers with the groove side facing the wall. Place another plank at the end of the first plank, then cut the final plank to length to fit against the spacer at the opposite corner.

Cut 6 inches from a hardwood plank with a circular saw. Place it against the beginning of the first course, locking the tongue and groove together. Continue adding planks, cutting the last plank at the opposite end to fit. Add courses until you have covered the floor, staggering the seams

Measure the distance between the last course of planks and the spacers at the ending wall. Cut hardwood planks to width with a jigsaw and lock them into place with a pry bar.

Remove the spacers. Measure and cut 3/8-inch-thick molding to cover the edges of the hardwood floor. Install the molding on the walls with finishing nails and a hammer.