Can You Install Vinyl Tile Over Particleboard?

Description

• Particleboard consists of small wood particles, including shavings and sawdust, blended with synthetic resins or other binders. The mixture is then compressed into sheets, using heat and pressure. There are various levels of particleboard composition and quality to meet specific requirements.

Disadvantages

• Vinyl tile installation requires a perfectly clean, smooth subfloor surface to ensure proper fit and adhesion. While particleboard maintains its shape and performance in many applications, any time particleboard is exposed to moisture, the shape and quality are compromised beyond repair. The moisture damage, which occurs when water seeps through the tile seams, distorts the surface beneath the tile, causing bumps or dips in the tile surface. It can also loosen the adhesive and cause tiles to lift from the subfloor or separate on the surface. Furthermore, any continuous exposure to moisture causes particleboard to rot, which will eventually require complete replacement of the subfloor material and tile.

Subfloor Alternatives

• Covering particleboard with another substrate, such as plywood, eliminates the risks involved. Another alternative would be to apply a waterproofing barrier directly to the particleboard, in the form of a chemical application or a layer of a protective membrane, such as vinyl. Consult with a building contractor or flooring supplier to determine the best waterproofing method for your specific needs.

Other Options

• If adding a new subfloor material is not a cost-effective option, use sheet vinyl instead of individual tiles. While a completely smooth subfloor surface and waterproofing barrier are still necessary, sheet vinyl greatly reduces the risk of moisture damage, separation and shifting.