Particleboard flooring is economical and through lighter construction provides reduced foundation cost. Construction times are reduced since dry trades only are involved. Particleboard floors are also more comfortable for people standing for long periods of time.

Design information given below applies to the structural use of particleboard flooring installed over a system of parallel joists. Particleboard flooring can be installed over a concrete slab in order to improve comfort or to provide an economic base for high quality floor finishes over a rough sub-floor. These applications are covered in the EWPAA document "Particleboard Floating Floors" available from the Technical and Engineering section of the library.

Design information and safe load tables are detailed in the EWPAA publication "Particleboard Structural Flooring Design Manual" (available from the Technical and Engineering section of the library) and are consistent with appropriate Australian Standards and Building Codes.

Safe Load Tables
Safe Loads for various spans and board thicknesses are given in the Safe Load Tables below which have been reproduced from the EWPAA publication "Particleboard Structural Flooring Design Manual".

Particleboard Basic Working Stresses and Stiffness

Basic design parameters for these are given in the "Particleboard Basic Working Stresses and Stiffnesses" table below. Consult the Particleboard Structural Flooring Design Manual for full design and installation details.

Particleboard flooring is manufactured in three thicknesses - 19, 22 and 25 mm. Sheet sizes are 3600 x 1200, 900 and 600 mm for sheets with tongue and grooved edges and 3600 x 1800 mm square edge. Particleboard flooring is also available with fungicide and termiticide treatment, designated F and H2 respectively. Installation is similar to that for Domestic Flooring with additional requirements for higher loads detailed in the Design Manual.

Safe Concentrated Loads for Punching Shear Maximum Load (kN)

If concentrated loads act on a small bearing area, there may be a risk of punching the load point through the particleboard sheet. This is termed punching shear. The table below gives the safe concentrated loads based on support dimension (diameter for circular supports or side for square supports).

If loads higher than those given in the "Safe Concentrated Loads for Punching Shear Maximum Load" Table above apply, pads should be placed under the load point. Expansion joints may be necessary for large areas. In general a 10-15 mm gap should be left around perimeter walls or any other structural fixture. Spacing of expansion joints will depend on an assessment of the many factors that contribute to the risk of moisture reaching the floor. Where necessary, the joint is constructed over a wide or double joist to achieve a 20 mm gap in the floor. This gap can be covered with internal partitions or a metal or plastic moulding.

Fasteners for Particleboard Flooring

Fasteners (nail or screws) should be selected according to the table below. Spacing information is given in the "Particleboard Structural Flooring Design Manual".