Hello. During the lock down period, many of us have the opportunity to commence building, or continue building. I am commencing a build, and I wonder if particle board flooring (20mm) is a suitable base for a permanent layout. I have some left over and it seems a shame to waste it. Thanks Steve
Hi Steve. Flooring grade board is usually treated to repel damp but not always depends on the quality. Pro's it is flat and creates a good surface to build off cheep as you already have and you don't have to go out to collect. Down side its heavy, prone to warping in damp environment and because of the glues used in manufacture care needed when cutting. Just my opinion but I would have no reservations of using it. Cheers Mike
Thanks Mike. Yes, these are also my thoughts. Yes, it is very (very) heavy. The boards I am planning to use have been treated against damp, and I would not choose it if I had to go out and buy it. But, as I have it, I might as well use it. Thanks Steve
When we moved into this house 5 years ago I needed to make some workshop benches, this was before the time I was interested in trains again. I had designed my ideal work benches and they used form ply for the top. However, when it came time to get the materials, HammerShed did not have enough of the form ply. I only had one shot at buying things, so I substituted yellow tongue particle board flooring for the bench. 5 years later it has held up very well, it is totally unsealed and I have been fairly careful around it and have not had any problems with it. It is crazy heavy though, but if you have it, and it's for a permanent layout (i build portables so out for me) then I would use it too. Might want to do some extra sealing around it though, just to be on the safe side. Cheers Tony
Thanks Tony. I am still a bit undecided. One disadvantage is that I can't bend it down to operate at a lower level as I could do with ply. I would like to have storage below the main level. Nice idea using it for a workbench top. That alternative may well assist with my decision. Thanks Steve
Hi Steve, my only reservation in using interlocking particle board such as Kayber or low density chipboard for a layout base is that it would need a reasonably substantial support framework to take the combined weight of boards plus anything else you intend to add such as scenic builds. Because these boards have been resin impregnated at manufacture it could well be found quite difficult to drive any fine nails and screws in without them failing to key or working loose over time. LDF particle board is designed to be glued to floor joists using an expanding foam adhesive such as E Eeger, well at least that is the spec here in UK where such material is more prone to movement from damp air. I'm not saying don't use your stash of spare boards but I'd hate for you to input heaps of effort only to find you have fixing issues latter on as you complete your project. All the best anyway and will follow your project with interest. cheers Yorkie
Thanks Paul. Yes, I had not thought about the nails etc. It just makes it all too hard, with what is going to be difficult for me anyway, so I have decided to stick with a conventional plywood base, and insulation foam as used by Gary. Thanks again for your feedback.
