- Q.Why can't I use 7/16-inch
OSB over 1-inch rough pine boards for carpet
underlayment?
A.Ken Smith responds:
There's no reason you shouldn't use OSB, as long as
there's no risk of it getting wet (if it does, it
swells and comes apart). First, make sure that the
diagonal board subflooring is screwed down and that
there are no squeaks. Then lay the OSB in plenty of
construction adhesive and screw it to the
subflooring. The carpet should install just
fine.
Ken Smith owns and operates Smitty's
Flooring Specialties in Randolph, Vt. He is author
of the article
"A
Contractor's Guide to Carpeting"
(4/93).