Q: One visitor asked, "We just purchased a new house just outside of Toronto. The subfloor is particle board. We have to choose between carpet and hardwood flooring. I have two concerns. Is it possible to put something overtop the particle board before putting down carpeting or hardwood to help with sound proofing? Someone suggested that we nail the particle board with deck screws to prevent the floors from creaking after the carpets are installed. Is this a good idea? Is it better to put in the cheap carpeting, let the house settle, fix the creaking, then tear up the carpet and replace it with good wood in a few years? Allergens are also a problem and I realize rugs and carpets will aggravate dust mite allergies. What do you suggest?"

A: I would not recommend installing hardwood over particle board. In this case, I would recommend screwing 3/8 spruce plywood over top of it, and into the joists. If you intend to install carpet, it would not hurt to screw down the particle board. As it stands now, it is probably nailed to the joists. Particle board does not hold nails very securely. Soundproofing is usually accomplished by installing cork or another synthetic sheeting for that purpose, and then putting the floor of choice on top of it. The cork would be glued down with parquet adhesive. If my aim was to install hardwood, then I wouldn't take the side route of putting carpet down first. As long as there is no excessive moisture in the house, the concrete foundation and floor are cured, etc., then you can go ahead with the hardwood. But you should install plywood first.