Particle Board and Strand Board Floor Sanding
For years, particle board was hidden away under carpet, seen only as a cheap subfloor. But with modern industrial design trends, many Auckland homeowners are discovering that this humble material can look stunning when polished.
Whether it is existing yellow particle board or modern Strandfloor, here is how we turn a subfloor into a feature floor.
The "Poor Man's Cork"
Standard high-density particle board (often found in 1970s/80s houses) has a fine, granular texture similar to cork. When sanded and coated with polyurethane, it glows with a warm, golden-honey color.
Advantages:
- Cost: If it's already there under your carpet, it's free!
- Seamless: Large sheets mean fewer joints than floorboards.
- Warmth: It has a natural, earthy look.
Strandboard (Strandfloor)
This is the modern evolution. Made from larger wood flakes, it has a random, oriented look that resembles terrazzo or limestone when finished with a clear coat.
It is incredibly hard and durable, making it popular in architectural homes and commercial fit-outs.
The Restoration Process
1. The Nail Nightmare
The biggest challenge. Particle board sheets are often nailed down with thousands of flat-head nails. Every single one must be punched below the surface before sanding, or they will rip our sanding belts.
Note: This makes the preparation labor-intensive, often costing similar to timber floor restoration.
2. Sanding Strategy
We sand using fine-grit sequences. Particle board scratches easily, so we have to be meticulous to remove all sanding marks before coating.
3. Finishing
Because it is a composite material, it is thirsty. It soaks up the first coat of poly like a sponge. We typically apply 3-4 coats to ensure a solid, build-up finish that is easy to mop.
Is It Right For You?
Yes, if: You want an industrial, modern, or rustic look on a budget.
No, if: The board has had significant water damage (swollen edges) or staining from carpet glue that has penetrated too deep.
Have Hidden Gold?
Unsure if your subfloor can be polished? Lift a corner of the carpet and send us a photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can standard particle board be sanded?
Yes, but with caution. Most older particle board was designed as a subfloor for carpet. It can be sanded and sealed to look like cork, but nail heads (often thousands of them) must be punched down first, which is labor intensive.
What is Strandboard?
Strandboard (or Strandfloor) is a modern, high-density version of particle board. It has a larger flake pattern and is often designed to be left exposed as a finished floor. It polishes up beautifully to look like stone or terrazzo.
Is it waterproof?
No. Wood composite floors are sensitive to water. We highly recommend using 3-4 coats of high-quality polyurethane to seal the surface completely, preventing moisture ingress.