Chipboard is a popular and faster alternative to individual floorboards for laying down flooring. However, chipboard needs a particular type of screw and an even more specific size screw to lay correctly and stay stable.
There are different sizes or thickness levels of chipboard, so particular thickness levels require specific screw sizes. 18 mm (0.71 in) chipboard flooring requires at least 45 mm (1.77 in) long screws, and 22 mm (0.87 in) chipboard requires 55 mm (2.17 in) long screws.
Deciding on the correct screw size for your chipboard flooring can be stressful and confusing, but this article will dive deep into why a chipboard needs certain screws and how to determine the size of the screws for your chipboard flooring.
What Kind of Screws Are for Chipboard Flooring?
When it comes to woodworking supplies, there are almost too many choices for everything from spray guns to wood screws. Chipboard flooring is a type of wood that requires making particular choices, starting with the screws.
Chipboard is a mix of wood particles pressed together with epoxy resin. Because of this unique and more delicate makeup, chipboard requires wood screws with the following traits:
- They’re fully threaded. When a screw’s thread runs down the screw and is serrated, it bites into the wood as it penetrates and holds onto it better. This way, the screw doesn’t split the wood as it goes through.
- They’re countersunk. Because a countersunk screw is flat-headed, it fastens to the material more snugly. The flat head and the serrated and full thread prevent the screw from splitting the chipboard.
- They’re sharp-pointed. A screw with a sharp point will more easily penetrate the chipboard without ruining it. It also ensures that the screw will tightly hold to the material it pierces.
The Difference Between Wood Screws and Chipboard Screws
You can purchase specialty screws made specifically for working with chipboard. These are called chipboard screws or particleboard screws.
However, the main difference between wood screws and chipboard screws is the thread. It doesn’t matter if the screw is for a particular type of wood. As long as the screw is fully threaded, it’ll work perfectly fine on chipboard flooring.
Orgrimmar Phillips Wood Screws work great on chipboard flooring.
How To Determine What Size Screw for Chipboard Flooring
Chipboard comes in different levels of thickness. The two most popular sizes are 18 mm (0.71 in) and 22 mm (0.87 in). Either size requires a different screw size to penetrate the material properly.
To determine the size of the screw, you’ll need to do some math. The screw should penetrate 1.5 times the thickness of the chipboard sheet. Multiply the size or level of thickness by 1.5 and add it to the initial size of your chipboard sheet. You’ll have the correct size for your screws.
Even if you don’t use an 18 mm (0.71 in) or 22 mm (0.87 in) chipboard, you can find the correct size screw for your particular chipboard by using that equation to gauge the chipboard’s thickness and the length of the screws you need.
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What Size Screws for 22mm Chipboard Flooring?
22 mm (0.87 in) chipboard is the most common and preferred size when laying down flooring.
The best screws for 22 mm (0.87 in) chipboard are 55 mm (2.17 in) screws. A 22 mm (0.87 in)length will effectively penetrate and tighten to 1.5 times the thickness of 22 mm (0.87 in).
What Size Screws for 18mm Chipboard Flooring?
18 mm (0.71 in) chipboard, on the other hand, requires at least 45 mm (1.77 in) screws. 45 mm (1.77 in) will penetrate 1.5 times the thickness and stay firmly tightened to the material.
Wood Screw Alternative
If you don’t want to use screws to lay down your chipboard flooring, there is another option for a fastener: 75 mm (2.95 in) ring shank nails to lay down chipboard flooring.
However, nails won’t be as effective as screws. Chipboard quickly absorbs water, which causes the material to warp and eventually crumble after a long time. When the material shifts, the nails will shift and won’t be able to hold in place the way fully threaded screws can.
P5 chipboard is the most moisture-resistant chipboard and will be your best bet if you use ring shank nails instead of screws.
Conclusion
The two most common sizes of chipboard require two different sizes of screws to lay down correctly. 18 mm (0.71 in) chipboard requires at least 45 mm (1.77 in) screws, and 22mm chipboard requires either 50 mm (19.7 in) or 55 mm (2.17 in) screws.
If you’re using any other size of chipboard, just do the math to find the best screw long enough to penetrate 1.5 times the thickness of the chipboard.
