AS1860.2-2006 Particleboard Flooring - Installation

AS 1860.
2—2006
(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)
Reconfirmed 2016
AS 1860.2—2006
Australian Standard®
Particleboard flooring
Part 2: Installation
Accessed by BOX HILL INSTITUTE OF TAFE (VIC) on 09 Apr 2019 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)
This Australian Standard® was prepared by Committee TM-005, Reconstituted Timber Panel
Products. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 19 May 2006.
This Standard was published on 26 June 2006.
The following are represented on Committee TM-005:
• Australian Building Codes Board

• Australian Wood Panels Association
• Ensis
• Forests NSW
• Furnishing Industry Association of Australia
• Furntech
• Master Builders Australia
• New Zealand Wood Panel Manufacturers Association
Additional Interests:
• Dr Alan Halligan
This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 02548.
Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that
contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the
Committee and through the public comment period.
Keeping Standards up-to-date

Australian Standards® are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and
systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions
are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.
Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves they are
using a current Standard, which should include any amendments that may have been
published since the Standard was published.
Detailed information about Australian Standards, drafts, amendments and new projects can
be found by visiting www.standards.org.au
Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to

notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact us via email at
[email protected], or write to Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001.
AS 1860.2—2006 (Reconfirmed) 2016-06-17
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
RECONFIRMATION
OF
AS 1860.2—2006
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE
Technical Committee TM-011 has reviewed the content of this publication and in
accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been
determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the
original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest
versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this
Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for

reconfirmation on 27 April 2016.
The following are represented on Technical Committee TM-011:

Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Forest Products Association
Australian Timber Importers Federation
Australian Wood Panels Association
Building Research Association of New Zealand
Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia
Forest and Wood Products Australia
Furntech-AFRDI
Glued Laminated Timber Association of Australia
Master Builders Australia
Monash University
New Zealand Plywood Manufacturers Association
New Zealand Timber Industry Federation
Timber Design Society
Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association of New Zealand
NOTES
AS 1860.2—2006
(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)
Australian Standard®
Originated as AS 1860—1974.
Previous edition AS 1860—1991.
Fourth edition 1998.
Revised and redesignated as AS 1860.2—2006.
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (December 2010).
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia Limited
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher, unless otherwise permitted under the Copyright Act 1968.
Published by SAI Global Limited under licence from Standards Australia Limited, GPO Box
476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 7529 2
AS 1860.2—2006 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/ Standards New Zealand
Committee TM-005, Reconstituted Timber Panel Products, to supersede AS 1860—1998,
Installation of particleboard flooring. After consultation with stakeholders in both
countries, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this Standard
as an Australian Standard rather than an Australian/New Zealand Standard.
This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (December 2010). The changes required by
the Amendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against
the clause, note, table, figure, or part thereof affected.
The objective of this Standard is to set out the minimum performance requirements for the
installation of particleboard flooring, which are acceptable to building authorities in
Australia.
The objective of this revision is to provide a series of Standard series that deals with
particleboard flooring, as follows:
AS/NZS 1860 Particleboard flooring
AS/NZS 1860.1 Part 1: Specifications
AS 1860.2 Part 2: Installation (this Standard)
An informative Appendix D has been incorporated to provide guidelines for flooring
installation in wet areas.

During the course of preparation of this Standard, consideration was given to research and
testing information from resources in Australia, New Zealand and overseas.
This Standard will be referenced in the Building Code of Australia 2007, thereby
superseding the previous edition, AS 1860—1998, which will be withdrawn 12 months
from the date of publication of this edition.
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.
3 AS 1860.2—2006
CONTENTS
Page
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
2 APPLICATION .......................................................................................................... 4
3 NORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.......................................................... 4
4 DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................ 4
5 SUBFLOOR VENTILATION..................................................................................... 6
6 SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES................................................................................. 6
7 ON-SITE STORAGE OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING ...................................... 6
8 FLOOR FRAME INSTALLATION............................................................................ 6
9 PANEL INSTALLATION .......................................................................................... 7
10 FIXING REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................ 8
11 PROTECTION OF INSTALLED PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING........................ 11
12 SURFACE FINISHING ............................................................................................ 11
APPENDICES
A INFORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS..................................................... 13

B INSTALLATION GUIDELINES .............................................................................. 14
C RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUBFLOOR VENTILATION .................................. 17
D WET AREA FLOORING .......................................................................................... 18
AS 1860.2—2006 4
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out procedures for the selection, placement and fixing of Class 1
particleboard flooring complying with AS/NZS 1860.1.
NOTE: This Standard does not cover waterproofing procedures necessary for wet area rooms.
Wet area rooms are covered by AS 3740.
2 APPLICATION
The main application of this Standard is in domestic construction; however, the procedures
and requirements herein may apply to particleboard used as flooring in applications where
the particleboard is applied over a system of parallel joists of either timber or steel.
NOTE: Particleboard flooring is not suitable for external decking.
3 NORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this Standard.
NOTE: Informative referenced documents are listed in Appendix A. They are not an integral part
of the Standard.
AS
1684 Residential timber-framed construction
1684.2 Part 2: Non-cyclonic areas
1684.3 Part 3: Cyclonic areas
1684.4 Part 4: Simplified—Non-cyclonic areas
1789 Electroplated zinc (electrogalvanized) coatings on ferrous articles (batch process)
AS/NZS
1860 Particleboard flooring
1860.1 Part 1: Specifications
4491 Timber—Glossary of terms in timber-related Standards
ABCB
BCA Building Codes of Australia
4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard definitions in AS/NZS 4491 and those below apply. Where
the definitions below differ from those in AS/NZS 4491, those below take precedence.
4.1 Floor construction system
4.1.1 Fitted floor construction
A technique whereby flooring is laid over a system of parallel joists and fitted between the
bottom wall plates of each room and hallway. This procedure is usually carried out after the
roof covering and external wall cladding have been completed (see Figures 1 and 2).
© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

5 AS 1860.2—2006
4.1.2 Platform floor construction

A technique whereby flooring is laid over the whole joist/floor area prior to the
construction of the external and internal wall framing. The laid floor is then used as a
working platform (see Figures 1 and 2).
0 mm min.
10 mm max.
10 mm max.
Particleboard
Particleboard flooring flooring
Floor joist Floor joist
Air Floor
vent bearer A trimmer is
See Clauses required where
5 and 6 board is not
Ant cap under plate
Ground and/or DPC*
level
Ground Ant cap
level and/or DPC*
Brick veneer shown, but detail

applies to all wall cladding
*DPC = damp-proof course
(a) Platform floor (b) Fitted floor
FIGURE 1 DETAIL OF FLOORING CONSTRUCTION AT EXTERNAL WALLS THAT ARE

PARALLEL TO BEARERS
Not required for

non-loadbearing wall
Joists Joists
Bearer
100 mm max.
FIGURE 2 DETAIL OF FLOORING CONSTRUCTION AT WALLS THAT ARE PARALLEL

TO JOISTS
4.2 Particleboard flooring

Particleboard that is manufactured to provide the durability and stiffness specified in this
Standard as required for flooring and other structural applications.
4.3 Particleboard flooring F
A term indicating that the panel features increased resistance to fungi attack (see
AS/NZS 1860.1).
www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

AS 1860.2—2006 6
4.4 Particleboard flooring FR

A term indicating that the panel features increased resistance to fire (see AS/NZS 1860.1).
4.5 Particleboard flooring H2
A term indicating that the panel features increased resistance to termite attack when used in
dry, above ground applications (see AS/NZS 1860.1).
4.6 Subfloor ventilation
The provision of air movement under a suspended timber floor to reduce the risk of mould
and decay of timber associated with moisture.
5 SUBFLOOR VENTILATION
Where particleboard flooring is to be installed as a ground floor, moisture from the ground
shall be prevented from causing undue dampness or deterioration of building elements.
NOTES:
1 Subfloor ventilation requirements are contained in the Building Code of Australia.
2 Appendix B provides information on installation guidelines.
3 Appendix C provides information on subfloor ventilation.
4 Particleboard flooring is not suitable for conditions of permanent dampness, i.e., where
particleboard moisture content is permanently in excess of 16%.
6 SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Where particleboard flooring is considered to be at risk of being attacked by subterranean
termites—
(a) barriers shall be installed in accordance with the Building Code of Australia; and
(b) subfloor clearance shall be provided in accordance with the Building Code of
Australia to facilitate inspection for termite activity.
NOTE: Where extra protection against termite attack is desired, particleboard-flooring H2 is
recommended.
7 ON-SITE STORAGE OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

Particleboard flooring shall be protected from the weather and from the ingress of moisture
while on site, prior to installation. Packs of boards shall be stored off the ground, on bearers
or slats with the top surfaces in a common plane and spacing that shall not exceed 600 mm.
Packs shall be stored away from any ground water and shall be protected on the top and
sides with waterproof material (such as plastic sheeting). Packing shall be used to keep
plastic sheeting clear of the flooring pack so that air circulation can occur.
NOTE: There is an undesirable practice to leave packs unprotected on site. Wetting of
particleboard will cause the panels to expand, which will lead to gaps in the floor when the panels
dry out.
8 FLOOR FRAME INSTALLATION

Floor framing supporting particleboard flooring shall comply with the following:
(a) The centre-to-centre joist spacing over which flooring panels are to be laid shall not
exceed the maximum permissible span marked on the panels, e.g., 450 mm for
19 mm, and 600 mm for 22 mm thick panel, respectively.
(b) In all other respects the floor framing shall comply with the relevant requirements
specified in AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3, or AS 1684.4, and Figure 1 or Figure 2 as
appropriate.

7 AS 1860.2—2006
(c) Joists and trimmers shall have their top surfaces brought to a common plane to
receive the panels.
NOTE: Timber joists are recommended to be sized and seasoned when joist depth exceeds
150 mm as shrinkage or movement may prevent compliance with Item (c) above, and cause the
finished floor to squeak.
9 PANEL INSTALLATION
9.1 General requirements
Particleboard flooring shall be either fitted or platform floor construction as defined in
Clause 4.1 or 4.1.2, respectively.
The arrangement of all flooring panels shall comply with the following:
(a) Where possible, each panel shall be supported by not less than three joists.
Where this arrangement is not possible, or where small insert-panels are necessary for
finishing off the floor area, panels spanning only two joists shall be additionally
supported by a trimmer, not less than 70 mm × 35 mm, fixed between these two joists
to support the middle of the panel (see Figure 3).
(b) Tongued and grooved edge joints between adjoining panels that occur at right angles
to the joists do not require support by trimmers, provided the panels are of the same
manufacture. Square edge joints shall be butted centrally over joists or trimmers.
(c) Ends of panels shall be butted centrally over joists or trimmers, and end joints shall
be staggered.
(d) The minimum bearing of particleboard flooring panel onto its supporting joist or
trimmer shall be 12 mm.
Small Panel width Tr i m m e r t o s u p p o r t

insert-panel middle of small
insert-panel width
Floor panels
FIGURE 3 PANEL SPANNING TWO JOISTS ONLY—

TRIMMER TO SUPPORT MIDDLE OF PANEL
A1 9.2 Requirements for platform flooring

9.2.1 Support for panel edges
Free edges of panels, which extend 60 mm or more beneath bottom wall plates that are
generally at right angles to the joists, such as at external walls or at internal walls where
there is a change in flooring material, do not require support by trimmers or solid blocking
(see Figures 1 and 2).

AS 1860.2—2006 8
A1 9.2.2 Expansion joints

NOTE: The need for expansion joints in the panel layout should be considered. Guidelines for
expansion joints are given in Paragraph B4.2, Appendix B.
9.3 Requirements for fitted flooring
All free ends and edges and all joints between panels, except as permitted in Clause 9.1(b),
shall be supported by joists, or by trimmers not less than 70 mm × 35 mm fixed between the
joists. Ends and edges of panels in fitted flooring shall be kept not less than 10 mm clear of
walls or bottom plates.
The projection from the bottom wall plates of supporting floor joists shall be a minimum of
22 mm (10 mm expansion gap plus 12 mm bearing). The centre-line of the first single joist
shall be positioned 450 mm or 600 mm (as appropriate, see Clause 8(a)), +10 mm from the
inner face of the bottom wall plate. All other joists should be positioned at the appropriate
centre-to-centre spacings, as shown in Figure 4.
Stud wall
22 mm min.
projection
10 mm min.
Bottom Particleboard
plate flooring
Floor
joists
Bearer
12 mm min.
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
FIGURE 4 FITTED FLOOR JOIST—CENTRE AND WALL PLATE DETAIL
10 FIXING REQUIREMENTS
10.1 General
Particleboard flooring sheets shall be attached to the supporting joists or trimmers by the
use of—
(a) adhesives in accordance with Clause 10.2; and
(b) nails and/or screws, in accordance with Clause 10.3.
10.2 Adhesives
Adhesives used shall be construction grade adhesive, specifically formulated for use with
particleboard flooring panels and shall be applied to the centre of the top edge of the joist or
trimmer in a bead of minimum 5 mm width.
NOTES:
A1 1 Construction grade adhesives suitable for particleboard flooring are those that do not set to a
rigid mass but retain some flexibility when cured.

9 AS 1860.2—2006
2 The adhesive bead should not be allowed to dry and become hard on the surface. Adhesive
exposure before joint closure will depend on weather conditions, which may restrict advance
adhesive application to the amount required for one panel only.
3 Adhesive applied along the tongues helps to keep tongues tight in their grooves and minimize
squeaking in installed floors.
10.3 Nails
Selection of nails for use with particleboard flooring sheets shall be in accordance with
Table 1.
TABLE 1
MINIMUM NAIL SIZE/LENGTH COMBINATIONS
Nail type Joist species Flooring thickness, mm Nail size, mm
19, 22 50 × 2.80
Hardwood and cypress pine
25 65 × 3.75
Hand-driven
19, 22 65 × 2.80
Softwood
25 75 × 3.75
19, 22 50 × 2.50
Hardwood and cypress pine
Machine-driven, 25 65 × 2.50*
D-head, round-head or
65 × 2.50*
finished-head 19, 22
Softwood
25 75 × 2.50*
* Available in D- or round-head only.
If the flooring will be exposed to the weather during construction, all nails shall be
galvanized, and screws shall be cadmium- or zinc-electroplated and finished with yellow
iridescent chromate conversion coating Type C in accordance with AS 1789.
Nails, applied by hand or with a nailing machine, shall comply with the following:
(a) Nails shall be driven flush initially and not punched below the surface until
immediately prior to sanding (see Clause 12).
(b) Nailing machines shall be adjusted so that the heads of the nails penetrate the surface
by not more than 1 mm. The use of a flush drive attachment, a chisel drive nail
machine or similar is required.
NOTES:
1 Hand-driven nails may be bullet, jolt, flat, or countersunk heads. Machine-driven nails may
be D-, round-, or finished-head.
2 Particleboard flooring that is likely to be subjected to increased levels of vibration, due to
traffic or long spans, should be fixed with spiral or helical shank nails, or screws. For
machine-driven nails, spiral or helical shank nails are normally available in D- or round-head
only.
10.4 Screws
Selection of screws for use with particleboard flooring sheets shall be in accordance with Table 2.
NOTE: If particleboard flooring is fixed to I-beam and truss joists, screws (not nails) should be
used. The flanges may be only 35 mm thick and nails will penetrate through and may not have
sufficient holding strength.

AS 1860.2—2006 10
TABLE 2
MINIMUM SCREW SIZE/LENGTH COMBINATIONS
Joist material Flooring thickness, mm Screw type and size
19 and 22 No. 10 × 50 mm twin-thread, self-drilling wood screw
Timber
25 No. 14 × 65 mm twin-thread, self-drilling wood screw
No. 9 ×, or 10 × 45 mm countersunk self-embedding head, self-
Steel 19, 22, 25
drilling
NOTES:
1 Proprietary screws with self-breaking cutter nibs, to provide clearance in timber that is fixed to metal, are
available and are preferred for particleboard flooring (see AS 3566.1 and AS 3566.2). Further advice
should be obtained from the screw manufacturer.
2 Some heavier gauge steel sections may require a No. 12 or No. 14 size screw.
3 The screw-driving unit should be adjusted to drive the screw head 2 mm to 3 mm below the panel surface
to allow for later sanding. Screws should not be driven more than 3 mm below the panel surface.
10.5 Fixing spacings for nails or screws

Nails or screws used in conjunction with adhesive complying with Clause 10.2 shall be
spaced as follows:
(a) For square-edged panels—

(i) along edges and ends—
(A) spacing—not exceeding 150 mm centres; and
(B) distance—not closer than 10 mm to any edge; and
(ii) on intermediate joists—not exceeding 300 mm centres.
(b) For tongued and grooved panels—
(i) along the edges—
(A) spacing—at joist crossing, 300 mm centres; and
(B) distance—not closer than 10 mm nor greater than 25 mm to the base of
the groove; and
(ii) along the ends—not exceeding 150 mm centres and not closer than 10 mm to
the edge.

11 AS 1860.2—2006
11 PROTECTION OF INSTALLED PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

As soon as practicable after fixing, particleboard flooring shall be protected from the
weather, preferably by the installation of roof covering and external wall cladding. The
maximum exposure time shall be 3 months.
NOTES:
1 Any ponded water should be removed as soon as practicable. This can be achieved by drilling
holes of 3 mm maximum diameter, at not less than 1 m spacing, through the floor where
ponding occurs.
2 The specified maximum exposure time of 3 months refers to the general effects of weathering
on the resin system and wood particles. However, it is possible that hot sun may cause
dimensional problems in a relatively short time under severe conditions. If moisture is dried
out rapidly from the board surface, the moisture gradient through the board thickness may
cause the panel to cup, resulting in nails being pulled from joists or nail heads being pulled
through the board.
It is important to avoid a major moisture gradient through board thickness after
fixing. If weather conditions are severe (very hot sun after the board has been soaked
by rain) then steps should be taken to maintain approximately uniform moisture
content through the particleboard thickness. This can be done by shading or by
wetting the board surface.
3 Particleboard flooring would be expected to perform satisfactorily, in most cases, after more
than 3 months weather exposure. However, if the 3 months exposure is exceeded, the
particleboard-flooring manufacturer should be called upon to provide a written opinion as to
whether the floor is satisfactory. If the manufacturer considers the floor to be unsatisfactory,
appropriate remedial action should be specified.
4 Where the surface finish will be uncovered and decorative, it is recommended that exposure
to the weather be minimized.
5 Care should be taken to ensure that drainage holes are drilled through the floor but not into a
joist.
12 SURFACE FINISHING
The following requirements apply to the finishing of particleboard flooring:
(a) The floor shall be inspected for dampness before proceeding with finish operations; if
found to be excessively damp, it shall be left until its moisture content is 15% or less.
NOTE: This is particularly important where exposure to weather has occurred.
(b) Nails and screws shall be finished flush or below the surface, as appropriate to the
floor covering and/or finish.
(c) If the floor is to be covered with carpet, the surface shall be firm and tight with no
loose flakes or particles.
NOTES:
1 If the surface has been exposed to the weather, rough or uneven areas should be spot
sanded after punching the nails or countersinking the screws.
2 Full sanding may be necessary if the particleboard flooring has been subjected to
prolonged rain during the exposure period.
3 Sanding before carpet laying should be with 40-60 grit closed coat paper only.
(d) For other surface finishes, full sanding shall be required if the particleboard has been
exposed to the weather. The surface shall be given a first cut with 60-80 grit closed
coat paper, followed by a finishing cut with 100 grit closed coat paper.
Particleboard not exposed to weather during construction shall be sanded as above if
the particleboard was supplied unsanded. If sanded particleboard was used, the joints
shall be sanded over with 80-100 grit closed coat paper.
AS 1860.2—2006 12
(e) The depth of material removed shall not exceed the following, except where
otherwise specified by the manufacturer:
(i) Over the general panel area ………………………………………………. 1 mm.
(ii) Within 50 mm of any supported edge ……………………………………... 2 mm.
(f) All surfaces shall be cleaned to remove dust.

13 AS 1860.2—2006
APPENDIX A
INFORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
(Informative)
A1 GENERAL
The documents listed in Paragraph A2 are for the purposes of information only.
A2 INFORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
3566 Self-drilling screws for the building and construction industries
3566.1 Part 1: General requirements and mechanical properties
3566.2 Part 2: Corrosion resistance requirements
3740 Waterproofing of wet areas within residential buildings
4858 Wet area membranes

AS 1860.2—2006 14
APPENDIX B
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
(Informative)
B1 GENERAL
This Appendix provides guidance to assist with achieving a satisfactory installation of
particleboard structural panel flooring. It covers a particular stage of installation and
provides an opportunity to check both compliance with the Standard and workmanship.
These checks should be made before the next trade or stage is commenced because later
inspection will be difficult and rectification of defects unnecessarily expensive.
AS/NZS 1860.1 requires that every panel of particleboard flooring be stamped with
manufacturer’s identification, product type (i.e., ‘Flooring’), maximum span, and face side
(if applicable). Panels should be checked before laying to ensure correct type and span
rating.
B2 SUBFLOOR VENTILATION AND CLEARANCE

The following recommendations are applicable to subfloor ventilation and clearance (see
Clause 5 and Clause 6):
(a) Clearance between the ground surface and the flooring should not be achieved by
removal of material from within the boundaries of the building as this may result in
‘ponding’ beneath the floor. Subfloor ground surfaces should be at least at the same
height as the ground outside the building and the internal surfaces should be graded to
fall to the external walls. The external wall should be provided with weepholes at
900 mm spacing at ground level.
(b) The number and placement of subfloor wall vents or ventilation openings should
allow the free flow of air throughout the subfloor space. Any debris or blockages
should be removed.
(c) Before laying a ground vapour barrier, the subfloor area should be finished clean and
falling to external walls. An uneven ground surface may result in puncturing and
tearing during laying and by tradesmen (plumbers or pest exterminators) working in
the subfloor space.
B3 FLOOR FRAMING
The following recommendations are applicable to floor framing (see Clause 8):
(a) The centre-to-centre spacings of joists should not exceed the maximum permissible
span of the particleboard panels to be used.
NOTE: Centre-to-centre spacing should not be confused with between-joist spacing, which
results in a greater span.
(b) Set-up of joists and trimmers should be as follows:
(i) Platform construction The centre-line of the first single joist should be
positioned 450 mm or 600 mm (as appropriate), from the external face of the
outermost joist, then all other single joists, except those under load-bearing
walls (see Item (c)), should be positioned at the appropriate centre-to-centre
spacing.

15 AS 1860.2—2006
(ii) Fitted flooring The projection from the bottom wall plates of supporting floor
joists is a minimum of 22 mm (10 mm expansion gap plus 12 mm bearing). The
centre-line of the first single joist should be positioned 450 mm or 600 mm (as
appropriate), +10 mm from the inner face of the bottom wall plate, then all
other joists should be positioned at the appropriate centre-to-centre spacings
(see Figure 4).
Trimmers should be positioned so that their centre-lines coincide with panel edges.
The above will minimize recutting panels at butt joints.
(c) Load-bearing walls, parallel to the joists, require joists to be placed under them (see
AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3, or AS 1684.4).
(d) The top surfaces of all joists and trimmers should be accurately set to a common
plane (see AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3, or AS 1684.4).
(e) All drilling and notching of timber floor framing members should comply with the
requirements of AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3, or AS 1684.4.
A1 B4 INSTALLATION OF FLOORING PANELS

B4.1 General
The following recommendations are applicable to the installation of floor panels (see
Clauses 8 and 9):
(a) Edges of panels may be factory-sealed against water penetration. If panels are not
factory-sealed and, where panels are cut to size on site, the edges should be sealed
with the adhesive used to bond the panels to the joists. Adhesive sealing should only
be applied as the panels are positioned.
(b) End joints between panels should be staggered.
(c) Nails should be skewed to improve holding power.
(d) Nailing machines should be adjusted to prevent over-driving the nails. The fixer’s
body weight should be used to ensure that the underside of the panel is in firm contact
with the joist before fastening the nail.
B4.2 Expansion joints
The following recommendations are applicable to the expansion joints of floor panels (see
Clauses 9.2.2):
(a) If particleboard flooring becomes wet during the weather exposure period it will
expand. If flooring becomes saturated, the resulting expansion from a number of
panels laid end to end may, in severe cases, interfere with brickwork, pull internal
walls out of plumb and cause separation of roofing members. The need for expansion
joints should be considered when specifying floor framing and planning floor panel
layout. Factors to consider are as follows:
(i) Longest clear run of flooring—Expansion under saturation conditions may be
significant when four or more sheets are laid end to end.
(ii) Panel orientation—When subjected to wetting, the expansion of flooring panels
is greater in the long direction than in the cross direction. Total expansion will
be less if the cross direction of flooring panels is aligned with the longer
dimension of the house.
(iii) Floor framing construction—the traditional floor framing system of bearers and
joists provides greater restraint against panel movement than does a system of
deep joists such as solid timber, I-beams or LVL beams.

AS 1860.2—2006 16
A1 (b) An expansion joints is a gap of 15 to 20 mm located above a double floor joist or a

single wide joist (50 mm) to allow the specified edge spacing for fixing nails or
screws. This gap may be located under an internal wall or covered with a plastic or
metal moulding.
(c) If expansion joints are required, they should be spaced at 10 to 15 m intervals (i.e.,
every 3 to 4 sheets). Several small gaps are better than one or two large gaps.
(d) If expansion has occurred and caused any of the problems listed in Item (a) above, the
floor should be allowed to dry out before attempting any remedial action.
B5 WET AREA ROOMS

See also Appendix D for deem-to-comply guidelines for particleboard flooring in wet area.
B6 AFTER INSTALLATION OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

The following recommendations are applicable after installation of particleboard flooring
(see Clauses 11 and 12):
(a) Exposure time The general time limit of 3 months exposure should be observed.
Particular attention should be paid to potential problems from hot sun (especially
after rain). If panels show signs of cupping, steps will need to be taken to reduce
moisture gradients through the thickness, either by shading or by wetting down the
surface.
(b) Finishing operations If the flooring is wet, it should be dried (below 15%) before
commencement of finishing operations. Respiratory protection should be worn when
sanding.
(c) Nails Nails should be finished below the surface as appropriate to the floor covering
and/or finish.
B7 NON-LOADBEARING INTERNAL WALLS

Non-loadbearing internal walls may be fixed to particleboard flooring without a supporting
joist underneath. In these cases, bottom plates should be fixed to the floor sheeting with
screws, not nails. Floor deflection from foot traffic may lead to squeaking if nails are used.

17 AS 1860.2—2006
APPENDIX C
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUBFLOOR VENTILATION
(Informative)
Particleboard floors require the same amount of subfloor ventilation as other timber floor
systems.
Good subfloor ventilation is essential to prevent distortion, possible decay and excessive
movement of the floor and supporting frame. Ventilation openings should be evenly
distributed in substructure walling, both internally and around the perimeter of the building.
Where the site is such that the ground beneath the floor will be permanently damp or is
likely to be seasonally damp for lengthy periods, the amount of ventilation should be
increased and, in some situations, a moisture barrier may be required. BCA requirements
are minimum figures and relate to average conditions.
The clearance between the surface of the ground beneath the building and the underside of
the flooring panels is also an important component of good subfloor ventilation.
Clearances required by BCA are minimum and may need to be adjusted as appropriate for
local conditions.

AS 1860.2—2006 18
APPENDIX D
WET AREA FLOORING
(Informative)
D1 SCOPE
This Appendix describes installation procedures for particleboard flooring in generally
domestic applications and aligns with the requirements of AS 3740. It covers common
practice but does not provide a full coverage of installation procedures. AS 3740 provides
complete information on materials, design and installation for the waterproofing of wet
areas within residential buildings. Any materials used in waterproofing wet area rooms
should comply with AS/NZS 4858.
This Appendix is concerned with flooring installation in wet area rooms, e.g., bathrooms,
laundries and toilets, and particularly shower recesses. This information applies specifically
to particleboard flooring applied over a system of joists, and to the following types of
flooring:
(a) Standard particleboard flooring.
(b) Fungus-resistant particleboard flooring, designated ‘F’.
(c) Termite-resistant particleboard flooring, designated ‘H2’.

(d) Fire-retardant particleboard flooring, designated ‘FR’.
D2 WET AREA ROOMS

Wet area rooms are those where water spillage is likely on a regular basis (e.g., daily or
weekly). Bathrooms, laundries and toilets are usually considered to fall in this category.
Kitchens do not represent a big enough risk to be included in the classification.
D3 SELECTION OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

Standard particleboard flooring should only be used in wet area rooms if there is no risk of
leaks allowing water to reach the Particleboard. If it is considered that there is a risk of
short-term dampness, particleboard-flooring F should be used.
NOTE: No particleboard flooring will perform satisfactorily if continually wet.
Fungus resistance provides protection until the cause of dampness can be found and fixed.
Particleboard-flooring H2 is available for areas with high termite activity and particleboard-
flooring FR is available for areas where improved indices of early fire hazard are specified.
To reduce the risk of water reaching the particleboard flooring, the following construction
features should be present:
(a) Bearers and joists should be dried or stabilized. Shrinkage of green bearers and joists
can lead to breakdown of flashing and sealing.
(b) A precast shower base or shower tray should be used. In situ construction using
rubber-type sheet or strip flashing or sealing membranes do not provide the necessary
assurance for standard particleboard flooring. Particleboard-flooring F should be used
for in situ construction.

19 AS 1860.2—2006
D4 SEALING AND FLASHING

D4.1 Room perimeter
The perimeter of wet area rooms should be sealed with a rigid PVC angle flashing with a
vertical leg of a minimum of 25 mm above the finished floor level, and a minimum width of
40 mm. The flashing should be fixed before wall lining (plasterboard or fibre-cement sheet)
is applied, so that the flashing finishes behind lining sheets (see Figure D1).
The angle flashing is glued to the floor (40 mm side to the floor) using particleboard floor
adhesive or a 2 part epoxy. Consult particleboard manufacturers’ literature for approved
adhesives. PVC angle flashing should not be fixed to bottom plate or wall studs, so that any
subsequent movement of the timber frame will not break it; however to ensure the flashing
remains in place, a clout head or adhesive spot should be used at each stud to provide a
temporary restraint.
A water-stop should be installed at floor level openings (doorways) so that the vertical leg
finishes flush with the top of the finished floor surface. This is required to prevent water
travelling along the mortar bed and escaping from the bathroom area.
Approved Reinforcement
wall lining
Mortar
bed
Angle
flashing Flashing
over join
FIGURE D1 ROOM PERIMETER DETAIL
D4.2 Wet area (bathroom) floor

The particleboard-flooring surface should be waterproofed. This is achieved by sealing
board joins as in the paragraph below and then sealing the entire surface. A two-part epoxy
sealer is commonly used but other sealants may also be suitable, according to particleboard
flooring manufacturers’ recommendations.
Bond breakers are required at all floor/wall, hob/wall and panel floor junctions where the
waterproofing membrane is bonded to the substrate. Bond breaker width depends on the
membrane used. See AS 3740 for full details.
Before sealing the whole surface, board joins should be flashed with a strip of rubber-type
sealer, 130 mm to 150 mm wide. The sealer is glued with 2 part epoxy adhesive with
precaution taken to leave a 25 mm to 35 mm section un-adhered down the centre. This is
achieved by using masking or packaging tape as shown in Figure D2. A bond breaker of
this size has usually been used with rubber-type sheet membrane but the width must be
appropriate to the membrane classification as specified in AS 3740.

AS 1860.2—2006 20
Band of epoxy adhesive Rubber flashing

140 mm wide tape
25 mm masking
or packing tape
Joist
Particleboard Sub-floor joint

flooring
FIGURE D2 BUTT JOINT DETAIL
If a mortar bed is to be laid over the panel join, wire reinforcement should be used
(see Figure D1). Reinforcement should be 150 mm strips of galvanized bird-wire. Place
reinforcement centrally over the join and hold in place with staples or nails.
D4.3 Wall corner
PVC, fibreglass or flexible strip flashing should be fixed to the shower-recess wall corner
before wall sheeting is installed. Corner flashing should run down into the shower tray. If a
shower base is used, it will run to the recessed edge (see Figures D3 and D4).
D4.4 Shower trays and bases
Precast shower trays and bases provide the best assurance of watertight shower-recess
construction, as follows:
(a) Shower tray Preformed tray made from copper, stainless steel or fibreglass. These
should be used when ceramic tiles are to be fixed to form the finished shower floor.
(b) Shower base Precast ceramic or polyester (Polymarble) base intended to form the
finished shower floor.
Trays and bases should usually be fixed before the wall sheeting which then runs down into
the tray or onto the base edge recess, according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Shower trays and bases should be bonded to the floor surface with adhesive or mortar
according to manufacturers’ instructions. Care should be taken to ensure that the tray is
properly supported on the base and sides; otherwise the weight of workmen or house
occupants will cause distortion, movement and possibly fracture.
A properly installed, precast shower tray or shower base should provide the basis for a leak-
free installation and allow standard particleboard flooring to be used in wet area rooms.
D4.5 In situ shower trays
In situ trays may be made from sheet metal (copper) by a tradesman plumber, from flexible
rubber-type membrane or from fibreglass mat plus epoxy resin.
Site-made copper trays should be satisfactory but are at higher risk from building
movement than factory-made trays. Factory-made trays should use a folding process for
corners, which are watertight but allow some movement. Braised joints may fail from forces
generated by wall and floor movement.
Particleboard-flooring F should be used for wet area rooms if in situ tray construction is to
be used.

21 AS 1860.2—2006
Flexible membrane trays are made by gluing flexible membrane over the shower recess
floor and then bonding strip membrane material around the shower recess perimeter. This
material should be cut from 1 m wide sheets so that a one-piece installation results over the
shower recess floor. Details of corner strip and floor panel bonding are shown in
Figures D3 and D4.
(a) Cut tape (b) Lap over

(c) Fold into first corner (d) Temporary hold
FIGURE D3 CORNER FLASHING FOR SHOWERS
Ensure good Strip

bonding flashing
Strip
flashing
65
50
Particleboard
flooring Membrane sheet
FIGURE D4 FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE SHOWER BASE

AS 1860.2—2006 22
D4.6 Hob construction

A hob is the site-constructed upstand (usually of bricks) to complete the fourth side of the
shower recess. It provides the entry, and is the base for a sliding screen door if such is
being used.
With shower trays, bricks should be set inside the tray edge so as to retain water inside the
shower recess. With in situ trays, care is needed to provide adequate sealing at the hob ends
(i.e., where it joins the wall) and along the hob length. Rubber membrane trays should have
the rubber turned up and bonded to the outside of the hob. Alternatively, a length of rigid
PVC angle flashing can be glued in place and the hob laid inside this. Care should be taken
to avoid damage to the PVC angle between installation and laying the hob.
Careful attention to detail is needed generally because the shower recess screen or curtain
will ensure a steady stream of water down onto the hob and to its corners. The corners are
common sources of leaks.
D4.7 Floor wastes
When holes are cut in particleboard flooring panels for any service pipes, all edges of the
hole should be sealed with epoxy adhesive. A drainage flange should be used for the waste
pipe and the flange should be bonded to the particleboard surface (or shower tray) with
epoxy adhesive (see Figure D5). Waterproofing floor membrane should terminate inside the
flange to allow drainage of any water build-up in the mortar bed.
Motar
Membrane
Adhesive Particleboard flooring
Seal cut edge with Seal cut edge with adhesive

adhesive
PVC flange Drainage pipe
(a) Floor waste without shower tray
Motar
Membrane
Shower tray Particleboard flooring
Seal cut edge with adhesive Seal cut edge with

adhesive
Safe-waste flange Drainage pipe
(b) Floor waste with shower tray
FIGURE D5 FLOOR WASTE INSTALLATION

23 AS 1860.2—2006
D4.8 Ceramic tiles

Prepare and lay the mortar bed (usually 3 parts sand to 1 part cement). Care is needed to
ensure bonding of the mortar to the sealed floor surface. If an epoxy sealant was used, it
should be tacky when the mortar bed is placed. It is unlikely that proper sealing of the
Particleboard, and a tacky surface for mortar bonding, will be achieved with one coat of
epoxy. The first coat should be brushed on and allowed to dry. Apply the second coat just
before laying the mortar bed.
Slope the mortar to floor drain if one is provided; typical slope is 1 in 80. Slope the mortar
to shower recess drain, usually 1 in 60. A minimum mortar bed thickness of 25 mm is
recommended.
It is common practice in some areas to seal shower recesses with a fibreglass system —
liquid resin to seal corners, drain and hob plus fibreglass mat for reinforcement. It can be
difficult to obtain good bonding between the set fibreglass and the mortar bed. A
roughening or etching of surface is necessary to avoid later ‘drumminess’.
D5 ADDITIONAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

The following additional installation guidelines are also recommended:
(a) Holes may be required in the floor to accommodate pipes, drains and plumbing
wastes. These should be accurately drilled and cut ensuring that excessive material is
not removed (rough punching is unacceptable). All edges should be sealed, e.g., pink
primer, construction adhesive or some other suitable sealer.

(b) All building debris, plastics or other building matter should be completely removed
and the floor surface sanded clean as indicated in Clause 12, prior to waterproofing
treatments.
(c) Joints between panels should be carefully inspected and prepared.

AS 1860.2—2006 24
AMENDMENT CONTROL SHEET
AS 1860.2—2006
Amendment No. 1 (2010)
REVISED TEXT
SUMMARY: This Amendment applies to Clauses 9.2, 10.2, and 10.4, and Appendix B.
Published on 16 December 2010.
NOTES
NOTES
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AS 1860.

The following are represented on Committee TM-005:

• Australian Building Codes Board

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 02548.

Keeping Standards up-to-date

Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to

Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for

The following are represented on Technical Committee TM-011:

installation in wet areas.

A INFORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS..................................................... 13

3 NORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

4.1.2 Platform floor construction

Floor joist Floor joist

Brick veneer shown, but detail

applies to all wall cladding

*DPC = damp-proof course

(a) Platform floor (b) Fitted floor

FIGURE 1 DETAIL OF FLOORING CONSTRUCTION AT EXTERNAL WALLS THAT ARE

Not required for

FIGURE 2 DETAIL OF FLOORING CONSTRUCTION AT WALLS THAT ARE PARALLEL

4.2 Particleboard flooring

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

4.4 Particleboard flooring FR

7 ON-SITE STORAGE OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

8 FLOOR FRAME INSTALLATION

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

Small Panel width Tr i m m e r t o s u p p o r t

FIGURE 3 PANEL SPANNING TWO JOISTS ONLY—

A1 9.2 Requirements for platform flooring

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

A1 9.2.2 Expansion joints

FIGURE 4 FITTED FLOOR JOIST—CENTRE AND WALL PLATE DETAIL

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

10.5 Fixing spacings for nails or screws

(a) For square-edged panels—

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

11 PROTECTION OF INSTALLED PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

A2 INFORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

B2 SUBFLOOR VENTILATION AND CLEARANCE

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

A1 B4 INSTALLATION OF FLOORING PANELS

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

A1 (b) An expansion joints is a gap of 15 to 20 mm located above a double floor joist or a

B5 WET AREA ROOMS

B6 AFTER INSTALLATION OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

B7 NON-LOADBEARING INTERNAL WALLS

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

(c) Termite-resistant particleboard flooring, designated ‘H2’.

D2 WET AREA ROOMS

D3 SELECTION OF PARTICLEBOARD FLOORING

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

D4 SEALING AND FLASHING

FIGURE D1 ROOM PERIMETER DETAIL

D4.2 Wet area (bathroom) floor