Like Paul, I've never understood the argument about taking panels up later. I've had to gradually replace most of the upstairs floor in my house because it was so noisy, in large part due to shoddy workmanship. I can confirm that getting the panels up again is always a pita!
I would never consider nailing - if the joists shrink, you'll get a gap between chipboard and joist which will squeak like crazy when you walk across it. I would aways screw down to joist and always glue the panels together -it's the only way I've found to ensure a squeak-free floor.
Mike - before you paint the chipboard floor, I would strongly advise you to do a bit of research or paint some test pieces - My own workshop floor (t&g chipboard, glued together and floated on polystyrene) is painted with a floor paint and I've found it rather too slippery for my liking, especially if it gets a little dusty. ( And I do mean a
little - it doesn't have to be covered in the stuff!).
Edit: The paint I used was Ronseal's Heavy Duty Floor Paint. I should add that the floor seems to be getting less slippery in the areas which have higher traffic, perhaps as the shine is getting worn away. In other ways it's great - sweeping up is a joy! (well - almost...
)
Dave
