How to Fix Plywood Under My Carpet

If you have a buckled or damaged plywood subfloor underneath your carpet, it will need to be repaired.

If you have a plywood subfloor, over time, it can become warped, or it may even break. Water damage, and just general wear and tear can have a detrimental effect on this subfloor surface. In order to repair the subfloor, you will first have to roll back the carpeting to reveal it. This is not a project that can be accomplished without this step. Expect to spend about four to eight hours on this project from start to finish.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet puller
• Handsaw
• Plywood panel
• Hammer
• Nails
• Carpet nails
• Carpet adhesive

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Instructions

1. Grip the carpet in one edge of the room with carpet pullers. Pull back and loosen the carpet from the tacking strips or adhesive. Do not be too aggressive or you will rip the carpeting. Reveal the subfloor portion that needs to be replaced. Roll the carpeting up and secure it while you work.

2. Remove the damaged portion of plywood with a handsaw. If the entire sheet is ruined, you can pry it off with a pry bar. Otherwise, use a handsaw to cut out the affected area.

3. Measure the spot for the replacement sheet of plywood. Use a measuring tape to get the length and width of the replacement area.

4. Cut a new sheet of plywood to fit, using a circular saw. Avoid rushing the wood through the saw or you will create a jagged edge.

5. Fasten the new plywood to the floor joists with a hammer and nails. Line up the new sheet and lay it down. Make sure there are no gaps between the seams of the new and old plywood. Insert one nail per 12 inches for each floor joist.

6. Roll the carpet back out and reattach it. Carpet tacking strips make this job easier. Stretch the carpet back into place. If you prefer adhesive, coat the subfloor with adhesive first, then press the carpet into place. Otherwise, roll it out and then tack it into place along the edges of the room.

References

• I Can Fix Up My Home: Plywood Subfloor Repair
• Online Tips: Replacing Plywood Subfloor
• Home Addition Plus: How to Repair Plywood Subfloor