How to Replace a Bathroom Subfloor

You want to remodel your bathroom by adding new flooring. However, due to water damage or dry rot, you may have to replace part or all of your bathroom subfloor first. Replacing your bathroom subfloor will maintain stability and beauty for your new hardwood or tiled floor.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pry bar
• Leveler or mortar mix
• PVA solution
• Broom
• Trowel
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Remove all the bathroom fixtures, like the toilet and cabinets, if you're planning to replace the entire floor. You'll be able to examine the subfloor for any further damage.

2. Take out the existing subfloor. If you have a concrete subfloor, use a hammer and chisel to remove the clumps of concrete protruding from the surface. Any protruding areas could damage the new flooring. If you have a wood floor, remove the subfloor using a chisel or pry bar.

3. Use self-leveling mixture or mortar mix to level any noticeable small holes or dips in the subfloor. Make sure that all the bitumen from the previous floor covering is gone. If any of it remains, the leveling compound won't properly stick to the floor.

4. Apply PVA solution and leveling compound to the subfloor after sweeping away the dust and debris from the subfloor. After pouring the mixture, use a trowel to evenly spread the mixture over the entire subfloor. Wait overnight for the mixture to dry.

5. Smooth out any rough or uneven sections of the new subfloor with sandpaper after it dries. This ensures that you create an even subfloor.