How to Replace a Wood Bathroom Floor

There are many reasons to replace a bathroom floor. The main reason is damaged wood from a leaking roof, faucet, or toilet. It is never a good idea to simply place new wood over the top of damaged wood. This could cause mold and mildew to form underneath the new wood and create health problems for everyone living in the home.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench and ratchet set
• Plywood
• Nails or screws
• Pry bar
• Hammer and chisel or screw gun
• Saw to cut the wood

Instructions

Out With the Old, In With the New

1. Turn off the water going to the bathroom. Flush the toilet to empty the tan. Remove any excess water in the bowl by using an old rag or cup. Use the wrench or ratchet set to remove the bolts and washers that are holding the toilet to the floor. Disconnect the water lines from the toilet. Remove the toilet from the bathroom.

2. Using the wrenches and ratchets, disconnect the water and drain lines from the bathroom sink. Remove the sink from the bathroom. If possible, remove the cabinets from the bathroom as well. If the cabinets can not be removed without damaging them, then the floor can be replaced around the cabinets but not under the cabinets. Make sure that the wood under the cabinets is not damaged as well as this may require new cabinets to be installed.

3. Once all counters and fixtures have been removed from the bathroom, remove the old flooring. A pry bar and hammer may be needed to remove the old wood. If the old wood was screwed down instead of nailed, then simply unscrewing the wood will be easy. To remove the old wood, put the pry bar into the edge of a piece of the wood floor and press on the pry bar until the wood begins to come up. Remove all of the wood from the floor. Use the hammer and chisel to remove any old nails that are still in the wood studs.

4. Check the studs in the bare floor to ensure that none of them need replacing. Replace any studs that are damaged. Start laying the new plywood onto the floor and nail or screw each piece into the studs underneath it. As the new plywood is laid, it will be necessary to cut some of the plywood to fit into the gaps. Using the tape measure and saw, cut the plywood to the correct length and put it in place. Nail or screw the remaining plywood into place.

5. Cut the holes in the proper places for inserting the toilet and the bathroom sink. If linoleum or tile is to be put on top of the new wood, now is the time to install it.

6. Replace the toilet. Use a new wax seal when replacing the toilet. Replace the sink and cabinets.

Tips & Warnings

• The plywood should be 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch Make certain all nails or screws are flush with the wood

• Always wear safety glasses when sawing wood

References

• Fixing bathroom floors
• Tips on replacing wood plank floors