How to Replace a Damaged Subfloor With Plywood
The floor under your floor covering consists of at least two subfloor layers, generally of plywood. If the top layer is damaged or rotting out, you'll need to replace it before you proceed with carpeting, wood flooring or any other top-floor material. If the lowest level of flooring (the one that sits directly on floor joists) is also damaged, you should have a professional look at it before proceeding, as that part of a floor is a structural element. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Prybar
- 1/2-inch thick plywood
- 1-1/2 inch galvanized wood screws
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
Instructions
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1
Pull up the damaged top layer of subfloor, using your hammer and prybar. Take it all up, leaving just the bottom layer of wood. Go over the surface with your hammer, knocking down any raised nail heads.
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2
Set a piece of plywood in one corner of the room, running in opposite direction as the existing bottom layer of plywood sheets. Drive 1-1/2 inch galvanized wood screws into the surface of the board every square foot. Make sure none of the screw heads are sticking up.
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3
Set the next plywood pieces in the same manner, butting them against each other and laying them in a course, end to end, along the wall. Cut the final piece with a circular saw to fit.
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4
Lay the next courses so that the ends of the boards don't line up from course to course. Cover the entire floor.
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