I need to replace a subfloor in an upstairs hallway that was damaged by a leaky shower wall in the adjacent bathroom. I have since fixed the shower. Evidently the wall had leaked for some time, but the hall is carpeted so we didn’t see any evidence of the damage until the subfloor dried and heaved. It’s time to pull up the carpet and cut out the subfloor. I’d like to put down hardwood in this hall instead of carpet, so I need a good base. Any thoughts on how I should go about this? Should I cut out the subfloor around the edges of the whole hallway and replace? Are there any structural considerations I need to think about? I can remove the baseboard and cut there, but I am not sure how to cut right along the wall.
Also, stairs lead up to this hallway. If I put hardwood down in the hall do I need to consider the change in height from the top step caused by a layer of hardwood?
Replies
You've got some major renovations on your hands. I'm going to let the remodelers advise you on this one. They certainly will give you plenty of great advice. Get your notepad out.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, some of it is viewed as boogerin and not consistent with views of those who prefer to overbuild everything...including their own egos
Additionally, don't take any political advice from me. I'm just a parrot for the Republican talking points. I get all my news from Rush Limbaugh and Fox and Friends (they are funny...try them out)!
re hardwood/stair rise, if stair guy set stair nosing onto subfloor so it's up 3/4", new hardwood will match height w it and you're ok w rise if not, if it's set level w subfloor, rise increases by 3/4" w new nosing and hardwood this additional rise off top stair tread may be code issue or liability if someone falls
on perimeter, bring cut 1 1/2" - 2" into subfloor away from wall place blocking between joists centered on newly cut seams so you can later facenail old and new plywood into the blocking install blocks level w joists to secure blocks, nail thru joists into blocking w 12d good tool for this is a small pneumatic palm nailer, godsend for tight places can angle nails in if held careful, keep fingers away from the nose glue and nail/screw new subfloor into place again, nail new and old subfloor edges into blocking also block under the new seams in center of hallway, as you don't get the same panel strength w smaller patches compared to full 4x8 sheets
I suspect the stair nose is level with the subfloor but I won't know for sure until I peel back the carpet.
Thanks for the input so far.
KB