I need help deciding whether or not to replace the subfloor during our major kitchen remodel.
The 1st floor of my 35 year-old 2 story colonial is framed with 2×10 on 16″ centers over a 13′ span (kitchen is 12’6″ x 16′). The current subfloor is 1/2″ plywood in fair condition: some squeaks, some delamination, nailed only not glued. The original 3/4″ wonderboard underlayment and several layers of flooring are now gone. Should I repair the damaged areas and top w/ 1/2″ plywood, or replace entire floor with 7/8″ or 3/4″ “sturdi-floor”. It seems to me that the 1st method is easier and cheaper but I am hoping that feedback from those with more experience will ensure that the finished project is squeak-free and level. We intend to finish with either a laminate floor (like pergo) or vinyl. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks
Replies
i always like 3/4 subfloor & 1.2" underlayment under a vinyl floor..
if you can get all of it up. probably easier to start over and glue & nail.
but if some of it is under the surroundig walls, you may want to screw it off where there is any looseness.. and then overlay with a 1/2" underlayment ply, glued & nailed to your flooring spec
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 4/9/2003 2:27:03 PM ET by Mike Smith
Edited 4/9/2003 2:30:32 PM ET by Mike Smith
You anticipated my next questions. The subfloor is under the bottom plate of the perimeter walls. I can cut within 1.5" of the plate with my circular saw, which will be 1" when the drywall is up. Is that close enough, or should I rent a toe-kick saw. Also will it be necessary to use nailers around the perimeter?
Or if I don't replace the floor, what screws should I use, and would you builders felt between the two layers? There was felt originally. Thanks Mike.
since it is under the walls, i'd screw off everything that's loose, and patch bad areas, glue & nail.. then i'd overlay with 1/2" underlament ply, nailed off @ 4" OC with ring shank nails ( 2" on the edges) .. that's for the vinyl... the vinyl guys will want all of the nails set so they can trowel on their floor filler..
if it's to be pergo..i'd nail off @ 6" OC and 4" on the edges ...
no felt.. with this nailing schedule ain't gonna be no movementMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore