I'm looking for some advice on my bathroom subfloor since I don't have a dad to ask about these things anymore. The previous owners had laid down some hardwood plank laminate over the plywood, but there's been a water issue that led to mold forming by the tub. I've treated the mold with vinegar, and while the subfloor doesn't feel soft, I'm unsure whether I should completely replace it, or if I can just sand it, seal it, and use cement board. Additionally, my subfloor consists of four separate sections—does having it in multiple pieces raise concerns about future cracks in the tile? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
If your subfloor is solid and you've eliminated the mold and the water issue, there's really no need to replace it entirely. The number of pieces isn’t the main concern; what's important is the stiffness of the subfloor. As long as it's sturdy, you should be good to go!
From my remodeling experience, I always replaced the subfloor. You’re bound to discover hidden problems, like leaks, and other issues that could pop up. I’ve never regretted taking the time to replace it, and it's really not hard to do. Plus, you'll thank yourself later!
It really depends on how deep the mold issue goes. If the mold is just on the surface and you’ve properly treated it, you might be fine. But if the plywood is blackened and decayed all the way through, then it's time to replace it. Ideally, a subfloor should be one solid piece, but if you do need to cut out a section, just make sure it spans three stud spaces and secure it well.
Thanks for the insight!
I had a similar experience and ended up ripping out my entire subfloor due to mold. The rule I follow is if it’s hard and sounds dense when tapped, you're probably safe. But if it feels soft and gives a thud sound, it's time for a replacement. I found it super helpful to go to Lowe’s— they cut the subfloor to size for me, and it worked out perfectly!
Honestly, now is the best time to replace the subfloor if you're thinking about it! It'll be a lot easier to do it right now than after you've put down new materials. Just a thought!
Thanks for the reassurance!