How Much Does It Cost to Replace Subflooring? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $900 - $3,000
The typical cost to replace a subfloor is $1,560, though you could spend anywhere from $900 to $3,000. The size, material of the floor and where it's located in your home can all impact your costs.
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You might need to replace your subfloors—the base layer that supports your flooring—if you’re dealing with squeaky floors, warping, or water damage. For an average-sized room of 300 square feet, expect to spend about $900 to $3,000 on the cost to replace subfloors, or $3 to $10 per square foot. Most homeowners spend about an average of $1,560. Laying down a new style of flooring, like marble or linoleum, might require a new subfloor.
- Average
- $1,560
- Low end
- $420
- high end
- $10,000
Subfloor Replacement Cost Factors
If the time has come to replace your subfloors, you should factor in the cost of the subfloor material you choose, where you’re installing it, and labor costs. These costs can vary depending on where you purchase the material and who handles the installation, so shopping around and asking for multiple quotes can save you money in the long run. Consider the cost to replace the subfloor as part of your new flooring installation costs.
Subfloor Cost per Square Foot
Subfloor replacement typically costs about $3 to $10 per square foot. This range can vary based on labor costs, which will add $25 to $30 per hour, and the type of subflooring you choose. Below we’ve broken out examples of relatively affordable, middle-range, and higher cost options to give you a better idea on how much subflooring costs can vary.
“Subfloor replacement can be straightforward or very involved,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert and a Raleigh, N.C.-based general contractor. “You usually can’t see the extent of any underlying problems until you remove the top layers of flooring and subflooring.”
Subfloor Material
The subfloor material you choose will have a large impact on the final cost. For certain situations, like installing heated floors, you may have to choose a certain subfloor material. However, in many cases, you’ll be able to choose the material and brand that best fit your budget. Material costs range from as low as $2.50 per square foot for plywood and as high as $10 per square foot for Amdry or Barricade.
Location
The cost to replace the subfloor depends on its location and the size of the room. So, replacing the subfloor in the bathroom will likely cost less than replacing the subfloor in the living room, mostly due to the size of the space. The location also plays a part in the complexity of the project, which will also impact the cost. For instance, a bathroom will have more fixtures to cut around than a living room or bedroom. A bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room will also be more likely to have water damage than other areas in the home.
Here are some cost estimates based on the location of the replacement subfloor.
| Subfloor Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $450 – $1,500 |
| Living room | $900 – $3,000 |
| Kitchen | $600 – $2,000 |
| Bathroom | $120 – $400 |
| Basement | $3000 – $10,000 |
Labor
In addition to materials, you’ll need to consider the labor cost of replacing the subfloor. Labor costs typically fall between $25 and $30 per hour. A typical subfloor installation will take a day or two, but it will ultimately depend on the amount of prep work required and any necessary repairs.
Subfloor Replacement Cost by Type
There are many different types of subfloors to consider depending on your needs. A bathroom renovation will require subfloors that are resistant to moisture, like Amdry or DRIcore panels. Your living room or bedrooms might benefit from a soundproof option, like Barricade panels, for better naps and sleeping at night, or you can keep it simple with plywood.
| Subfloor Material | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Plywood | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| Amdry | $3 – $10 |
| DRIcore | $2.50 – $9 |
| Barricade | $2 – $10 |
| Warmboard | $7 |
| Concrete | $6 |
Plywood Subfloors
Plywood is the most common type of subflooring. As mentioned above, this material costs around $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot of 5/8-inch thick plywood panels. Keep in mind, these costs do not include labor. For a 300-square-foot room, you’ll spend about $750 to $1,050 to replace the subfloors with new plywood.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Oriented strand board is another popular subfloor option. The cost is less per panel than plywood, but it can also swell if moisture is present. OSB is weaker than plywood and will not work for ceramic tiles or stone floors. This material costs between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot.
Amdry
Amdry is a brand of moisture-resistant, insulated subflooring made specifically for basements. Amdry runs between $3 and $10 per square foot or between $900 and $3,000 for a 300-square-foot space. Installation also requires special connectors at $20 per pack of 15 connectors.
DRIcore
The aptly named DRIcore brand is another moisture-proof subfloor option that is commonly used in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. For a 300-square-foot room, DRIcore subfloor replacement will cost around $530.
Barricade
This insulated subfloor can help increase the temperature of your finished flooring without the extra costs of installing radiant underfloor heating. Made specifically for basements, the sound-dampening quality of Barricade-brand panels also makes this subfloor a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, or offices where you might want a quieter space.
Barricade costs about $2 per square foot or $600 for a 300-square-foot room.
Warmboard Subfloors
Imagine walking across a cozy, heated living room floor in the middle of an Ohio winter. This little luxury requires a special type of subflooring that can withstand underfloor radiant heating. Warmboard costs around $7 per square foot or $2,100 for a 300-square foot room.
Concrete
Concrete slabs are a unique choice, as this material can serve as a subfloor or the main floor. You can also install additional subfloors, like DRIcore, on top of concrete for better moisture protection. Concrete subfloors cost an average of $6 per square foot.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the material you choose and the labor costs, other cost considerations include whether you’re repairing or replacing the floor, the cost of removing the existing subfloor, any repairs or mold remediation, new flooring installation, underlayment, and permits to complete the work.
Repairing vs. Replacing Subfloors
Choosing between repairing and replacing subflooring comes down to the condition of the existing subfloor. If it’s generally in good shape, repairing the damaged areas may be a consideration and can cost less than a full replacement. Subfloor repairs can cost between $2 and $10 per square foot.
Existing Subfloor Removal
Generally, you’ll have to remove the existing subfloor before installing the new one. This won’t add any material costs, but it will require labor, which is typically included in the total cost of installing a new subfloor. Ask your flooring pro whether it’s included in their estimate to be sure.
Floor Joists Repair
You may not know if your floor joists need repairing until you remove the existing subfloor, so leaving some room in the budget for unexpected repairs can help cover the cost of floor joist repair if it’s necessary. Each floor joist costs between $100 to $300 to replace.
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation involves cleaning and sanitizing the area where the mold has grown to remove any signs of contamination. This is an important process because mold can create health hazards in the home and damage the areas where it grows. Mold remediation costs an average of just over $2,000.
New Flooring Installation
If you’re replacing your subfloor, it’s likely you’re installing new floors and will need to budget for the cost of new flooring. The cost to install hardwood flooring is one of the most expensive options, but it can be refinished, which allows it to last for years. Installing linoleum flooring, carpet, or laminate falls on the lower end of the cost spectrum for those wanting a specific look or sticking to a lower budget.
| Floor Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Hardwood floors | $6 – $12 |
| Laminate floors | $3 – $8 |
| Carpet | $3 – $11 |
| Tile | $5 – $45 |
| Linoleum | $3 – $12 |
Underlayment Installation
Underlayment, while not always necessary, can add comfort to the flooring and protect the new subfloor from damage. It can also increase sound absorption and improve insulation. To install new underlayment, it can cost as little as $0.50 per square foot and go as high as $5.50 per square foot. Because this isn’t always necessary, make sure to talk with your contractor about whether or not you need it in the project’s budget.
Permits
If you’re replacing the subfloor in one room or in a small area of a room, you likely won’t need a permit—though it’s always good to check. For larger projects, your local city or municipality may require that you obtain a permit for the work. Permits typically run between $50 and $200, and your contractor may take care of getting them, so make sure to ask who’s responsible for applying for permits.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Subflooring Yourself?
Installing subfloors incorrectly could lead to costly repairs and additional replacements down the road. It’s best to work with a local flooring contractor to replace subfloors, but you can DIY the project if you have experience installing them, which could save you between $25 and $30 per hour on labor costs.
There’s significant benefits to working with a pro. In addition to removing old material and installing the new subfloor, a pro will know which type of material is best for your project and whether you need to install a moisture barrier.
“If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom and that remodel involves adding heavy materials, such as granite countertops, it’s best to consult a structural engineer,” says Tschudi. “Many homes—especially older homes—will need extra support to prevent serious problems down the line.”
The primary material will be the subflooring, which will range from $2 to $10 per square foot. Additional materials may vary depending on the type of subfloor. For example, Amdry subfloors require connectors, which cost $20 for a 15 pack. For a 300-square-foot room, you’ll spend about $450 to $500 on subfloor materials.
In addition to the flooring material, you’ll likely need the following:
| Supplies | Cost |
|---|---|
| Circular saw | $40+ |
| Crowbar | $10 |
| Nails | $20+ |
| Nail gun | $150+ |
| Construction adhesive (reduces squeaking) | $15+ |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have experience working with flooring, replacing the subfloor yourself may make the most sense. You’ll be saving on labor costs and can plan the project to fit your timeline, so you won’t have to wait. But because subflooring is such an important factor in flooring installation, you may want to hire a contractor to complete the work and make sure it’s ready for the flooring. A local flooring contractor may be able to tackle the entire project (both the subfloor replacement and the new floor installation), saving you time and potentially money.
How to Save on Subfloor Replacement Costs
Subfloor replacement costs can add quite a bit to the final cost of your flooring, so saving money on the installation can help make the entire project’s budget a little more manageable. Here are a few ways to save on subfloor replacement costs.
Get multiple quotes: Getting quotes from at least three local contractors will give you some options that will work best for your budget. You may even be able to negotiate with the contractor you want if you have rates from other contractors.
Remove the existing subfloor yourself: Removing the existing subfloor can save you between $25 and $30 per hour in labor costs. But make sure to factor in the cost of any tools you may need to purchase to get the job done.
Only remove the damaged area: If only a small area of the subfloor is damaged, you can replace that section rather than the entire subfloor. This can save money on both materials and labor.
Choose a less expensive material: While you definitely want to choose a sturdy and durable material, the look of the subfloor isn’t important since it’s underneath the flooring. This means you may be able to choose a less expensive subfloor material to help you stick to your budget.
Angela Brown contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several signs that your subfloors need to be replaced. Water damage is a common culprit, often identified by a musty smell in the room. A sagging floor or uneven spots in your wood or carpet flooring might mean the subfloor is weak and needs to be replaced.
Squeaky floors could mean you need to fix broken joists or loose nails, while cracking tile floors mean the subfloor isn’t strong enough to handle the tile.
The type of subflooring you need depends on the room and the type of floors. If you’re installing radiant heating, you need to use Warmboard. For bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or other spaces that are prone to moisture, options like DRIcore and Amdry are best to prevent water damage. Also consider how much weight the subfloor needs to hold and the best level of durability for your space.
A subfloor will often last for the life of the house—somewhere between 50 and 100 years—if it avoids water damage, mold, termites, and other things that can cause it to age faster. If a subfloor sees continued exposure to moisture, it can warp, grow mold, or rot and last a much shorter time.
Yes, your flooring pro can replace just part of a subfloor by cutting out the damaged or rotten portion using a circular saw set to the appropriate depth so it doesn’t cut into the supporting joists. Your pro will cut a new portion of the subfloor so it fits snugly in the empty area and secure it to the joists. If there is water damage, they may need to reinforce or replace the joists.
Replacing small sections of damaged subfloor may only take a few hours, depending on the size of the project and the skill of the person installing it. For whole rooms or larger jobs with extensive damage, replacing the subfloor can take up to a few days, including removing the old subfloor, repairing damage, and installing the new material.