Cost to Replace, Repair or Install Subfloor
The average cost to replace or repair a plywood subfloor in a 306-square-foot room costs $555, or between $490 and $600. The average cost to install a new plywood subfloor is $620, or between $572 and $720.
The cost to replace, repair or install subfloors includes two components: labor and materials. The labor costs for a professional to work on subflooring are usually between $25 and $30 per hour, but it will vary based on your location and if the job is particularly complex. Cost for materials will depend on what type of material you select.
Plywood is the most common material. However, it can also be constructed from oriented strand board (OSB) and a variety of other products with moisture barriers and other features. For an average-size kitchen at 306 square feet, plywood subfloor materials would cost $459; using a specialty brand material like Amdry would cost $918.
A subfloor provides stability and a level surface. Homes built on a slab foundation may not require them as many types of flooring can lay directly on top of the concrete. Homes with floor joists need a base to provide a surface on which to lay carpet, ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate and/or vinyl. Moisture and pest infestation can damage subfloor. It can also become sloped over time. Since it's vital to the stability of your home's floors, you should contact a pro for replacements, repairs or installations.
On This Page:
- Average Subfloor Replacement & Installation Costs
- Subfloor Cost per Square Foot
- Plywood Subfloor Cost
- DRIcore
- Amdry
- Tyroc
- Barricade
- Warmboard for Radiant Heating
- Best for Basements
- Calculator
- Cost to Replace Subfloor
- Mobile Home
- Water Damage Subfloor Repair
- New Installation
- Install Material Prices
- DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Average Subfloor Replacement or Installation Costs*
| Average Cost | $555 |
| High Cost | $600 |
| Low Cost | $490 |
Subfloor material costs range from $1.50 to $7 per square foot, depending on the type of material.
| Materials | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Plywood | $1.50 |
| DRIcore | $1.65 |
| Amdry | $3 |
| Tyroc | $2.70 |
| Barricade | $2.25 |
| Warmboard | $7 |
Plywood costs around $22 per 4 by 8 foot panel. That equates to around $1.50 per square foot for a 5/8 inch panel. For a 306-square-foot room, that's a total of $459. If you choose a thicker grade of plywood, the cost will increase.
DRIcore brand panels are good for basements or other areas prone to moisture. Panels cost about $7 per 2 by 2 foot panel or about $536 for a 306-square-foot room.
DRIcore is an engineered product designed to reduce moisture absorption.
An insulated, moisture-proof brand for basements, Amdry costs $3 per square foot, or $918 for a 306-square-foot room. You must also purchase connectors to complete the installation. A package of 15 connectors costs about $20.
Amdry has a moisture barrier designed to work well over concrete slabs.
Made from recycled rubber and compressed magnesium oxide, Tyroc costs about $2.70 per square foot. That's $826 for a 306-square-foot room.
An option that warms floors and dampens sound, panels of Barricade cost $2.25 per square foot or $689 for a 306-square-foot room.
Used with radiant heat hydronic systems, Warmboard costs about $7 per square foot or $2,142 for a 306-square-foot room. Adding radiant floor heating costs between $1,750 and $6,000.
The best basement subfloor option includes a built-in moisture barrier. Brands like DRIcore or Amdry include this. If you're looking for the most inexpensive option for subflooring, plywood is the best option.
Calculate the amount of subflooring you'll need by determining the amount of square footage to be covered. To do this, multiply the length by width to get the total square footage. To determine the cost, multiply the total square footage by the material cost per square foot.
Consult with a Contractor for your Floor Project
Replacing subfloors will cost between $1.45 and $7 per square foot for materials. Labor costs will be around $27.50 per hour. The project requires the removal of the finished flooring and damaged area and the installation of a new material.
Factors that will influence the labor cost include:
- Moving appliances and/or furniture,
- Removing existing flooring and subflooring,
- Hauling old materials away,
- Installing or repairing subflooring,
- Possibly installing a new finished surface,
- Replacing appliances and furniture.
| Item | Price Range* |
|---|---|
| Materials | $460 - $2,150 |
| Labor for a simple replacement job | $100 - $250 |
| Extra materials | $20 - $50 |
| Total Cost | about $580-$2,500 |
Contractors charge from $25 to $30 per hour to remove subflooring. A contractor will remove the finished portion of the floor, cut out sections of subflooring and haul away the debris.
Installation doesn't change very much from one type to the other, so labor costs will be similar. A contractor will charge anywhere from $25 to $30 per hour to remove existing finished flooring and subflooring, and the same hourly rate to install new subflooring of either type.
- Plywood: $1.50 per square foot in materials
- DRIcore: $1.65 per square foot for materials
Expect to pay somewhere around $27.50 per hour for labor. A kitchen or bath might cost more in labor in case pros need to move appliances, bathtubs and toilets. Many flooring contractors will do this for you, but don't be afraid to ask your pro.
After removing the damaged section of subflooring, your pro will need to replace it. You may also need to replace the finished flooring or ask the contractor to reuse the existing flooring, if possible. You'll also need to factor in the cost of materials, and since water is a concern in kitchen and bath, you may want to opt for a more expensive type of moisture-proof subfloor.
Expect to pay between $2 to $2.75 per square foot for both labor and materials. Since the job is specialized, it's best to hire a professional to complete the work.
Hire a Contractor to Replace or Repair subflooring
The cost to repair or replace plywood subfloors will be $1.50 per square foot for materials and between $25 and $30 per hour for labor.
- Water sits for an extended period, such as during a flood.
- Carpet or laminate becomes thoroughly soaked, degrading the subfloor.
- Moisture dried quickly.
- Water was contained to a small area.
Other Common Repairs
Other repairs will cost around $25 or $30 per hour in labor plus the cost of materials.
- Sloping, either in spots or an entire floor,
- Waves caused by settling or water damage,
- Gaps,
- Dry rot,
- Pest damage.
Water damaged floor repairs can cost between $200 and $500. For information on how to repair hardwood, laminate or other top flooring, check out our Flooring Repair Cost Guide.
Cost to Install New Subflooring
Installing subflooring in a 306-square-foot-room typically costs between $572 and $2,400. The low estimate is based on using plywood and 4.5 hours labor at $25. The high estimate includes using Warmboard brand subfloor and 8.5 labor hours at $30.
Installation Material Prices
When installing new flooring, you need to factor in the cost of installation materials, if you're planning to also replace the finished flooring. Materials such as moisture-proof underlayment or carpet padding will go between the subfloor and finished floor.
- Hardwood floors require black tar paper that costs between $10 to $20 for a 432-square-foot roll.
- Laminate requires foam padding underlayment, if it doesn't already have it attached. The price is usually less than a dollar per square foot, and it comes in a 100-square-foot roll.
- Carpet requires padding at a cost of about $1 per square foot.
Additionally, you may need threshold transition pieces, tack strips and quarter round. Quarter round that matches your floor costs between $1 to $3 per linear foot. White quarter round is between 20 to 85 cents per linear foot. Tack strips cost between $25 and $50 for a pack of 100.
Installing subflooring requires a good amount of expertise. While it's possible to do-it-yourself, hiring an experienced professional will ensure your floors are level and capable of supporting your furniture and appliances. A professional will help determine if you need a moisture barrier to prevent future water damage. Get in touch with a qualified professional today.
