What this covers
The subfloor is the plywood or boards the finish floor sits on. Water, rot, termites and age can leave it soft, delaminated or sagging. Repair removes the damaged section, checks the joists beneath and sisters or replaces any that are weak, installs new subfloor panels screwed to the joists, and levels the transition so the new finish floor goes down flat.
When to call
- A soft, spongy or sagging spot in the floor.
- A floor that was wet in a loss and dried but still flexes.
- Squeaks and movement that stretching or screwing from above do not fix.
What to expect
- ExposeThe finish floor is removed over the damaged area and the subfloor and joists inspected.
- Repair the structureWeak joists are sistered or replaced; any moisture source is fixed.
- New subfloorDamaged panels are cut out and new panels fitted and screwed down.
- Level and finishThe surface is leveled and the finish floor reinstalled or replaced.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
How do I know the subfloor is damaged?
A soft spot, a dip, or a floor that gives underfoot. A moisture meter and a look from below, where there is a basement or crawlspace, confirm it.
Can a wet subfloor be dried instead of replaced?
Plywood that dried quickly and stayed flat can often stay. Delaminated, swollen or moldy panels are replaced.
Does this need a permit?
Joist repairs sometimes do. The company checks the local requirement.
Related: Floor leveling · Hardwood floor repair · Water damage restoration · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.