Subfloor Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$266 – $572
$2.66 – $5.72 per sq ft
Sheets (4×8)
4
Material Cost
$116 – $172
Labor Cost
$150 – $400
Floor Removal
—
Cost Per Sqft
$2.66 – $5.72
Standard Thickness: 3/4" is recommended for most applications. Use 5/8" only if matching existing subfloor or under tile. Thinner subfloors may cause squeaking or flex.
CDX Plywood: Better moisture resistance than OSB — recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. The "CDX" rating means it's exposure-rated for temporary moisture.
Check joists: Before installing new subfloor, inspect joists for water damage, rot, or termites. Joist repair costs $100–$300 per joist if needed.
Not included: Underlayment ($0.50–$1/sqft), new flooring, mold remediation ($10–$25/sqft if found), joist repairs.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Subfloor Replacement Cost Breakdown
| Material | 1/2" | 5/8" | 3/4" (Std) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDX Plywood | $0.78 – $1.15/sqft | $0.96 – $1.43/sqft | $1.16 – $1.72/sqft |
| OSB | $1.04 – $1.61/sqft | $1.29 – $2.00/sqft | $1.56 – $2.41/sqft |
* Material cost only. Add labor ($1.50–$4/sqft) and floor removal (if applicable) for total.
Total Project Costs
| Room Type | Size | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bathroom | 40 sqft, CDX 3/4", tile removal | $185 – $535 |
| Kitchen | 120 sqft, CDX 3/4", tile removal | $560 – $1,600 |
| Bedroom | 150 sqft, OSB 3/4", carpet removal | $610 – $1,490 |
| Whole Floor | 1,000 sqft, OSB 3/4", carpet removal | $4,060 – $9,910 |
* Includes material, labor, and floor removal. Does not include new finish flooring or joist repairs.
How We Calculate
Our subfloor replacement cost calculator estimates total project cost based on area, material type, thickness, and existing floor removal. Total = material cost + labor cost + floor removal cost.
Sheet calculation: Sheets needed = (Area ÷ 32 sqft per sheet) × 1.10 waste factor. Standard 4×8 sheets cover 32 sqft. We add 10% for cuts and waste.
Material Comparison
CDX Plywood ($37–$55/sheet, $1.16–$1.72/sqft) — Exterior-rated plywood with C-grade front, D-grade back. More moisture-resistant than OSB. Best for bathrooms, kitchens, and moisture-prone areas. OSB ($50–$77/sheet, $1.56–$2.41/sqft) — Oriented strand board. More affordable for dry areas but swells when wet. Fine for bedrooms and living rooms.
Thickness Guide
3/4" — Standard for most applications. Provides best rigidity and nail-holding for finish floors. 5/8" — Use when matching existing subfloor or under tile to maintain floor height. 1/2" — Rarely recommended. Can flex and squeak. Only use for very light-duty applications.
Floor Removal Costs
Carpet ($1–$2.50/sqft) — Easiest to remove. Hardwood ($2–$4.50/sqft) — May require prying and nail removal. Tile ($2–$5.65/sqft) — Most labor-intensive due to thinset mortar.
Additional Costs
Underlayment ($0.50–$1/sqft), joist repair ($100–$300 per joist), mold remediation ($10–$25/sqft if found), new finish flooring (varies by type).
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeGuide, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Bob Vila, and verified contractor estimates (February 2026). Material costs from Home Depot and Lowe's.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does subfloor replacement cost? +
Subfloor replacement costs $3–$11 per square foot installed, depending on material, thickness, and floor removal type. A typical 120 sqft kitchen costs $360–$1,320. Tile removal adds the most ($2–$5.65/sqft), while carpet removal is cheapest ($1–$2.50/sqft).
Should I use plywood or OSB for subfloor? +
Use CDX plywood ($1.16–$1.72/sqft) in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms — it resists water better. OSB ($1.56–$2.41/sqft) is fine for bedrooms and living areas. OSB swells when wet and doesn't recover, so avoid it in wet areas.
What are the signs of a bad subfloor? +
Common signs include squeaky floors (loose fasteners), soft or spongy spots (rot/water damage), uneven surfaces (warping), visible mold or mildew, musty odors, and cracks in tile or gaps in hardwood above. If you notice these, inspect before installing new flooring.
Can I DIY subfloor replacement? +
Subfloor replacement is a moderate DIY project for handy homeowners. You'll need a circular saw, drill, pry bar, and level. Budget 1–3 days per room. The hardest parts are removing old flooring and subfloor, and ensuring joists are level and undamaged.
What thickness subfloor do I need? +
3/4" is standard for most applications and provides the best rigidity. Use 5/8" if matching existing subfloor or under tile (to keep floor height consistent). Thinner 1/2" subfloor is rarely recommended — it can cause squeaking and flex under load.
How long does subfloor replacement take? +
Professional subfloor replacement takes 1–3 days per room, depending on size, floor removal type, and joist condition. A 120 sqft kitchen with tile removal typically takes 1–2 days. Whole-floor replacement (1,000+ sqft) takes 3–5 days.
When should I replace joists? +
Replace or repair joists if you find water damage, rot, termite damage, cracks, or sagging. Joist repair costs $100–$300 per joist. Signs include bouncy floors, large soft spots, visible damage when subfloor is removed, or deflection greater than 1/2" over span.
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