Title: How to Replace a Subfloor Under a Wall
Headings: How to Replace a Subfloor Under a Wall
How to Replace a Subfloor Under a Wall
Wall and Floor System Basics
Removing the Subfloor Under Walls
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Instructions
Turn Off Electricity and Water
Remove the Baseboard
Remove Sections of Drywall
Remove the Floor Covering
Remove Any Underlayment
Cut Away the Nails
Cut Away the Subfloor
Remove the Subfloor From Under the Wall
Remove Subfloor From Other Side (Optional)

Content: Cut Away the Subfloor
Set the circular saw to the proper depth to cut only the subfloor but none of the materials below the subfloor. The circular saw cannot cut flush with the wall, so cut as close as you can get to it. Most circular saws will let you cut as close as an inch or two. Continue two more cuts with the hand saw along the side of the cut-out square until you reach the wall's bottom plate. Remove the Subfloor From Under the Wall
If the subfloor is heavily rotted out, you may be able to pull back on the remaining section of subfloor and remove it. If not, attach a 3/4-inch auger bit to the drill and drill to a depth of 3 1/2 inches underneath the wall bottom plate on both sides of the rotted area. The auger bit effectively acts as a saw to cut away the wood. If the edge of the subfloor rests on the joist, the section of subfloor should pull out. If not, proceed to the next step. Remove Subfloor From Other Side (Optional)
If the subfloor is a continuous sheet that extends beyond the wall, you will not be able to pull out the section that you are working on.