How Much Does It Cost to Replace Subflooring? [2025 Data]

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 an average of $1,560. Laying down a new style of flooring, like marble or linoleum, might require a new subfloor. 

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 depend 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 costs about $3 to $10 per square foot, but it depends on the type of subfloor and labor costs. Below, we’ve broken out examples of relatively affordable, mid-range, and higher-cost options to give you a better idea of 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 type of subfloor you choose will impact its performance and your project’s total cost. For example, moisture-resistant options like DRIcore work well in basements and bathrooms, but cost up to $9 per square foot. Basic plywood is less expensive at $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average, but it’s better used in dry living spaces.

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 for 5/8-inch-thick plywood panels. Keep in mind, these plywood costs don’t 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 (OSB) is another popular subfloor option. It costs 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 for basements. It costs between $3 and $10 per square foot or between $900 and $3,000 for a 300-square-foot space. Installation also requires special connectors, which cost $20 per pack of 15 connectors.

DRIcore

The aptly named DRIcore is another brand of moisture-proof subflooring commonly used in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. A DRIcore subfloor replacement will cost around $530 for a 300-square-foot room, or $2.50 to $9 per square foot. 

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 to $10 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.

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.

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.

Labor 

In addition to materials, you’ll need to consider the labor cost of replacing the subfloor. Labor costs range between $25 and $30 per hour. Most subfloor installations will take a day or two, but the time will ultimately depend on the amount of prep work required and any necessary repairs. 

Existing Subfloor Removal 

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 and $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.

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.

Disposal

After removing an old subfloor, all those leftover materials need somewhere to go. One option is to hire a junk removal service, most of which charge between $100 and $800 to dispose of construction debris. Removing subfloor materials is on the low end of this range, at an average of $160.

Another option is to haul the leftover materials to a dump or recycling center and pay the disposal fee, which could be under $20. Since subfloors are mostly plywood, you might be able to donate or sell the materials to someone else.

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 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. 

Repairing vs. Replacing Subfloors

Not all subfloor problems require a complete replacement. Minor issues, like loose boards, superficial water damage, or small areas that squeak, can be repaired. Avoiding a full replacement if possible will save money and time.

However, complete subfloor replacement becomes necessary when structural integrity is compromised. Signs you need a full replacement include:

• Widespread water damage or extensive mold growth

• Multiple broken or rotten boards

• Sagging floors, which can indicate joist problems

• Extensive damage 

Although replacing subfloors costs more up front, doing so when necessary ensures a solid foundation for your new flooring and prevents future problems.

Cost to Replace Subflooring Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro 

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.

Working with a pro has significant benefits. 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 depend 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:

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.

• Remove the existing subfloor yourself: Removing the existing subfloor can save on labor costs, but make sure to factor in the cost of 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.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.