What Do You Need to Replace Your Kitchen Sub-Flooring?

Circular Saw

• A circular saw allows you to make linear cuts along the subfloor to divide it into sections. Removing the subfloor one section at a time is typically less cumbersome than removing the entire subfloor at once. Cutting the subfloor into 2-foot or 3-foot sections also provides space for you to insert a pry bar under the flooring to expedite its removal. A circular saw is also an efficient tool for cutting new subflooring before installation.

Pry Bar

• A pry bar is necessary for removing subflooring after you have cut it into sections with a circular saw. In general, a longer pry bar gives you more leverage to apply pressure to the underside of the existing subfloor, which allows you to remove the subfloor with less effort. In most cases, a 48-inch pry bar is sufficient to remove existing subflooring. Your pry bar should feature a claw at one end for removing nails -- this can be particularly important when you are working in water-damaged areas.

Measuring Tape

• A measuring tape is invaluable for installing new subflooring in your kitchen. You might assume that you can rely on existing subflooring for accurate measurements; however, frame shifting and subfloor warping and expansion may not provide accurate measurements.

Nail Gun

• Traditionally, carpenters have simply used a hammer to nail subflooring to floor joists. However, this is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. A nail gun can reduce the time you spend installing your new subflooring, and can reduce mistakes that can increase material costs.

Carpenter's Level

• If you plan to expend the time, energy and money to install a new subfloor in your kitchen, you want the new floor to be smooth and level. A 4-foot carpenter's level can help ensure that the new flooring does not slope. If you identify irregularities, you can install shims on the floor joists to correct problems before you install new subflooring.