How to fix a hole in the floor - subfloor repair DIY

We show every step to repair a big hole in the subfloor. All done from the top side! It's pretty easy when you know how.
We removed an old chimney and that left a big hole in the living room floor!
We filmed step-by-step repairing that big hole and it looks great.
Next step will be patching the wall-to-wall carpet, but that will be another video!
Tools and supplies:
Replacement piece of flooring (subfloor/chipboard/OSB in our case)
Tape measure
Drill
Screws
Screw drill bit
Drill bit (large enough to make a hole to put the rope through)
Felt marker/pen/pencil
Jigsaw
A couple roofing nails (or tacks or short nails)
Hammer
2 feet of rope
A couple short boards
A piece of cardboard

[@laurahicks9558]

This is great for people who own a house but don't have a lot of money and are clueless about how to fix a hole in the floor (me). It gives me an idea of what can be done. At least for the time being , it may not an expert repair or long term solution, but it will work. I apologize for the idiots that insulted you and nitpicked your video that you did trying to help people, because you didn't do it exactly the way they would. I enjoyed it!

[@maximpulse]

Laura Hicks Thanks for the positive thoughts, Laura! Maybe for me, because I have such a hard time getting around to all my unfinished projects, it's more important to get it done well now, than get it done "right" never. And I do mean "done well". This repair is as unmoved as the day I did it. So if you ever want something screwed up, come see me!

[@Vesigoth]

7 years after you posted this, I've got a similar problem. Thanks for posting it, you've helped me out. Subbed.

[@maximpulse]

I've been waiting for you! In case you are wondering, the floor is still as solid as ever. It hasn't moved at all.

[@Code9aa]

This is exactly the kind of DIY video I was looking for. A portion of my flooring gave way but I don't have walls, just paneling in an older mobile home. Nice idea with the strings.

[@maximhurwicz9226]

I'm glad filming this was helpful to you. The first time I tried re[pairing a floor this was was in a mobile home!

[@memilesb1]

Just don't do it if you have a piano in the house!

[@gwendorough5544]

I agree, no wasting of my time and frustrating me or actually hiding steps. You made a perfectly clear and wonderful video. Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

You are 100% welcome! And thank you for your positive thoughts.

[@MsJax1967]

Oh my, when you were cutting the cardboard on your thighs!!! I was cringing. But thank you so much as I had no idea how to fix my floor-hole. This was so helpful.

[@maximpulse]

Maybe this was my first horror movie! ;-) I'm glad it helped you.

[@helenramsey8111]

Thank you for a great explanation and uncomplicated way to fix a hole! this is exactly what I was looking for to repair a couple of holes left after moving two floor vents. Love the way you explain and show us how to fix!!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! As I have said elsewhere, if I were to do this over I would probably add in using an adhesive such as Liquid Nails.

[@waynebinky]

You are a genius! Great tips. Just cutting into my bathroom floor to exose some plumbing and was looking for ideas. Now my wife will think I am smart too :)

[@cranberryvalleyrr4579]

Great DIY VIDEO! Thanks so much for your time!

[@maximpulse]

Pastor Leonard Williams CAYA You are so welcome!

[@eatartdesign2513]

I have some wood rot in the subfloor of my houseboat and every single dude that came by told me I'd have to gut the WHOLE bathroom just to replace the one foot by one foot part (I've pulled up enough tile to know that it is only in this one spot because houseboat uneven and water collected over time from shower that didn't have shower curtain properly installed. Your video taught me how to do what I knew could be done--but I didn't know how. LOVE the holes you made to keep the sub sub floor from falling through! THANK YOU!!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! At first I thought you were replacing part of the hull, but I'm glad it's just a part of the floor!!! Thanks for the positive comment! Maxim

[@dogscratchedoor]

That was incredibly helpful and cool! Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

Have fun! Our repair is still perfectly secure and solid as the day we fixed it.

[@MADKingR]

That is a nice hole. Thank you for the video

[@cyphrpvnk6731]

This was just what I was looking for. Don’t currently have a hole but there is a small soft spot that feels like it could give out one day so this will definitely help me out!

[@maximpulse]

Yes…a "soft spot" can be the start of a future hole. Often right by a bath tub! Go get 'em, tiger!

[@smokymountainlife]

Thank you for this video! I need to repair my floor and this is exactly what I needed to see and do.

[@maximpulse]

And if I were to do this somewhere else down the road, I think I'd add some Liquid Nails just for the hell of it (not needed but a belt and suspenders sort of thing).

[@SirNicholasD]

Thanks for uploading. Will use your technique on my parents home and remember it for the day i own one :)

[@maximpulse]

How nice of you to fix your parents floor! Just in case anyone wonders, our floor is holding up perfectly.

[@cerealkiller5983]

Great video! Thanks for posting very helpful

[@AndrewLale]

Thanks for this video. I won't do it quite like that, but you gave me enough of a clue to be able to do it!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you figuring it out how to fix your hole. As others have commented, if you can get under to install a a short joist between the floor joists that can add a lot of strength, too.

[@donlucas3462]

this is a great fix,plenty strong this is how i would it if need be, your not parking a car on this,this fix is plenty strong great video bud

[@maximpulse]

And if I were to do this somewhere else down the road, I think I'd add some Liquid Nails just for the hell of it (not needed but a belt and suspenders sort of thing).

[@1Tibs1]

It’s a temp fix, really good idea in places there won’t be any traffic or heavy weight as there’s no support but the screws. If a brace was made between the joists for support it’ll pass safety and give you a piece of mind.

[@maximpulse]

Thank you. It was fun in it's own way. After I fixed the hole in the floor, Fran cut a piece of matching carpet to fit. It looked too new and clean, so she used tea to stain it to more closely match the existing carpet.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

This is exactly what I needed!! I love smart people! Thank You

[@maximhurwicz9226]

Good luck to you, too!

[@theCFseries12]

Thanks for the tips and everything. It really helped.

[@KiokeeOfficial]

an older video but very useful! I have this dreaded hole in my room, where it awkwardly lays where I sit and do work 90% of the day, where a stove pipe use to be and it's only been covered by a long piece of plywood for the past few years. My dad's too busy to fix it himself so I will make use of the knowledge learned hear and fix it myself XD

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! In fact the hole I fixed in the video was from a stovepipe from a makeshift wood-burning boiler the previous owner welded up himself. Plus he chopped holes in the ceiling and the roof! Instant cold air intake! It's all fixed now. And the repair shown in the video is holding up as good as the day I put it in.

[@Calimax91]

Someone said people were insulting this video. Ignore them. I have a landlord that won’t fix nothing so this video was a life saver. Idk what I’m doing and I have no money so you’ve really helped people.

[@maximpulse]

Yay! Thanks for the supportive comment. I am repeatedly impressed how some folks don't bother to examine actual facts…these critics tend to just spout off about this isn't "the way". They don't realize that this sort of repair is quite strong! Mine is still unmoved after all these years.

[@source-iu4uo]

Hole in floor now fixed. Perfect. thanks

[@maximpulse]

Seth Franke Yay! I'm glad the video helped you.

[@charlenebolduc8346]

This video helps me soooo much! Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

Yay!

[@amandablank3051]

Thank you VERY much.

[@watekab9359]

I am trying to gather knowledge to fix a hole left from an in floor radiant heater... this helps, i didn't feel lost trying to absorb the information. THANK YOU!!

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! As we used to say in the 60's, "Power to the people!"

[@watekab9359]

@@maximpulse thanks!! I bought my little 1950s by myself 9 years ago... im so excited to finally do things more serious than just painting!!

[@cloutmasterkevin2827]

Fixed the bottom hole in my shed like this👌 very easy,very quick

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! I appreciate your positive, can-do attitude!

[@olddudemindset9590]

Very cool and interesting video! Thank you for sharing!

[@maximpulse]

You're welcome! Hope this is helpful.

[@deborahwilliams6838]

Very slick 🙂

[@peaceandlove2555]

Very smart way !!

[@j.wat.3437]

Hey man great job!

[@maximpulse]

Thank you!

[@kass9735]

This is super helpful, thank You! 😊

[@maximpulse]

I'm happy to be of use to you! Go get 'em, tiger!!!

[@breezem77]

You're awesome, thank you!!

[@maximpulse]

Thank you! Have fun!

[@electric9791]

Nice work! 😯

[@maximpulse]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback!!!

[@markhamilton6627]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

+Mark Hamilton You are so welcome! Good luck with your hole!!!

[@mckinseygreymountain7907]

Don't do this ! This is not how you fix a floor!

[@sharoncreek8569]

Perfect! I just bought a house with a random shower in the laundry room. Pulled the shower out and needed to repair the drain hole in the subfloor without going into the crawl space below as we are near the river, it is getting warm, and snakes are out. This will work!

[@maximpulse]

GO get 'em tiger! In hindsight the only thing I might add is some construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails…it goes in a caulking gun) to the board that is pulled up under the floor. The screws are plenty strong enough, but adding some adhesive would be belt and suspenders!

[@amandablank3051]

Sir, I think you did an excellent job with the floor. Could you please post that video of the carpet repair??

[@maximpulse]

Thank you, Marco! And the good news is…the floor is still there today!

[@kentish]

Thanks Uncle

[@amandawitt9052]

The rope is genius. I’m super independent and don’t like to ask for help or help isn’t always available. Thanks

[@KadieChapman-hx3sf]

Perfect!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@maximpulse]

Thank you! As I like to say, "Perfect will have to do!!!"

[@shawnpa]

That was clever.

[@NickWisda]

Great video thanks for making it. Wish I watched it before I fixed two holes already. Love the cardboard and trace method. I think using a couple 2x4's held with clamps as you secure them would be a better support but I'm sure your way is fine too. My holes were decently square and I measured and had to trim over and over it was annoying. Thanks!

[@maximpulse]

+Nick Wisda Thanks for the kind words! I think you ave a good idea there about using a couple 2x4s to pull the patch up is great, too…maybe better!

[@natashabetts7509]

Thank u so much for this video.

[@maximpulse]

Glad to be of service!

[@jasonrodriguez8938]

I can tell it’s sturdy by the way he smacks it! Enough proof for me!

[@maximpulse]

I dunno if you are serious or sarcastic, but the floor has held up perfectly over the years since I made this video.

[@FixItYerself]

nice ingenuity!

[@maximpulse]

Thanks! It is still holding perfectly after all these years.

[@jettnatchez4776]

Thank you!

[@maximpulse]

You are welcome!

[@enney1358]

I'm trying this this weekend.

[@maximpulse]

My patch is still as solid as ever after all these years. I don't recall if this is in my video, but if I were to do this over I might add some construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails between the patch and the existing floor (in addition to the screws). That would just add additional strength…belt and suspenders, so to speak.

[@smithabieabigail7051]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@maximpulse]

You are so welcome! Go get 'em tiger!!!

[@threemermaids7925]

Thanks for posting this video. The plumbers cut a rather random hole to access the plumbing in the crawlspace and, duh, I needed someone to show me how to repair the hole. You did it!!! Your method is good for a lightweight repair but, since I will be placing a washing machine over the repair I'm gonna do it the 'correct' way as mentioned by Jeremy Denslinger. Watching the video reminded me of patching a hole in the drywall. Have you done a video on that subject yet?

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the kind words. You might be pleasantly surprised how solid my repair has proven to be - it hasn't moved a millimeter since I did it six years ago. Somewhere way down this page, in one of my earliest replies to some comment, I did the math and showed references to explain how much weight a repair like mine can support. It might surprise you how strong it really proves to be. Still, I do understand the tunnel vision some folks get when they think they know it all. It's as if their beliefs are like a house of cards and anything that doesn't line up perfectly with their ideas threatens to bring down their entire world. Instead of examining a new idea they try to call me all sorts of names and stuff. I'm not telling anyone what to do or not to do…I'm just showing what I did to fix my floor. But putting in new floor joists, etc. is definitely the official way to do this. But even that depends on making sure those new joists are solidly installed. I haven't done a wall repair video. Funny thing, I actually invented a new wall repair system and am trying to interest some company to license it.

[@maximpulse]

Here is my reply to someone from long ago: I understand it can be hard to see how this can hold up. The first thing for me to say is it is is still holding up fine after 8 months of walking on it. I could have made supports from underneath, but I wanted to show another way I solved the problem. I've run onto some awkward situations in the past where getting underneath wasn't easy. As to why it can work, it has to do with the strength of the materials and how it is assembled. If you Google "holding strength of screws plywood OSB" the 1st hit should be an in-depth study of the holding strength of screws in several kinds of plywood, and 5 kinds of OSB (including the OSB I used in my floor). You'll see each screw has a holding strength of between 400 and 700+ pounds in OSB. And I put in around 20 screws. Doing the math gives you 8,000 to 14,000 pounds of holding strength. Of course it would be stronger with some cross members of 2x4 or 2x6 underneath. That isn't the point. This is a simple way I repaired my floor that someone else might want to think about and decide for themselves if it would be right for them. And, of course, I did a punishing stress test which can be seen at kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXe6g2mpipqghqc ;-)

[@dianachilders8098]

Genius dude

[@maximpulse]

Thank you! And I have another KZbin video where I put the floor through a grueling test! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXe6g2mpipqghqc

[@teeynggod2168]

Great video.....

[@maximpulse]

Thanks!

[@teeynggod2168]

maximpulse no thank you and you're very much welcome ...

[@sandysbmtful]

Thank you so much. Now I do not have to go into the crawl space.:)

[@natashabetts7509]

That's what I was thinking ...that I would need to go into the crawl space or get a contractor which I can't afford right now.

[@Sarah-zl2fr]

I have this issue after I had mold removal done. Thanks for the video, I actually feel competent enough to try it!

[@maximpulse]

Go get 'em, tiger!

[@Justmyopinion_305]

Thank you sooooo much

[@maximpulse]

Go get 'em, tiger!

[@aimhigh4620]

THANK YOU 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@maximhurwicz9226]

You're welcome!!! Go get 'em tiger!

[@maximpulse]

Thank you! Y'know, it was such a nice hole, I guess it was a pity to have to fill it in and cover it up.

[@patrikbj829]

Very nice job,i have a whole like that in my house in spain,the problem is that its a crawl space with no access hatch and its a stone floor so i cant screw the under wood like you did.and somewhere i have a sewer or shower leak because it stinks and some nasty flies keeps coming up

[@amydefalco3730]

This is a perfect (and cheap) MacGyver fix for a very annoying problem. Especially the part where you're using the ropes to hold it in place. Perfect if you don't have access to the space below the hole.

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for your positive comments.

[@Gitarzan66]

This video caught my eye. I've been laying sub floor most of the day while my wife paints the bathroom. She's still painting and I sitting here watching your vids. ha ha shhh.

[@maximpulse]

My mate is sleeping, so I guess we both are enjoy ing our freedom…quietly.

[@Gitarzan66]

Yesterday was a long day. We're doing some upgrades all over the house. Going ring back at it today. It looks like you guys have a nice property. Do you mind me asking where you're at?

[@maximpulse]

We're about 50 miles north of Minneapolis in Minnesota…a town of 128. A big change after living in big cities all my life.It is a nice house. A house framer built our house and went broke doing it. He poured a ton of money into it, too. Just one more story of the recession and foreclosure mess back in 2008.

[@Gitarzan66]

That would be cool. I hate the city. I've been in Aurora Co. all my life. It's changed big time since I was little. I got lucky and bought my house in 08 when everything was at super low values. Now its tripled in value. No big plan on my part just dumb luck.

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! We got a great deal, too, but rural properties haven't appreciated the way urban ones have. I work at home so I'm happy, but nobody wants to commute long distances these days.

[@MyBloodyGymShorts101]

Love this, you make it look so easy! I am moving into a fixer-upper that has several small holes in the floor just big enough for a mouse to get through and I am wondering if this will still work? Because I am not sure how I would fit the cardboard or the wood through the hole where it is so small lol. Nonetheless, thank you for an awesome and informative video!

[@maximpulse]

Yes, I see your pint. I just showed what I did and how ell it worked for a particular situation. I can't really know your present situation. When I think about it, what is special here is we have a hole that isn't actually round…it is oval. So I can get a rectangular lower piece in.

[@juliosantini5410]

👌🏽! & Nice shoes

[@maximpulse]

Yes, I am so lucky!

[@juliosantini5410]

I removed my chimney the hole is scary wish u could see for more advice

[@maximpulse]

​@@juliosantini5410 I can't recommend what you should do. I just showed what I did that worked for me. If you can get underneath, the best thing is to put in some extra floor joists and then fill the hole.

[@EJ313]

My mentor always, "Made a man." You love to see it.

[@maximpulse]

I wish I could ask your mentor what they meant!

[@EJ313]

@@maximpulse you once said, "This is usually where another person would come in handy." However, you made a man lol

[@maximpulse]

@@EJ313 Ah, now I understand! Thanks! (I have an unbroken record of agreeing with myself)

[@jamesboyddotorg]

It's hard to see how much those screws go in by. Seeing someone standing on it would give me a lot more confidence in that repair.

[@maximpulse]

We've been walking all over it for 5 months now. No signs of anything letting go or even moving in any way. Maybe I should make a short video of me standing on it as you suggest. I found a study which examined the strength/holding ability of screws in OSB and each one has around 800 lbs strength before pull out. Multiply that times…I don't recall exactly, but something like 20 screws and there is some real strength there. I do understand adding some floor joists under it would make it stronger and that's probably what code would call for, but I'm just showing one solution which has worked for me.

[@maximpulse]

The screws went more than all the way through both thicknesses of the OSB. From the research I read, having the tip of the screw protruding makes for a 20 percent higher pull out strength.

[@maximpulse]

You're welcome, nephew!

[@Whicheverworks]

Thanks for you video. Do you have any tips for how to make a perfect replacement peice of wood when you cannot reach the "backside" ?

[@maximpulse]

You can tape a sheet of paper (or newspaper) over the hole and then rub the edge of the hole with a crayon held almost flat to the floor. It will make an outline of the hole. Cut out the traced shape and there ya go! If you want to be double-sure, glue the cut out shape to a piece of cardboard (or just trace around the paper) and cut it out again. Then you can drop the shape into the hole and re-trim as needed. You can also cut a couple holes near the center of the cardboard so you can hold it with your fingers.

[@johncox3141]

great idea using cardboard!!

[@maximpulse]

Thanks! It allowed me to make a perfect fit, and it's still there doing it's job!

[@dorisannstevenson7222]

I live on a pier and beam house and my kitchen sink pipe came loose I had to drill a hole on the floor to get the pipe to reattach it thank you so much this was amazing and super helpful and I don’t have to crawl under that nasty houseLol

[@maximpulse]

Good for you! This is a neat trick for certain situations!!!

[@RationalCreed]

brilliant, i have a narrow piece of a floor board that has broken away....I'm no good at using jigsaw's etc ....i'll use your method of screwing a piece underneath then fill in the hole with wood filler.

[@maximpulse]

Good luck! There's more than one way to do many jobs. Let me know how it goes!

[@rayacosta5070]

Thank you for the video From Hardeeville sc 29927

[@maximpulse]

You are welcome from MInnesota!

[@BrainToMush]

Interesting method. Probably not the way I would do it, but good job still.

[@maximpulse]

Thank you for being willing to think about alternative methods of doing stuff! I'm not campaigning for this method I showed…I just wanted to present an alternative idea.

[@melodyfleck9368]

Interesting repair. Liquid Nails says the glue bond is stronger than wood and plywood is just scraps of wood glued together. I was just thinking that if you Liquid Glued it and screwed it, it would be stronger.

[@maximpulse]

If I did this over I would also add some adhesive but one always has to ask how good is the bond between the glue and the surfaces? And are we talking shear strength or what? Too many variables for me to rely on glue alone. Screws are a much more predictable in terms of gripping and shear strength. Personally I would rely most on screws and only use glue as backup insurance.

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the kind words. It occurs to me my mate should think I am smart, too...

[@frdbSteamer]

You saved me from having to climb under the house. Thanks

[@maximpulse]

Good! I'm glad the video was useful for you.

[@muskratskull]

Not to code would be better to use nuts and bolts instead of screws but then the nuts stick out from the floor. Dont put anything heavy where this patch is. A fish tank would fall through. The right way is to patch to the joists like so many said. I would never do this to my house. You could get sued selling something fixed like this. If you dont care then it could be the solution for you. I liked the template part though. My d man would kick that patch right out. Its just screw threads through osb! If it gets wet or damp once its gone! Even using plywood on the piece underneath would have been better.

[@Meatandballs]

how does it look from the first floor if you were to look up? im curious as to how do you patch the ceiling? I may need to do this but I'm unsure how this affects my ceiling if I had to cut some flooring myself due to damage. thank you!

[@maximpulse]

I show it from underneath. The "first floor" is an unfinished basement. No patching required. Part of the idea here is this repair only affected the floor…not the ceiling below. In this case there is a space between the upper floor and the ceiling below for moving the patch around.

[@vickycravey6848]

Wow! I'm an idiot! I would've just taken off the entire board where the hole is in, measured that board and bought another one just like it at lowes, pounded it in place. Silly me, always taking the shortcuts. I'm going to get myself killed some day.

[@maximpulse]

Hi Vicky, I'm sure replacing the entire original board is the best way to do the repair. I'm just showing a way I repaired my floor. 3+ years since the repair and it is still solid.

[@1969626]

Did you put stiff back's A.K.A floor joist, cross supports under the floor to support the patch?

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for your question. No. I'm not against putting in floor joists, but it really wasn't necessary here at all. I have some long answers further down that describe the strength of each screw and how solid this floor is now so I won't repeat all that. There is a link to the research that has been done, too. The floor has been just fine for 2 1/2 years now. No problems at all. But really, I was just showing one way to fix a hole in a floor. There are many others. And adding floor joists would make it all stronger, of course.

[@maximpulse]

I shall endeavor to edit and upload the carpet repair. It's funny, it takes 4 times as long to edit as it does to film.

[@jpm5036]

oh my

[@myfibrolife5027]

Can this be used to close up a hole with water lines coming up through it? We had plumbers come and redo our plumbing, and instead of doing the water lines up in the ceiling as they previously were, they cute a hole through our kitchen floor and we now have exposed water lines coming up out of our basement into our kitchen. The hole is about 2 inches wide by about 5 inches long. We are not do it yourselfers but trying to get a professional in to close this up properly is proving to be impossible as everyone seems to be 2 to 3 months out. I am freaked out about what may eventually wander up out of this hole so this seems easy and simple enough for us to do ourselves! As long as we notch out the water lines in our template and cut the holes for them in our boards. Just want to be sure it’s safe? Thank you in advance!

[@maximpulse]

I am having trouble picturing what you have in front of you. But yes, you can make a patch with notches that go around pipes. especially with a small hole (2" x 5"). You can see in the video there are two layers to the patch. The lower layer is larger…the upper layer really just fills in the hole. The main thing is to make sure the lower layer has a large enough flange so you can screw it in place. That's what is holding the patch in place.

[@AbigailC92]

Is it safe enough to walk on? I have an old register vent that was relocated and the hole is still there and it’s in the middle of a walking threshold so I’m just making sure my kids and baby won’t fall through to the basement I doubt they’ll fit through the hole but I’d like to avoid any injuries if possible 😅 FANTASTIC video by the way very informative and educational.

[@CodyCha]

No, it’s not safe. You want to support the patch withone or two joist underneath

[@maximpulse]

I am walking on this patch daily…and have been since I made this video. It's 2024 as I write this so do the math.

[@loktom4068]

Nice. Additional construction glue inside the underside would fuse the new and the old together before screwing it tight can add more strength and rigidity. Nevertheless it still good video.

[@maximpulse]

I agree! Some liquid nails or similar adhesive would be a good addition. All that said, the patch is still in pristine condition after…I had to go look…9 years! It hasn't moved at all as far as I can see. Screws have amazing holding power/strength.

[@thechenius]

I don't see how this will support the weight of a person or withstand regular traffic. It is a step above a gaping hole in the floor, I'll give u that. However a gaping hole is probably safer, cuz u have a chance of avoiding death. At the end of this, I almost wonder if it was that much easier this way, than just properly supporting it and working from the basement/crawlspace.

[@maximpulse]

I understand it can be hard to see how this can hold up. The first thing for me to say is it is is still holding up fine after 5 months of walking on it. I could have made supports from underneath, but I wanted to show another way I solved the problem. I've run onto some awkward situations in the past where getting underneath wasn't easy. As to why it can work, it has to do with the strength of the materials and how it is assembled. If you Google "holding strength of screws plywood OSB" the 1st hit should be an in-depth study of the holding strength of screws in several kinds of plywood, and 5 kinds of OSB (including the OSB I used in my floor). You'll see each screw has a holding strength of between 400 and 700+ pounds in OSB. And I put in around 20 screws. Doing the math gives you 8,000 to 14,000 pounds of holding strength. Of course it would be stronger with some cross members of 2x4 or 2x6 underneath. That isn't the point. This is a simple way I repaired my floor that someone else might want to think about and decide for themselves if it would be right for them.

[@gooeytarballs]

Haven;t any of these fellows hear of construction adhesives? Also, is there but ine layer of plywood/osb on these floors?My houses have always had two layers.

[@maximpulse]

Yeah, afterwards I did think if I do this again I would use some adhesive too. It's amazing how strong screws are though. Somewhere further down in these comments I did a calculation on that. If I get inspired I'll go count layers in the flooring. First I'd have to figure out how to see a cross-section without sawing up the house.

[@tashawndaprice704]

Can I use this method on the soft spot next to my tub?

[@maximpulse]

It depends. I often find the soft spot next to the tub is actually a rotten area of flooring that extends underneath the tub. If the rotten or soft spot is completely outside the tub then I have done a repair to a mobile home bathroom floor as seen in my video. But if the soft spot extends under the tub there are two possible solutions. 1. Replacing the floor outside the tub, under the lip of the tub and under the tub itself. Doing all that will mean you have to remove the tub. 2. Possibly removing the rotten flooring if you can somehow get at it (maybe from underneath in the crawl space) and then sliding in new flooring from the outside of the tub and under the lip as far as possible. But I really doubt #2 will be a satisfactory solution.

[@red1387]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Now my inlaws won't think I am a total idiot. They have a hole in their floor and I thought I'd fix it for them immediately.

[@maximpulse]

Yes, it is so much better to only be considered a partial idiot! ;-) Go get 'em, tiger!

[@jamesmcguire6706]

@@maximpulse lol

[@countryroadstakemehome]

7:38 satisfying

[@maximpulse]

Yes, it was very satisfying! And it is still as solid as ever! Hasn't budged a millimeter!!!

[@zenaru1]

now jump on it fix it Maan! just jokin thank you for video man helped alot

[@maximpulse]

I'm glad that my little video was helpful! Do the jump test! ;-)

[@leadingbyxample]

Great video! Question. I have a sunken bath tub on the main floor that I'd like to remove. Could I use this tutorial to replace the missing flooring in there? Thanks so much.

[@maximhurwicz9226]

I think the hole a bathtub leaves would be too big for this (that's about 32" x 60"). You would need to put in one or more floor joists to fill the space or 1) the flooring might cave in and 2) you'd have a lot of deflection (bounce) in that part of the floor. BUT: you could use this method to slip a piece of cardboard in the hole first to make an exact template for cutting out the flooring to fill in the hole (before installing the filler joists). Of course you can use multiple pieces of cardboard, and then tape them together once the floor hoists are in. It's a fun feeling to have the cut flooring piece fit in so cleanly. Good luck!

[@benjaminjohnson824]

I know you posted this 4 years ago but to replace a floor that a tub sits on you have to remove the ENTIRE floor and redo all of the hooves in your basement/crawl space

[@ginaestes8941]

What about board on other side?

[@maximpulse]

I don't understand your question. Watch the video…I show how I construct the patch.

[@abzghl]

How did you get that hole? I am here to learn how to make a hole like that for my ethernet cable to my basement. Not to fix it. I was thinking a jackhammer.

[@maximpulse]

The previous owner of our house welded together a wood-burning boiler in our basement and ran the flue (chimney)r right up through the floor and ceiling and roof. He was broke at the time and was just trying to do what he could but after we removed the boiler we had tp fix the holes. I just use a 3/4" speed bore bit to drill holes for ethernet cables when I need to. A jackhammer might be overkill, I suspect.

[@siku5it]

OK, I think this is a great idea and cool video (thank you maximpulse!) . I applied this technique to close a hole that I had to make because I needed to reach a bathroom vent from the storage over the bathroom ceiling. (The vent pipe was between the bathroom ceiling and the storage floor). I had to use two slabs of wood to compose the patch as the only entry was the actual hole and it was of regular shape- Now, reading the comment from Jeremy Denslinger I realized that I could have simplified the job by cutting the entire section between the joists (instead of a 14 inch wide it would have been 16 or 18 inches and re-apply the cut wooden section (screwing back the same panel on the same joists with the addition of supporting sidings to the joists) without making a potential weak spot. That said, it's still a great solution that I'm sure will last, considering that the storage area is not a high traffic zone. I thought I had no other choices, frankly, but actually there was a simpler way.. In fact, cutting from joist to joist and adding supports to the joists.. I could have spared time and material.

[@maximpulse]

Hi Evo, Thanks for your thoughts. There definitely are many ways to skin this cat. Depending on one's particular situation it's nice to have choices. I have repaired floors using a rectangular cut joist-to-joist and slipping in 2x4 or 2x6 supports…which is handy for making access panels, too. Anywho, I have done quite a bit of research into this whole deal and I am amazed at how strong my repair actually is. It is not a "potential weak spot" at all. I understand why some folks imagine that. It is in an area which does get traffic and has not moved one iota in over 8 years. In fact, from what I understand from my detailed studies, it is stronger than the original floor. I can imagine if you were removing and re-installing the same flooring, then I can see why you would want to make the cut differently. Replacing flooring can be quite a different situation. It is bizarre how rotten flooring in some bathrooms can get. I used to own a 150 year old house where I started out to replace a small bad area by the tub and wound up gutting the entire room. I just went and looked at Jeremy's comment again…it makes me smile to read how emphatic he was and how his predictions were completely unfounded. There is no "soft spot" at all. The average person simply doesn't pause to think about the actual strength of the materials I used. Most people don't understand how much weight a single screw can hold, much less a set of screws. And of course the strength of the sheet materials used, too. Anyway, thanks for commenting. Maxim

[@AndriaFocht]

I am just curious as to why you didn't just square up the hole, instead of drawing the odd shaped design? .... looks good though

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the great question! I had to think back to when I did this. I could say the less I cut away, the more of the original floor's strength I have. Or I could say I'd have to be more accurate in my measuring if I measured and cut a square hole and a matching filler piece. But in truth, I guess I just felt like doing it this way. I'm not a rebel, but this was a fun way to do it.

[@user-ny4hm1ld3r]

How much would this cost

[@maximpulse]

It all depends on how much you already have lying about. I don't think I bought anything…just used bits and bobs I had around. Bit of a pack rat, is me mother's son…

[@Nelhasanoldchannel]

Um excuse me but i live with my grandma and well since i was well brought here, we had a bunch of soft spots and holes in the floors. My grandma is getting old and sick so just placing boards over the floor won't do anymore. (Falling hazard) But see im not sure what type of floor we have bc the holes that are in the house are kinda due to (I'm not sure how to describe it) i think the floors softening and sinking. So like do you think this will work for the type of situation I'm describing or no? I just don't want to do something that gets anyone hurt 🧍

[@maximhurwicz9226]

I have seen floors made of particle board soften and sag, especially in bathrooms. Next to the bathtub is often the worst. I actually first used my repair technique to fix a couple small holes in a mobile home's bathroom floor to help some folks who had no money. But those were relatively small patches. If you have large areas you will probably need to cut out the bad flooring, possible reinforce the floor joists with some extra 2x4s (to have more to attach to and more cross support from one joist to another). Search around and you'll find lots of other videos on KZbin to show how to do this. Maxim

[@patwregan]

first time someone steps on that they will fall in that patch- no structure to it

[@maximpulse]

Golly, five years and counting…and it has been walked on and even jumped on and hasn't budged a millimeter. Over these past five years I have explained in great detail the considerable strength this patch has and why I am showing it as an option. I suppose you didn't read all the documentation I supplied in my earlier responses. The only unsupportable thing here is your comment. Instead of making a shoot-from-the-hip pronouncement you might want to investigate the strength of each screw and of the actual materials used. It's amazing how it adds up.

[@NorthernWindNut]

Honestly even though it's not "to code" it will work in a pinch, and if you've had no problems with it who cares? You may run into trouble when or if you go to sell your house, though, as it might ding an inspection.

[@maximpulse]

Thanks for the positive comment. I hadn't ever thought about an inspector making any noise down the road, but anything's possible. I appreciate your attitude. It's interesting how many heated comments this video has gotten over the last 4 years. The repair is as solid as the day I made it…it hasn't moved at all. It doesn't flex or give in any way, and I suppose that counts for something!

[@yendothegamer9880]

I mean if it gets carpeted over then they would never know especially since he said it's as good condition as the day he did it

[@FirstNameLastName-ib3cp]

Add a fireman's pole. Job complete.

[@maximpulse]

If only she'd let me…sigh.

[@scottfranco1962]

To expand a bit on what was said, a repair as shown will place the stress on the screws. Normally the flooring will transfer the load to the joists in the floor. Now take a 250 guy standing on the floor, and you have a potential failure. Typically the argument is if you need to back all seams with joists, that is the A++ standard.

[@scottfranco1962]

+Scott Franco Ok, so I admit I was fascinated by the engineering consequences of this. You are relying on the pull out strength of the screws. according to this: www.zillarac.com/Portals/0/Documents/PDF/Screw%20Pull-out.pdf You are about 173 lbs for a 1 inch, #10 wood screw. I am guessing that you had about 10 of those in the patch, so that is a rough 1730 lbs of breaking strength before that patch pulls out. Thats a lot, but it varies with wood strength (because the screw pulls out of the wood rather than breaks off). Also remember that loads can be dynamic (the 250lb guy jumps on the floor). From this, I am going to guess that patch will fail when heavy furniture is place on it more likely than people.

[@scottfranco1962]

+Scott Franco So I read through this thread. This kind of thing can be a more valuable video than doing it right, because we get to examine why it was wrong. One note to the original poster though. You mention several times that "it is holding up fine so far......" The failure mode for this is SUDDEN, and ends up in the HOSPITAL. And it might happen to someone long after you leave the house. Do yourself a favor, and call a professional to redo this.

[@TheTiggerbaby12]

God I added 5 supports in between 2 existing sturdy joists 8 braces for a 6 ft by 2 foot area. A bit overkill considering the size but I realize I sure don't have to do it again in the future.

[@maximpulse]

+Jen Rich Good for you! 6 foot x 2 foot is a pretty big area! It's great to be able to feel a repair is permanent and reliable.