If I were to replace a 2' section of particle wood flooring with plywood...?

Question

I will hire someone for this this time, but just out of curiosity what type of saw does one generally use to cut the replacement piece with and how does one connect the replacement piece of plywood flooring with existing particle wood flooring? I've never owned a manufactured house before.

Answer 1

Usually people use a skill saw for the task of removing a spot of bad wood on the floor.  It can be set to a predetermined depth, so that it will only cut away one layer of wood if necessary. The replacement piece can be cut with a skill saw, table saw or any other type that can handle the job.  it's best to use a saw with a straight edge when possible, because it sensures a straighter and more accurate cut.  The replacement board is simply screwed into the sub-flooring with wood screws to secure it in place.

Answer 2

1. Locate an area of the cut BETWEEN supporting beams. Locate this empty space by tapping with a hammer or using a "studfinder".

2. Drill a hole big enough to get your hand through. This is so you can feel in there to make sure you're not going to cross wires.

3. Measure the depth of the plywood. Set a circular saw's depth to just barely over this depth.

4. Carefully mark out the square, making sure the sides are 1/2 the width of the supporting beams, and the other sides are perfectly perpendicular to the beams.

5. Make your cuts, but as you approach the corners, don't "over-cut. Stop cutting as soon as you hit the corners.

6. Use a hammer and chisel to "finsh out" the corners.

7. Cut two 2 X 4's the width of the space between the supporting beams, from beam to beam. Nail these in to the supporting beams crossing the perpendicular sides of the cut, so that half the width of the 2 X 4 is exposed to support your patch.

8. Cut the patch, nail it in on all 4 sides. Use only 3 or 4 nails on each side, in case you ever have to open the patch in the future.

Answer 3

Okay for a 2' peice, you want to use a circular saw or table saw. I wouldn't advise using a jigsaw but if you have a cutting guide you might be able to get it close enough. So you cut your section, and then test it to make sure it fits the way you want, and then adhere it with a floor adhesive. Don't use Liquid Nails construction adhesive, as it is not made for floors. Ask at the Home Depot or Lowe's or read the adhesive label. Some are for floors and some are not. I believe the black PVC construction adhesive is. Again read the label. Shim the section if you need to. Email me if you get stuck.

EDIT: stretch has a good suggestion, you can just use coarse drywall screws to connect it to the subflooring. Neither of us can see the project, so we're shooting from the hip some.