Island Bar

I have water damage. A-lot of water damage. Pipes burst and began to leak causing water to stand under our 3000 sf mobile home. We're repairing the entire floor with next to no money. My concern for this question is this: We have many cabinets and an island bar in the kitchen, where the sink and dishwasher are located. I noticed in one post that the advice given was to use the reciprocating saw and circular saw, cut up as close as possible and then snap it off. Would that be the same concept that would be suggested in this case? We will have to build a new subfloor and then lay new flooring. We're up for the challenge, just want to make sure we do it right. So much to do! Thanks for being here. I think I speak for all of us on this end when I say we sure do appreciate you!

 

Most MHs use particle board for the sub floor - I assume that is how yours is. PB sucks up water, swells and deteriorates. Cutting as close to walls or cabinetry is often the way to go but a lot depends on the condition of the PB under the cabinets - you might need to remove the cabinets. What condition is the sub floor along the perimeter of the house?

The way MHs are constructed usually means that your existing floor covering is under the cabinets and maybe even the stud walls.

almost forgot welcome to the forums!

 

What is your subflooring material? Water damage likely does not stop conveniently at the base of the cabinet. If your subflooring is particle board I would consider removing everything including cabinets so you can re-install new subflooring. You also have the problem with the walls as the subflooring extends underneath them as well but that's a whole other subject..

 

If you have a lot to do, and you aren't pulling the cabinets out, I would suggest you go to Harbor Freight and buy their toe kick saw and a spare blade... it will cut flush right next to your cabinetry. Save the box and once you're done with it, sell it on eBay or Mercari.

Mobile homes are often a strange beast, however... without knowing/seeing how your floor is framed it's hard telling what you're in for. Like Pilot Dane says, I think your walls will be a problem. But yeah, if it's particle board, it needs to go.

 

I forgot to add that MH floors are typically 5/8" thick although when the PB swells it will appear to be thicker so you need to cut back to sound PB. I normally replace the PB with either 5/8" plywood or OSB. If I have a lot or repairs to make I'd replace the bad and then go over the entire floor with 3/8" or 1/2" plywood.