Remove Floor Vent and Patch Hole

Tools:

level
knee-kicker carpet tool
circular saw
scissors
drill
carpenter's square
tape measure
chalkline
paddle
hammer
permanent marker
carpenter's pencil
safety glasses and gloves
sawhorses
3/4-inch plywood board, sized to fit hole
short and long screws
tape

1. First release the carpet from the wall using the knee-kicker (figure A). The knee-kicker has adjustable teeth on the underside for grabbing the carpet.

2. Roll up the carpeting to expose the backing beneath. Use a straight edge to draw an outline around the grate. Cut away the carpet backing to expose the grate (figure B). Be careful and do not damage the backing you remove, as you'll be putting it back later.

3. Remove the grate and see what you're dealing with. In this case, there was an old oil heater under the floor (figure C). When dealing with an old fuel tank, make sure you contact your local Environmental Protection Agency office for removal guidelines and restrictions.

4. After removing the old heater, measure the opening for the patch and for your floor joist (figure D).

5. Transfer the measurements for the patch onto plywood using a chalk line so you get nice, straight lines. Clamp the plywood to sawhorses and cut the patch with a circular saw. Cut two identical pieces of plywood. One will go in first and serve as the subfloor of your patch, and the second board will go on top. This way, if you later decide to cut a hardwood floor patch you only have to remove the top board.

6. Next cut any needed floor joist pieces.

8. Next wedge in your floor joist. Tap it into place using a hammer (figure F). Toenail the joist to the adjoining boards with screws (figure G).

9. Put the first piece of plywood in place and attach to the floor joist with screws. Also drive screws in at each corner, into the corner blocks you placed below (figure H). Be sure to drive the screws in so the heads are just below the surface so they don't push up the top piece.

10. Now put in the second piece of plywood (figure I). Again, attach at each corner with screws.

11. Step on the patch to make sure it's solid, then put the piece of carpet backing back in place. Tape the seams of the patch (figure J).

12. Roll back your carpet and flatten any lumps. Now enjoy a smooth floor.