Bathroom Renovation Vol.9: Cushion Floor Installation

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ud83dudcda Bathroom Renovation Series u2014 9 of 25

u2190 Bathroom Renovation Vol.8: Floor Base Preparation u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Bathroom Renovation Vol.10: Washing Machine Stand Pt.1 u2192

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-12-01 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

2026 Update from DIY Dad: Bathroom/Laundry Room Renovation Strategies
Laying the Cushion Floor

2026 Update from DIY Dad: Bathroom/Laundry Room Renovation Strategies

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Mold-Resistant Bathroom Caulk

Re-caulk every 3u20135 years. Black mold on caulk is the #1 tenant complaint in Japan.

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The bathroom/laundry room is one of the more challenging DIY projects because of its wet-area nature u2014 but with the right approach, it’s absolutely doable.

Floor Work in the Bathroom/Laundry Room

The biggest challenge in this series was the full floor replacement: checking for joist rot u2192 repairs u2192 plywood subfloor u2192 cushion floor finish. This is among the more difficult DIY tasks in wet-area renovation.

What to Check Before Laying the Subfloor

Measure joist spacing (typically 303mm = 1 shaku)
Check joists are level with a spirit level
Visually inspect and press-test for rot or termite damage
Lay plywood sheets in a staggered pattern so seams don’t line up

Tips for Laying Cushion Floor

Make a paper template (trace the floor shape using roll paper or cardboard)
Cut cushion floor 5u201310mm oversize, then trim to final fit on site
Cut wall edges straight down with a utility knife (not at an angle)
Spread adhesive evenly with a notched trowel, then press down while rolling out air
Reinforce seams with seam-specific adhesive if the floor has joints

The bathroom/laundry room has a complex shape u2014 taking a careful paper template is the key to success.

Installing the Washing Machine Stand

Always confirm the floor is level before setting the waterproof pan. Also verify the drain hole alignment and drain hose reach (typically within 1.5u20132m).

What DIY Dad Prioritizes as a Landlord

Use seamless sheet cushion floor for easy maintenance
Choose a washing machine pan shape that’s easy to clean
Always verify the ventilation fan is working u2014 essential for mold prevention
Caulk carefully at all vanity, pan, and wall joints

The cleanliness of the bathroom/laundry room directly affects occupancy rates. Cutting corners here always causes problems at move-out.

ud83dudebf For Anyone Considering a Vanity or Wet-Area Renovation

Confirm drain pipe types and measurements before starting to avoid leaks.

Laying the Cushion Floor

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Bathroom Vanity & Mirror Cabinets

Mirror cabinets add storage and light u2014 tenants notice immediately.

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Hi, this is DIY Dad! Continuing the first-floor bathroom/laundry room renovation series.

With the floor substrate ready, it’s time to lay the cushion floor. Tools and materials used: cushion floor sheeting, cushion floor adhesive, notched trowel, roller, utility knife, and scissors.

Cushion floor sheeting has its own rigidity, so if it’s cut too large it becomes unmanageable. Before adhering it, the piece is trimmed roughly to the right shape with scissors. DIY Dad’s approach: cut a little on the large side u2014 you can always trim more, but you can’t add material back. The sheet is pressed against the surfaces to trace the shape, then cut along the outline with a utility knife.

Application Process

Once the cushion floor is shaped, fold it back halfway. The sheet is applied in two halves. Spread the cushion floor adhesive over the exposed half of the subfloor with the notched trowel, creating an even comb pattern across the entire surface. The adhesive used here requires a brief open time before bonding u2014 the wait time varies with the season.

After the specified time, lay the cushion floor onto the adhesive and roll over it with the roller to press out any air. Skipping the air-rolling step leaves visible bubbles and imperfections. DIY Dad goes over it thoroughly. The same process is repeated for the second half.

The entire floor is now bonded!