Kitchen2 Vol.18: Floor Base Treatment

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2017-02-04 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

2026 Update u2014 Kitchen Phase 2 Work: Outlets and Floor Repair

After finishing the bathroom, I moved on to the kitchen’s second phase: adding outlets and repairing the floor. Kitchen floors take a beating, so it’s essential to repair them properly before relaying the finish. ^ ^

Adding Kitchen Outlets

In older homes, kitchen outlets are often scarce. Running a microwave, rice cooker, and electric kettle simultaneously trips the breaker. I added outlets to handle modern kitchen demands.

Methods for Adding Outlets

• u2460 Branch from an existing circuit (if capacity allows)
• u2461 Run a new dedicated circuit (for high-draw appliances)
• u2462 Install a new 20A dedicated kitchen circuit

Adding outlets requires a Type 2 Electrical Work License. DIY Dad holds the license and did the work himself. Anyone without the license must hire a certified contractor.

About the Type 2 Electrical Work License

For landlords, this license is a strong recommendation. Pass a written exam and a practical skills test to earn this national credential u2014 then you can add outlets, swap light fixtures, and replace switches yourself.

The exam runs twice a year. DIY Dad passed through self-study. Total investment: around 30,000 yen for study materials and tools. The savings on outsourced electrical work have been enormous. ^ ^

Kitchen Floor Repair

Kitchen floors are exposed to water, oil, and heat, making them the first to deteriorate. The plywood subfloor under the cushion floor is often rotted by the time you get there.

Floor Repair Steps

• u2460 Remove the existing CF and inspect the subfloor
• u2461 Remove any rotted or soft plywood
• u2462 Lay 12mm plywood as a new subfloor
• u2463 Fill height differences with leveling compound
• u2464 Lay the new CF

Skipping subfloor repair and just relaying the CF will result in a spongy floor again within years. It’s tedious, but rebuilding from the subfloor is the right approach.

Now to the Step-by-Step u2014 Subfloor Leveling Compound

Hi, it’s DIY Dad! ^ ^

Trains are funny things. Recently I ran into an old colleague from my first job u2014 someone I hadn’t seen in 15 years. It happened in the morning, just as I was stepping off the train. We were both surprised, said a quick hello, and went our separate ways. I spent the morning thinking how nostalgic it all was.

Then, on the train home that evening u2014 there was the same colleague! Their stop was close to mine, so we had a few minutes to actually talk. ^ ^ Strange coincidences do happen on trains.

Continuing with the 1F kitchen renovation. Next up: treating the subfloor under the refrigerator space. Tools and materials used: leveling compound (filler), trowel.

Fill the dips and hollows with compound. Use the trowel to smooth everything flat u2014 no lumps or bumps. Then wait for it to dry.

^ After applying the leveling compound.

^ Same area from a different angle. Flat and ready for the CF. That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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