A flooring installation includes at least two floor supports separated from one another by a span distance, the floor supports each having lateral, vertical side walls between which an opening is defined. A bay is defined between the floor supports. A primary subfloor is supported atop and attached to one of the at least two floor supports, the primary subfloor including an overhanging portion overhanging a portion of the bay. A spanning brace is disposed between the at least two floor supports in the bay, the spanning brace engaging on opposing ends the lateral, vertical side walls of the floor supports, one end of the spanning brace extending beneath and spaced from the overhanging portion of the primary subfloor. A recessed subfloor panel is supported atop the spanning brace, the recessed subfloor panel being supported at a lower elevation than the overhanging portion of the adjacent, primary subfloor.