How To Level A Wood Floor For Hardwood

A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too.

How to level a wood floor for hardwood.

Leveling floors can be a diy project or left to professionals. When installing laminate vinyl tile or hardwood flooring it s important to know how to level a floor. If not your floor covering which is the solid hardwood laminate tile or other exposed flooring that goes on top of the subfloor will never be flat and level this problem can be fixed but it all depends on exactly what kind of uneven subfloor you have. If you have very high or low spots foundation or structural problems or termite damage.

Use deck screws or ring shank nails set into the floor joists to secure loose or squeaking pieces of wood subfloor material. Remove any obstacles from the floor. Self leveling underlayment products can be used on concrete floors wood subfloors that are uneven but still in decent shape and even over ceramic tile floors eliminating the task of tearing. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor.

This will expose the subfloor underneath which is where most leveling problems lie. A floating floor laminate or locking hardwood shouldn t be installed over a wood subfloor that s adhered to a concrete slab. You can leave linoleum or sheet vinyl in place if it s difficult to remove or if removal would damage the sub floor. Inspect the moisture level check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter.

If the bubble is off raise the low end until it s level. After the subflooring is screwed tightly to the joists vacuum the floor to remove all dust and debris. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive. Use a six foot long straight edge and a level to find the highest spot on the floor.

To do this you ll want the longest level you can find. If the level is in the bubble you re ready to go. Pound nails into the subfloor with a hammer and set screws slightly below the surface of the subfloor with a screwdriver. 3 set a long straightedge tool or a straight piece of 2 by 4 inch lumber.

Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum. Use screws that penetrate at least one and one quarter inch into the wood joist. Use a pry bar to pull up hardwood floors one section at a time or unfasten carpet or laminate and roll it up from one end.