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.

On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. You can leave linoleum or sheet vinyl in place if it s difficult to remove or if removal would damage the sub floor. A subfloor is meant to be flat and level. When installing laminate vinyl tile or hardwood flooring it s important to know how to level a floor.

Use screws that penetrate at least one and one quarter inch into the wood joist. If the bubble is off raise the low end until it s level. A floating floor laminate or locking hardwood shouldn t be installed over a wood subfloor that s adhered to a concrete slab. Remove any obstacles from the floor.

If the level is in the bubble you re ready to go. This will expose the subfloor underneath which is where most leveling problems lie. Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum. 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.

3 set a long straightedge tool or a straight piece of 2 by 4 inch lumber. Use deck screws or ring shank nails set into the floor joists to secure loose or squeaking pieces of wood subfloor material. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. Leveling floors can be a diy project or left to professionals.

Use a six foot long straight edge and a level to find the highest spot on the floor. 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. To do this you ll want the longest level you can find.

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. Otherwise lay a very straight metal bar or wood board on the floor and place a level on top. Inspect the moisture level check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter.