How To Level A Wood Floor For Hardwood

A subfloor is meant to be flat and level.

How to level a wood floor for hardwood.

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 plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings.

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. Inspect the moisture level check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive.

If you have very high or low spots foundation or structural problems or termite damage. When installing laminate vinyl tile or hardwood flooring it s important to know how to level a floor. Pound nails into the subfloor with a hammer and set screws slightly below the surface of the subfloor with a screwdriver. This will expose the subfloor underneath which is where most leveling problems lie.

Otherwise lay a very straight metal bar or wood board on the floor and place a level on top. To do this you ll want the longest level you can find. If the bubble is off raise the low end until it s level. Clean it well with a wet dry vacuum.

You can leave linoleum or sheet vinyl in place if it s difficult to remove or if removal would damage the sub floor. Leveling floors can be a diy project or left to professionals. Use deck screws or ring shank nails set into the floor joists to secure loose or squeaking pieces of wood subfloor material. Use screws that penetrate at least one and one quarter inch into the wood joist.

3 set a long straightedge tool or a straight piece of 2 by 4 inch lumber. 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. If the level is in the bubble you re ready to go.