How To Level A Wooden Floor For Laminate

Watch our step by step video showing how to level a wooden floor with expert advice and top tips to help you complete the job with confidence.

How to level a wooden floor for laminate.

If you re on a concrete subfloor you will need to lay down a moisture barrier before applying the pad. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. To level a subfloor for installing laminate follow the directions above to remove high and low spots. If the uneven floor is due to floor joists that have warped or twisted over time or were incorrectly installed the only way to level the floor is to remove the subflooring and shim the joists.

Apply floor leveling compound to any low areas or dips using a trowel. Place wood shims between the subfloor and the top of the floor joist. Mix the compound as directed on the package then pour it onto the low spots in the floor. These hills and valleys will eventually lead to unwanted bouncy spots squeaks and groans in the final laminate floor.

Once you ve leveled your floor you can install the laminate pad. This will expose the subfloor underneath which is where most leveling problems lie. A plywood layer is not necessary if you are putting down wood laminate. Wait for the compound to dry prior to laminate installation.

Remember to pin down the barrier to keep it from shifting around. Use a trowel to spread the material then allow it to dry before proceeding. 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. 5 double check your levelness and.

After installing the moisture barrier select the thickest pad you can get to help level out the floor even more. Fill cracks or major voids with wood putty or a self leveling compound. After vacuuming or sweeping the subfloor to clean it add a plywood layer if the subfloor is in very bad shape but do not overlap the sheets. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings.

On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Feather the edges so they blend in with the surrounding floor. Use a mixture designed for wood subfloors.